A brief curiosity about the term Koi: of Japanese origin, it simply means “carp”.

The term Koi has spread widely thanks to its simplicity, and is now used almost everywhere in the world to refer to the beautiful multicolored carp that inspired this game, regardless of the specific variety. Historically, at least until the early 19th Century, carp were bred and fished almost exclusively for food.

According to ancient accounts—both Chinese (4th Century) and Japanese (10th Century)—carp in those regions already differed from their common grey-colored counterparts, displaying brightly colored scales (red, blue, yellow, black, white) and, at times, unique spotted patterns.

In 19th Century Japan, farmers in the Niigata prefecture bred these colorful carp in flooded rice fields or adjacent areas. Over time, they noticed unique color variations arising from crossbreeding different types of carp. This led to selective breeding for beauty, giving rise to a market for multicolored ornamental carp, seen as symbolic and precious creatures.

Thanks in part to the legend that a carp who manages to swim upstream and leap over a waterfall transforms into a dragon, these fish have long been associated with inner strength and success.

In 1914, during an exhibition in Tokyo held for Emperor Taishō shortly after his accession to the throne, a collective was formed to gather the best carp breeders in Japan. On that occasion, eight magnificent specimens were gifted to Crown Prince Shōwa, and from that moment on, they became a national phenomenon.

In 1917, the term Nishikigoi (brocaded carp) was coined, replacing more generic names such as Madaragoi (spotted carp), Kawarigoi (different carp), Irogoi (colored carp), and Moyōgoi (patterned carp).

Meanwhile, the ornamental ponds that housed these carp became an integral part of Japanese gardens—lush, peaceful havens designed with utmost care to evoke serenity and contemplation. In these gardens, where visitors are invited to stroll quietly along paths and little bridges, admiring ancient ceremonial lanterns and Buddha statues, what seem like living jewels or colorful flowers swim peacefully just beneath the clear water.

It wouldn’t be long before Koi carp began to captivate millions of people around the world.

In the game you can admire six varieties of Koi carp:

Kohaku

Often used to represent Japan due to its colors, it is considered by some to be the first variety of carp to have been selectively bred.

Showa Sanshoku

The first hybridization occurred at the dawn of the Showa era, in 1927, but it took 50 years of crossbreeding to achieve the intense colors seen today.

Shiro Utsuri

Although it may not seem like it, the Shiro Utsuri carp has black skin with white markings, not the other way around. It is a variety of the Utsurimono carp.

Asagi

Despite the name meaning “light aqua green,” the pattern on its back resembles the mesh of metal armor.

Ogon

It exists in gold, platinum, and orange colors. Through careful hybridization, breeders have managed to make the color extremely metallic and iridescent.

Onagagoi

Also known as the Butterfly Carp or Dragon Carp, this variety was created in 1980 at the request of Prince Akihito of Japan. Its descendants live in a pond in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace.