Koi Variety Spotlight: Showa - Bold And Powerful, The Magnificent Three-Coloured Koi
Koi enthusiasts are often captivated by the intricate patterns, contrasting colours, and elegance of each koi variety, but few varieties are as celebrated and distinct as the Showa. A member of the coveted Go Sanke group, the Showa is renowned for its striking black, red, and white colouration that appears in dramatic, flowing patterns across the body.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the Showa, its origins, and why it’s considered one of the most prestigious koi varieties. We’ll also look at its unique patterns, development, and why this magnificent koi is a must-have for any koi collection.
What is a Showa Koi?
The full name of the Showa is Showa Sanshoku. The name "Showa' is taken from a historical period in Japan’s called the Showa era. In Japan, historical periods are often defined by the reign of emperors, with each era reflecting the socio-political climate of the time. This period in Japanese history is marked by the reign of Emperor Hirohito from 1926 to 1989. The Showa era is noted for its dramatic transformations, encompassing Japan's transition from militarism to democracy, significant economic growth, and cultural changes. The Showa era was particularly impactful, witnessing both the devastation of World War II and the subsequent recovery that positioned Japan as a major global economic power. This historical context adds depth to the Showa koi variety, symbolising resilience and beauty that emerged from a time of change.
Showa koi belong to the Utsurimono family, sharing their connection to the deep black base colour that defines the Utsuri varieties. However, unlike the Ki Utsuri or Shiro Utsuri, which feature black paired with a single other colour, Showa koi exhibit a tri-colour scheme: black, red, and white. This complexity in their patterns makes Showa one of the most visually dynamic and sought-after varieties. With the intricate patterns and the development of the three colours over time, it’s fitting that this koi variety is named after the Showa era.
Appearance: The Hallmark of Showa
Sumi:
A defining characteristic of Showa koi is the black (sumi) that emerges across the fish’s body. Unlike Sanke (another member of the Go Sanke group), where the black is found in smaller, pebble-like patches mainly on the back, Showa sumi wraps around the body in bold, irregular bands that extend above and below the lateral line.
There are two aspects to sumi that influence the overall look of a Showa. First is the quality of the colour itself; sumi is best when it is a deep black and velvety or inky in this style. The resulting intensity helps with the contrast against the other two colours.
The other aspect is the sumi pattern. Sumi patterns in Showa are known for their dynamic and unpredictable nature but there are different styles which can greatly influence a Showa's overall appearance:
Steps or Blocks of Sumi (Nidan Sumi): Another common style involves black appearing in distinct blocks or steps along the body of the koi. The sumi wraps around the koi starting below the lateral line and wrapping above the lateral line. These sumi patches often alternate with white and red in a checkerboard-like pattern, creating a structured, balanced look. This style tends to be more geometric and orderly, giving the koi a bold, graphic quality.
Calligraphy-Style Sumi (Kanji Sumi): This style of sumi resembles the bold, flowing brush strokes of Japanese calligraphy. The black appears in strong, sweeping patterns that wrap around the koi's body, often forming elegant, curved lines or bands. These sumi patterns are typically bold and dynamic, and generally thin like a brushstroke, standing out prominently against the white and red areas of the koi. When combined with a clean, white background and rich red, this sumi style can add a sense of artistry, and give the koi a dramatic, flowing appearance.
The Striking "Lightning" or V-Shaped Head Sumi (Menware): Menware is one of the most striking and highly sought-after sumi patterns on Showa koi. It can take one of two forms. The most desirable and dramatic is where the sumi forms
Kage Sumi (Shadow Sumi): This style involves sumi that appears as a shadowy, underlying presence beneath the skin. It may start as a light grey or blue when under the white areas, and gradually darken over time. Kage sumi adds an element of mystery and anticipation, as hobbyists wait for the black to fully emerge. This type of sumi also gives Showa a layered appearance, adding depth and complexity to the pattern as the koi matures.
Red (beni) and White (shiroji):
Ideally, each colour should be consistent wherever it appears on the koi, remaining unblemished and clean. A deep, opaque colour is ideal.
Thoughts on change
Change itself, is celebrated by the Showa koi variety. It's one of the reasons I warm to this variety a great deal, because I personally love change. Change can be challenging and stressful but often leads to learning and provides experience and progression.
The changes in a Showa over the first 12 months of it's life are huge. And, a Showa can continue to change over many years.
