The Tsubaki Awards of the 2013 All Japan Show

This entry is part 14 of 15 in the series All Japan Combined Nishikigoi Show 2013

The Tsubaki, known as the Camellia, is a genus of flowering plants in the Theaceae family which are spread all over eastern Asia. In Japan the most famous specie is the Camellia Japonica. Tsubaki is also the name of the second category of a special award, only given since this 43th edition of the All Japan Show and includes the varieties Hikari Moyo, Tancho, Goromo, Doitsugoi and Kumonryu.

Surprisingly enough, no Kumonryu was able to win a Tsubaki award. Also only one Hikari Moyo (although this group of varieties is very broad). Most of the winners are Doitsugoi, complemented with a couple of Tancho, Goromo and a Kikusui. Of course the 90 Bu Tsubaki winner, which also is awarded the Best of Tsubaki, a 90 Bu Doitsu Karashigoi, is really impressive. I have the feeling this mustard colored fish will grow a lot bigger than she is now, because it was almost impossible to see her not moving in the vat. A very energetic Koi! Also I was surprised by the 80 Bu Goromo, bred by Ooya / Kataoka Koi Farm. Normally you know them from Asagi or Sanke, but every year they do a ‘test’-breeding, and here is the result! Also the 65 Bu and 50 Bu Doitsu Showa are stunning. The 65 Bu Doitsu Showa also won the Best in Variety Doitsugoi Award and is really stunning in terms of pattern and body shape. Honestly, I was more impressed by the 50 Bu Doitsu Showa, that had a nicer shine on it. Anyway, they both are superb Doitsu Showa! The smaller awards are given to mainly Doitsu Showa and Sanke, but the Kikusui should not be forgotten. Small, cute and really shiny! Enjoy the best Tsubaki of 2013!