(1888PressRelease)
May 01, 2008 - Singapore - Singapore has been chosen to host the inaugural 1st Asia Cup Koi Show with participation from Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore and others. This is the biggest show in Asia with entries categorised into 14 sizes and 16 varieties. The show will be from 2 to 4 May 2008. Visitors are welcome on 3 to 4 May, 9am to 9pm.
Said Mr Richard Tan, Chairman Organising Committee and President of The Koi Club Singapore, “Singapore has the efficiency and organisation abilities to launch the inaugural show. Being the biggest Koi show outside of Japan showcasing about 1500 Koi of world-class standards vying for the coveted 1st Asia Cup Grand Champion title, the atmosphere is building up rapidly over the past weeks. Several top quality jumbo Gosanke have been booked from leading Koi farms in Japan and are being carefully groomed to be the major contenders in this show.”
He added, “The only venue worthy of this major event is none other than Singapore Expo Convention and Exhibition Centre with an exhibition space of over 120,000 sq ft in a very comfortable air-conditioned hall.” As Singapore’s most spacious and versatile venue for all types of events, the iconic Singapore Expo located on the east of Singapore is well suited for this prestigious Koi show in Asia.
This 1st Asia Cup Koi Show welcomes entries from all Koi enthusiasts irrespective of countries, professional Koi breeders, commercial Koi dealers or pure hobbyists. 17 esteemed judges consisting of 6 senior judges from Zen Nippon Airinkai (ZNA), 6 senior judges from All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association (Shinkoukai) and 5 judges from the participating countries split into 5 teams will be judging the entries. Judging will commence on Friday afternoon 2 May from 1.00pm and complete by 6.00pm on the same day. 5 large trophies will be presented to the Grand Champion from 5 international sponsors, there will also be 800 other trophies.
The Koi market in Singapore is estimated at about $25 million a year, including re-exports to other countries, in particular Europe. Though Europe is the biggest buyer in terms of numbers and quantities of Koi, followed by USA, the top grade most expensive Koi is sold mainly to Asia. This is due to the greater depth of appreciation, influence and long history in Koi rearing and hobby. Japan Koi exports are estimated to be about US$500 million. The Grand Champion Koi and other top winners in this show are estimated to be worth about $80,000 to $100,000 each (value of a single Koi). The 1000 Koi in this 1st Asia Cup Koi show will have a market value of $8 million to $10 million.
Education Talks
On Saturday 3 May and Sunday 4 May, public can attend the Koi seminars and meetings. Topics include Quality Water Management, Nitrogen Cycle and Overcoming the Effects of Ammonia, Overcoming Problems of Algae and Bacteria Control.
Auction and Sale
The Koi auction is on Sat 3 May, 1pm to 2pm and 4pm to 5.30pm. The only Koi auction has so far taken place in Japan, and this is the first time the organizers are auctioning best top grade Koi worth $5,000 to $10,000 a piece outside of Japan, in Singapore.
The organizers are anticipating a large number of foreign visitors for the 3-day show, coupled with 300 vats and 150 plastic bags to exhibit the Koi. 50 booths will display and sell Koi and its related products including 50 super jumbo tosai donated by Sakai, Dainichi and Mamotoro farms for auction at special prices to all visitors at the show. This is a chance not to be missed.
As Nishikigoi originated from the land of the rising sun, the Japanese Ambassador to Singapore, His Excellency Makoto Yamanaka will be the Guest-of-Honour for this special occasion.
The cultural influence of appreciating Nishikigoi as “living art” or “poetry in motion” has undoubtedly built up rapidly over the years and transcended all physical boundaries to spread worldwide. What started in Hawaii in the sixties had spread big time into Europe and USA - bypassing Asia as the biggest buyers of Koi in terms of numbers in recent years. Koi keeping has transformed into an extremely influential force in forging friendships and building international networking relationships all over the world today.
Some major world renowned participants and sponsors include Max Koi Farm (Singapore), Sakai Koi Farm (Hiroshima, Japan), Zen Nippon Airinkai (Japan), All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association Japan, AVA and various media agencies.
KOI GROUPS & CLASSIFICATIONS - 16 Varieties - 1st, 2nd & 3rd (trophies & certificates)
GROUP VARIETY CLASSIFICATIONS
1 KOHAKU
All Kohaku, including Doitsu, excluding Tancho Kohaku & Kinginrin Kohaku
2 TAISHO SANSHOKU – (SANKE)
All Sanke, including Doitsu, excluding Tancho Sanke & Kinginrin Sanke
3 SHOWA SANSHOKU – (SHOWA)
All Showa, including Doitsu, excluding Tancho Showa & Kinginrin Showa
4 UTSURIMONO
Shiro Utsurimono, Hi Utsurimono, Ki Utsurimono
5 BEKKO
Shiro Bekko, Hi Bekko, Ki Bekko
6 TANCHO
7 ASAGI
8 SHUSUI
9 KOROMO
Koromo (Ai-Koromo, Sumi-Koromo, Koromo Sanke, Budo Sanke, Koromo Showa, Hagoromo)
10 GOSHIKI
11 HIKARI-MUJIMONO (OGON)
Platinum Ogon, Yamabuki Ogon, Orange Ogon, Hi Ogon, Nezu Ogon, Kin Matsuba, Gin Matsuba, Mizuho Ogon
12 HIKARI-MOYOMONO
Yamatonishiki, Hariwake, Yamabuki-Hariwake, Orange Hariwake, Hariwake Matsuba, Yamabuki-Hariwake Matsuba, Orange Hariwake Matsuba, Sakura Ogon, Kikusui, Kujaku, Sho-Chiku-Bai, Kinsui/Ginsui
13 HIKARI-UTSURIMONO
Kin Showa, Gin Showa, Gin Shiro, Kin Ki Utsuri
14 KAWARIMONO
Karasugoi, Hajiro, Hageshiro, Kumonryu, Yotsujiro, Suminagashi, Chagoi, Ochiba Shigure, Kigoi, Matsukawabake, Midorigoi, Aka/Ki Matsuba, Sanke-Shusui, Showa-Shusui, Goshiki-Shusui, Kanoko, Kage Utsuri (Shiro/Ki/Hi), Kage Sanke/Showa, Aka-Hajiro, Aka-Muji, Tsubaki-Sanke, Murasaki, Kikokuryu
15 KINGINRIN (GROUP A)
Kinginrin Kohaku, Kinginrin Sanke, Kinginrin Showa, Kinginrin Shiro Utsuri
16 KINGINRIN (GROUP B)
Kinginrin (all others)