Let me give you an example. On one Showa spawning we ran from a parent female from Ueno, we'd selected just the black newly hatched larva to grow on and then 6-8 weeks later when faced with first selection, almost all of the Showa fry were fully black. Some had underlying patterns of another colour, and those are the ones we kept. A few months later, the fry we'd kept looked almost like Kohaku at the same age - very few traces of any black colour across the spawning. And then at about a year old, the sumi started to come back through.
While some breeders aim for Showa that reach a finished appearance more quickly, others appreciate the journey of maturation, which allows for a more gradual and engaging transformation over time.
I prefer to aim at a Showa in our breeding that has quality within the breeding lines to produce three great colours; and also delivers a positive experience of change. It's what a Showa was named after, it's the nature of it's three coloured banded pattern, and that is where I believe the most enjoyment is to be had for hobbyists in having Showa koi in their pond.
But others may prefer a more finished fish at an earlier age. In this instance, there is much to enjoy about the quality of the final colours, and the final pattern.
The range of choice with Showa's is broad. And preferences may range between breeders, and also between hobbyists.
Different Pattern Styles of Showa
The interaction of red, white and black can create endless variations, making each Showa a unique work of art. Showa patterns can vary dramatically but there are a few different styles that we can describe:
Traditional Showa – These Showa tend to have more extensive black coverage, with sumi being the most dominant colour. The patterns are more aggressive and bold, with the red and white often playing secondary roles.
Hi Showa – In this pattern, the red (hi) takes on a more prominent role, often dominating the body and creating a fiery contrast with the black and white. Hi Showa are popular for their intense colouration and are particularly prized when the hi is well-balanced with the sumi.
Kindai Showa – Also known as "modern Showa," this style features a larger proportion of white, resulting in a lighter appearance compared to traditional Showa. The black and red are often more balanced and refined, with fewer black areas dominating the body.
Examples
I’ve carefully selected a range of photographs from my archives to showcase different examples of Showa koi, each highlighting the variety of pattern styles and sumi expressions that make this variety so captivating. In this section, you'll see an assortment of Showa, from rare, high-value specimens to more accessible koi that are currently for sale or that caught my eye at various koi shows over the years. These examples illustrate the incredible diversity within the Showa variety, where both subtle and bold pattern variations can result in strikingly beautiful koi.
I’ve chosen not to include Showa under a year old, as the development of juvenile Showa koi is a complicated subject and warrants its own article. For those interested in seeing how young Showa can progress, you can check out the results of our Showa Grow and Show event, which offers a deep dive into the fascinating journey of juvenile koi. You can read the full write-up here: Hey Presto Showa - The Results.
Now, let’s take a look at some examples of both young and mature Showa.
A Showa where much of the transformation is complete and demonstrating a range of very high quality sumi. Fantastic menware, dividing the head pattern and linking the nose sumi to the shoulder.
Another mature Showa koi, this one owned by us and used in some of our earliest Showa spawnings. Extremely high quality sumi and won an Adult Champion award at a club koi show. Note how the very attractive 'V' shaped menware starts off the body sumi. All 3 colours are top quality.
This Showa is from a batch of Sekiguchi jumbo tosai we purchased earlier this year. Here it is, photographed just before turning nisai. Although it still has plenty of transformation ahead, you can already see some promising traits. The motoguru on the pectoral fins is cleanly defined, and the menware is beginning to form across the head. The sumi on the body showcases a variety of styles, from large, bold bands to thinner, more delicate stripes. This combination of sumi patterns adds depth and visual interest, making this Showa a fascinating koi to watch as it matures.
At a club koi show in 2014, this Showa caught my eye with its intricate, thinner bands of sumi, offering a more refined and artistic look. Instead of bold, blocky patterns, this koi displays wavy sumi stripes that give it a delicate, almost calligraphic feel. The kage sumi adds depth to the overall pattern, and the attractive menware on the head shows promise of evolving into a 'V' shape across the shoulders, complemented by a subtle, lightning-strike style running toward the nose. This Showa highlights the beauty of understated sumi patterns.
Another example from the same club show in 2014, I’ve included this Showa to demonstrate how powerful menware can be in transforming a koi’s overall appearance. While the rest of the pattern is fairly average, the bold, striking menware on the head elevates this Showa and saves the overall look. The dramatic head pattern draws attention, showing how important menware can be in enhancing a koi’s aesthetic appeal. At this stage in the Showa's development, the rest of the body sumi pattern is less remarkable but once fully mature this could change.
I'm closing this set of examples with a truly exceptional Showa of the highest calibre. Think of it as a source of inspiration rather than a goal, as koi like this are incredibly rare, even among the most elite collectors worldwide.
