Celebrating 25 Years of Kodama Koi Farm
Kodama Koi Farm proudly celebrates 25 years of excellence in the Nishikigoi industry—a milestone that reflects not only the farm’s remarkable journey but also the deep roots of the Kodama family in the world of Japanese koi. Even before the founding of Kodama Koi Farm, Mamoru Kodama had already built a strong reputation in the koi business in Japan.
His expertise and passion for koi began decades earlier, shaping his deep understanding of Nishikigoi and setting the foundation for the family’s legacy. Mamoru’s experience working closely with Japan’s top breeders and his knowledge of koi bloodlines, health, and beauty have been instrumental in establishing Kodama Koi Farm as a leader in the industry. This rich history laid the foundation for the farm’s mission: to preserve and share the beauty of Japanese koi with enthusiasts worldwide.
Since its founding, Kodama Koi Farm has remained at the forefront of the industry, earning a global reputation as a trusted source for premium Japanese koi. The farm’s unwavering commitment to quality and tradition is reflected in its strong ties with Japan’s top breeders, ensuring that every koi offered meets the highest standards of health, beauty, and lineage. This 25-year milestone is not just a celebration of longevity—it’s a tribute to the Kodama family’s enduring passion and the trust of the koi community worldwide.
Core Values: Passion, Quality, and Tradition
From its inception, Kodama Koi Farm has been built on three core values:
- Passion: A lifelong love for Nishikigoi, driving innovation and education.
- Quality: Commitment to providing the healthiest and most beautiful koi.
- Tradition: Honoring Japan’s koi heritage while bringing it to a global audience.
We’re here to offer you the finest, high-quality koi varieties.
Let’s reflect on Kodama’s journey to success, from Mamoru to Taro Kodama.
Kodama Family and Their Koi Heritage
For 25 years, Kodama Koi Farm has been dedicated to bringing the finest Japanese Nishikigoi to koi lovers around the world. What started as a small passion project has now blossomed into a trusted name in the industry, recognized for quality, education, and commitment to the art of koi keeping.
This milestone is a testament to the unwavering support of our valued customers, partners, and the global koi community. As we reflect on our journey, we celebrate not just our success but the shared passion that unites us all.
Mamoru Kodama (こだま・まもる)
Founder of Kodama Koi Farm
Born in 1943 in Aichi Prefecture, Mamoru Kodama‘s passion for Nishikigoi defined his life’s work. At 18, he joined the Aichi Prefectural Fisheries Research Station, where he discovered his love for koi. In 1969, he founded his company, Miyoshiike, and by 1971, he was farming freshwater fish at Miyoshi Pond—laying the foundation for what would become Kodama Koi Farm.
His vision reached far beyond Japan, culminating in the launch of a U.S. distribution center in Hawaii in 2006. Over a remarkable 50-year career—25 of those years spent expanding Nishikigoi culture in the United States—he remained dedicated to sharing the beauty of koi with the world. Even after retiring in 2017, his legacy continues to thrive, a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and unwavering love for his craft.
Kodama Koi Farm’s Expansion and Activities Across the U.S. and Beyond
In 2007, we completed our distribution center in Hawaii and officially rebranded as ‘Kodama Koi Farm.’ This marked the beginning of our full-scale U.S. expansion, starting with outreach to koi lovers in Hawaii and business development on the mainland. The journey was never easy, but we overcame numerous obstacles to get to where we are now, solidifying our place as a trusted name in the koi community.
But none of this would have been possible without you, our valued customers. You are not just koi keepers; you are part of the Kodama family. Your enthusiasm, trust, and love for these magnificent fish have helped us grow and thrive.
This anniversary is not just about looking back on our achievements—it’s about celebrating the journey we’ve taken together. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or just recently joined our community, we invite you to be part of this special occasion. Stay tuned for exciting anniversary events, exclusive koi releases, and heartfelt moments as we honor the passion that unites us all.
We look forward to many more years of growing the love for koi together—because at Kodama Koi Farm, every koi has a story, and every koi keeper is family.
