The 2025 SAKKS Koi Show, held at Ferndale On Republic in Gauteng, South Africa, was a spectacular event showcasing some of the finest koi in the world. Among the many stunning entries, one koi stood out as the Reserve Grand Champion—a magnificent Kohaku owned by Arthur Kai from Indonesia. This article delves into the details of this remarkable koi, the judging process, and the fascinating journey that brought this fish to the South African National Koi Show.
Table of Contents
- The Reserve Grand Champion Kohaku: A Closer Look
- The Journey of the Reserve Grand Champion Kohaku
- The Significance of the 2025 SAKKS Koi Show
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
The Reserve Grand Champion Kohaku: A Closer Look
At the heart of the 2025 SAKKS Koi Show was the stunning Kohaku that took the Reserve Grand Champion title. This koi is not just any fish; it’s a four-step Kohaku, a term used in the koi community to describe the clarity and depth of the red pattern on the fish’s white body. The owner, Arthur Kai, is a renowned koi enthusiast based in Indonesia, though he was unable to attend the show in person. His partner represented the ownership at the event.
To understand why this Kohaku earned the Reserve Grand Champion title, we turned to Shoji Saito, the head judge of the show. Shoji praised the koi’s body shape and pattern, highlighting the "Benny, Hibang"—the Japanese term for the four-step red pattern—which was described as very clear and beautiful. He remarked on the koi’s excellent body shape, calling it "number one" in this regard.
Despite the koi’s remarkable qualities, Shoji explained that the Grand Champion had a slight edge in overall quality. The difference was minimal—"very, very, very little bit"—but enough to tip the scales. Nevertheless, Shoji was clear in his admiration, calling the koi a "very great Kohaku" and praising its exceptional attributes.
Unanimous Judging and Exceptional Quality
The voting for both the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion was unanimous, reflecting the high regard all judges had for these koi. Kevin Till, known as The KOI Medic™, who helped put together the show’s videos, echoed Shoji’s sentiments and emphasised the privilege it was to witness such high-quality koi at the event. He also paid tribute to the many entrants and the hard work of the judges and committee who made the show possible.
Kevin highlighted that although not all koi from the show were displayed, the overall quality was "absolutely stunning." This sentiment underscores the prestige of the 2025 SAKKS Koi Show and the calibre of koi it attracts.
The Journey of the Reserve Grand Champion Kohaku
One of the most fascinating aspects of this Reserve Grand Champion Kohaku is its international journey. Mike Siegel, owner of WCB International, provided insight into how this koi traveled from Japan to South Africa for the show. WCB International, based in Japan, was responsible for shipping the koi on behalf of Arthur Kai, who has ambitions to enter koi shows worldwide.
Mike described the fish as "really, really nice" and expressed pride in being part of the koi’s journey. The koi was sourced from Sakai Corp., a prestigious breeder in Japan known for producing top-quality koi. At just five years old, the Kohaku is still young and has great potential for growth and future success in koi competitions.
Mike also noted that the koi looked better at the show than ever before, with its whites appearing pristine and its pattern distinctly Japanese, yet uniquely beautiful. This speaks volumes about the care and attention given to the koi during transport and acclimatisation.
Owner Profile: Arthur Kai
Arthur Kai, the owner of the Reserve Grand Champion Kohaku, is a highly successful koi enthusiast based in Indonesia. Known for his international presence in the koi community, Arthur’s ambition to compete globally is clear from this koi’s participation in the South African National Koi Show. His choice of a four-step Kohaku from Sakai Corp. demonstrates his commitment to quality and excellence in koi breeding and showing.
Mike Siegel’s comments about Arthur highlight the trust placed in WCB International to select, transport, and care for such a valuable koi. The smooth logistics and careful handling ensured the fish arrived in top condition, ready to impress the judges and audience alike.
The Significance of the 2025 SAKKS Koi Show
The 2025 SAKKS Koi Show is recognised as one of the premier koi events in South Africa, drawing koi enthusiasts, breeders, and judges from far and wide. The quality of koi on display, especially the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion, exemplifies the high standards upheld by the South African Koi Keepers Society.
As Shoji Saito and Kevin Till pointed out, the slight difference in quality between the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion koi only highlights the exceptional standards of the show. The 2025 event was a testament to the dedication and passion of everyone involved, from breeders to organisers and participants.
Community and Collaboration
The success of the show is also built on the collaboration between various stakeholders. Judges like Shoji Saito bring expertise and credibility, while organisations such as WCB International facilitate the global exchange of koi. The South African Koi Keepers Society’s committee works tirelessly to organise the event, ensuring a platform where koi enthusiasts can celebrate their shared passion.
Kevin Till’s role in producing videos and promoting the event further amplifies its reach, fostering greater awareness and appreciation for koi culture in South Africa and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a four-step Kohaku?
A four-step Kohaku refers to a koi with a deep, rich red pattern (Beni) layered over a bright white base (Shiroji). The term "four-step" describes the intensity and clarity of the red pigment, which is highly prized in koi competitions.
Who is Arthur Kai?
Arthur Kai is an Indonesian koi enthusiast known for his international involvement in the koi community. He owns the Reserve Grand Champion Kohaku showcased at the 2025 SAKKS Koi Show and is known for entering koi shows worldwide.
What makes the 2025 SAKKS Koi Show special?
The 2025 SAKKS Koi Show is one of South Africa’s most prestigious koi events, featuring top-quality koi from local and international breeders. The show is known for its high judging standards and the exceptional caliber of koi on display.
How are koi transported internationally for shows?
Transporting koi internationally requires careful planning and professional handling to ensure the fish’s health and safety. Companies like WCB International specialise in selecting, shipping, and acclimatising koi for global shows.
What is the significance of Sakai Corp. in koi breeding?
Sakai Corp. is a renowned Japanese koi breeder noted for producing high-quality koi with excellent body shape and pattern. Koi from Sakai Corp. are highly sought after in competitive koi circles worldwide.
Conclusion
The Reserve Grand Champion Kohaku at the 2025 SAKKS Koi Show is a stunning example of koi artistry and international collaboration. From its impeccable body shape and pattern to its incredible journey from Japan to South Africa, this koi embodies the passion and dedication of the global koi community.
The 2025 SAKKS Koi Show itself stands as a beacon of excellence, drawing the best koi and enthusiasts together to celebrate this beautiful hobby. With experts like Shoji Saito judging and organisations such as WCB International facilitating international participation, the show continues to grow in prestige and quality.
We look forward to seeing more breathtaking koi and thrilling competitions in future SAKKS shows, as well as the continued success of koi owners like Arthur Kai, who bring world-class koi to audiences around the globe.
This article was inspired from the video 2025 Reserve Grand Champion at the SAKKS National KOI Show @ Ferndale On Republic