I took this photo in 2012 at the South East Koi Club Show, which has since become known as the All England Koi Show. It’s the same show where we won Baby Champion in 2016 with a Kohaku bred by us. This particular Showa won Grand Champion, an award given to the best koi in the entire show. Typically, this honour is reserved for koi over 80cm in size, especially at a top-tier event like the All England. However, this Showa defied expectations, winning Grand Champion despite being in Size 6 (koi between 65cm and 75cm). Winning such a prestigious award at under 80cm is exceedingly rare, and speaks volumes about the exceptional quality of this Showa.
The Go Sanke Group: What Does It Mean?
Showa koi are part of the Go Sanke group, a term that refers to three of the most esteemed koi varieties: Kohaku, Sanke, and Showa. Often regarded as the pinnacle of koi breeding, these varieties showcase the artistry and skill of breeders. However, it's important to recognise that many other koi varieties also hold significance and merit, each bringing its unique charm and beauty to the koi hobby.
Buying Tips for Showa Koi
Identifying Good Potential in Small Showa Koi:
When selecting young Showa koi at newly harvested tosai stage (one summer old, and around 9-12 months old, depending on when in the previous year's season they were bred) , identifying good potential can be both an art and a science. At this early stage, the koi’s patterns and colours are not fully developed, so breeders and hobbyists look for subtle clues that suggest how the fish will mature. Here are key traits to consider:
Balance of Colours:
The head of a Showa koi is where a pattern starts and so it's particularly important. It should ideally feature all three colours—black, red, and white. This is most important for show-grade koi, but it also adds balance and appeal to all Showa. When the koi swims towards you, the head is the closest point to you and having all three colours on the head makes the overall pattern more likely to be balanced and aesthetically pleasing.
Sumi Quality and Pattern:
The black (sumi) should ideally be deep and glossy when fully developed, and its placement is crucial for creating the striking beauty characteristic of Showa koi. However, predicting the final sumi pattern can be challenging, particularly in younger koi.
When a Showa is first hatched, it begins black, and over time, the red and white colours emerge, with the black reappearing later. This means that what you should look for in a Showa’s black pattern will vary depending on the age of the fish.
For juvenile koi or tosai (under a year old), predicting future sumi colour depth can be difficult, but certain traits help identify good potential. Look for small patches of refined sumi, even if it’s just a single scale or part of one. These early patches can serve as a proxy for quality of how the rest of the black will look over time.
Well-placed sumi patches are essential in developing the Showa’s final pattern, but they can be hard to predict at this stage. Often, you can spot underlying sumi, which may appear as a bluish-grey tint under the skin. While this might seem faint, it’s a good indicator that rich, deep black will come through as the koi matures. Keep in mind that the koi’s breeding line and the breeder's track record are also significant factors. Koi from a strong lineage with a history of producing quality Showa are more likely to develop stable, balanced black patterns. When buying young koi, it’s helpful to select a few from the same breeder and bloodline. Over time, you’ll learn to recognise traits in juvenile Showa that indicate a higher probability of good sumi development.
Motoguru:
Another important feature to watch for in Showa koi is the motoguru, the black markings that originate at the base of the pectoral fins and radiate outward. While not an exact science, motoguru can be a useful indicator of future sumi development. In young Showa, a small amount of solid black at the base of the pectoral fins can signal the potential for strong, deep sumi elsewhere.
Beni (Red) and Shiroji (White):
In addition to the sumi, it’s essential to evaluate the red (beni) and white (shiroji) of a young Showa.
In some Showa lines, the beni develops a little like the beni on a Kohaku; so starting in the orange , pastel orange area of colour and intensifying as the koi matures. But on some very young showa, it can look brown, tan, greenish or even yellowish, only developing into more of a red colour when the Showa approaches 6-9 months old.
If you are buying at a typical end of winter tosai harvest stage when the koi is around 9-12 months old, the beni should be a red or reddish colour and aim for a colour that is as consistent as possible. Also aim for a beni that is as thick as possible - irrespective of the colour tone Consistent and thick beni may indicate the red will hold up over time. In the youngest tosai, some tolerance on the beni consistency can be allowed for in young Showa.
For sumi, we have to make some judgements and take some risk on predicting where the sumi will come. But for beni, we can see where that is and so at this stage, when choosing young Showa, bear in mind the different styles of Showa. For a Kindai style showa, look for small beni patches which are well spread out across the body - these will leave plenty of space for a sumi pattern to emerge, hopefully on the white ground. For hi Showa, look for a large beni pattern with some smaller areas of white ground, and in this case, we are hoping the sumi will develop on the beni mostly leaving those areas of white to be present at the end of the transformation. And for traditional showa, look for a mixture of small and / or large beni pattern elements that in total cover around one third of the koi.
For shiroji, look for pure white and as opaque as possible. Allow some tolerance when looking at the youngest tosai, as their skin is still early in it's development.
The Journey of Showa:
Showa koi, especially younger ones, will continue to develop their patterns over time. The sumi, in particular, may grow, recede, and change intensity as the fish matures. Unlike Kohaku, whose red patterns tend to remain consistent, Showa sumi is dynamic and unpredictable. This ever-changing nature adds excitement to owning Showa koi, as you witness their transformation from year to year.
Patience is essential to appreciate how a Showa matures over time. It’s also important to embrace the transitional phases, as a Showa may go through stages where its pattern appears less defined. Therefore, hobbyists who prefer a consistently neat and tidy appearance in their fish may find that a Showa's evolving nature offers a different experience. An older Showa may be more advisable for this situation. However, even with older Showa, the journey of change continues. When looking at older Showa, Shiroji (white) and beni (red) should already be well-defined and strong in older koi, as these colours don’t fluctuate as dramatically as sumi over time. The sumi should be well developed, but may still be refining or deepening.
Environmental Factors
Showa koi, like other Utsuri varieties, are sensitive to environmental factors that can influence their sumi development. Light levels, water quality, temperature, and diet can all affect how the black patterns emerge and change over time. Generally, lower light conditions tend to promote stronger sumi, so pond placement and light exposure can play a role in helping the Showa to develop sumi leading to the most bold contrast that defines a Showa’s appearance.
Good husbandry, as always, is critical to bringing out the best in your koi’s colours and patterns.
Related Varieties
There are some related varieties within the Showa family that offer unique features:
Tancho Showa – The Tancho Showa is a distinct variation that features a red circle (Tancho) on its head, with the rest of the body displaying the characteristic black and white sumi patterns.
Gin Rin Showa – This variety adds another feature to the traditional Showa by incorporating gin rin scales, which give the fish a glittering, diamond-like sparkle. The reflective quality of gin rin scales enhances the overall visual impact, especially when the koi moves through the water, creating a dazzling effect under light. Whether that takes away from the boldness of a Showa, or enhances the transition or change aspects, is a matter for personal opinion.
Kin Showa - Kin Showa is a metallic variant of the traditional Showa, where the koi displays a shiny, lustrous sheen across its body. The word "Kin" in Japanese means "gold," and while Kin Showa koi don’t necessarily have golden colours, the metallic sheen gives them a silky look which is where much of the appeal of Kin Showa lies.
Doitsu Showa - Doitsu Showa is another interesting variation where the Showa pattern appears on a koi that has very few or no scales at all, a characteristic referred to as Doitsu. Doitsu koi originate from crossbreeding traditional Japanese koi with German mirror carp, which resulted in koi with smooth, scaleless bodies. In a Doitsu Showa, the typical black, red, and white colouration is retained, but it plays out over a smooth, reflective skin rather than across a scaled surface. The absence of scales often causes the colours and patterns to appear more intense, especially the contrast between the sumi and hi. Some Doitsu Showa will have a row of larger mirror-like scales along their dorsal line, adding another visual dimension to their appearance.
Final Thoughts
The Showa's tri-colour pattern, evolving sumi development, and rich history within the Go Sanke contribute to its enduring popularity. For those who appreciate striking aesthetics combined with the excitement of watching a koi change over time, the Showa can be a delightful addition to any pond.
As a breeder myself, I often reflect on the work of those who first spotted the early signs of sumi and developed the original Showa variety. The recognition of sumi as a developing trait must have required years of careful observation and that's before the many years it must have taken to refine the sumi. The patience and foresight in recognising and refining the sumi trait in Showa koi were likely influenced by broader Japanese cultural values, which honoured the slow unfolding of beauty and the power of small, deliberate steps in achieving perfection over time.
The process of developing the Showa variety speaks to the Japanese cultural focus on mastery, discipline, and respect for the natural evolution of beauty. This cultural foundation likely enabled early breeders to appreciate and cultivate the "journey" aspect of Showa koi, much like they did in various other traditional arts such as bonsai, calligraphy, and ikebana.
In many ways, owning a Showa koi allows hobbyists to partake in this process, watching as the koi’s beauty reveals itself over the years—much like the grace of slow, mindful transformation celebrated in other Japanese arts.
Written By: Adam Byer, Koi Breeder
Reviewed By: Woody of @koi_in_the_uk (over on instagram)