The journey continues…
Taro Kodama (こだま・たろう)
Successor of the Founder
As Mamoru Kodama built his legacy, his eldest son, Taro Kodama, followed in his footsteps. Managing the Chiba store and the international division of Miyoshiike, Taro worked with koi buyers worldwide, facilitating their visits to Niigata and ensuring they received top-quality Nishikigoi. Recognizing the growing global demand, he launched the first English-language koi website by a Japanese company, making valuable knowledge accessible to international enthusiasts.
In 2001, Taro relocated to California to oversee Kodama Koi Farm, introducing online koi auctions to make high-quality koi more affordable. Under his leadership, Kodama Koi Farm expanded its reach, selling over 90,000 koi. In 2006, the family moved their operations to Hawaii, establishing a 10-acre koi farm housing 40,000 imported Japanese koi in 3.5 million gallons of water.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2001 | Established Japan Koi Online in California, launching a website and online auction service to make high-quality Japanese koi accessible worldwide. |
| 2006 | Expanded operations to a 15-acre farm in Hawaii and rebranded as Kodama Koi Farm, housing 40,000 imported Japanese koi in 3.5 million gallons of water. |
| 2007 | Completed the Hawaii distribution center, marking the beginning of full-scale U.S. expansion and outreach to koi lovers on the mainland. |
| 2008 | Hawaiian Koi Club & Koi Show – Founded the Aloha Koi Appreciation Society (AKAS) with former Governor George Ariyoshi. Hosted first koi show in Honolulu. |
| 2008 | Koi Seminars & Radio Program – Launched monthly seminars and Chairman Kodama’s Love for Koi radio program to educate koi enthusiasts. |
| 2008 | Kodama Koi Academy (KKA) – Introduced KKA, a two-day seminar series across the U.S. for koi care and judging. |
| 2008-2010 | U.S. Expansion & Store Openings – Traveled 160,000 miles to understand U.S. koi culture. Key store openings |
| 2010+ | Kodama Koi Farm became the largest importer and distributor of Japanese Nishikigoi in the U.S. |
| 2012 | Kodama Koi Garden (NJ) – Opened successful store in a high-demand area. |
| 2014 | New York Store – Opened store, closed in 2017 due to location issues. |
| 2015 | Florida Store (Fort Lauderdale)- Opened store with 22 display ponds to promote pond construction before koi sales. |
| 2015 | Relocated Hawaii farm due to land acquisition. Upgraded filtration systems, managed by Kodama’s sons. |
| Ongoing | Over 200 koi raised at the farm have won awards, including five Grand Champion titles at the All Japan Koi Show. |
| Present | Continues to educate and support the global koi community, enhancing appreciation for Japanese Nishikigoi. |
Community and Education: A Lifelong Commitment Beyond selling koi Kodama Koi Farm is a pillar of the koi community
- Kodama Koi Academy continues to educate future generations.
- Participation in koi shows and competitions keeps the art of Nishikigoi alive.
- Digital innovation makes it easier than ever to bring high-quality koi to enthusiasts worldwide.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Kodama Koi Farm
Celebrating 25 Years: A Tribute to Passion and Excellence
🎉 Watch our 25th Anniversary Video: KODAMA KOI FARM-This is our story, and join us in celebrating this incredible journey! 🎉
Honoring Mamoru Kodama’s Legacy
As we celebrate this milestone, we pay tribute to Mamoru Kodama, whose dedication shaped Kodama Koi Farm into what it is today. His expertise, love for Nishikigoi, and relentless pursuit of excellence continue to inspire generations of koi enthusiasts.
Sharing the Success: Stories from Our Customers
From backyard hobbyists to koi competition winners, Kodama Koi Farm has touched lives across the globe. The joy of raising a Nishikigoi, the thrill of seeing a koi mature into a masterpiece—these moments define what we do.
Join the Celebration!
To thank our loyal customers and koi lovers, we’re hosting a series of anniversary events:
- 🎏 Exclusive koi sales and promotions
- 🎤 Live webinars and Q&A sessions with Taro Kodama
- 🏆 Special contests and giveaways
Stay tuned for details—because this celebration is just the beginning!
Honoring 25 Years of Kodama Koi Farm
As we celebrate 25 years of Kodama Koi Farm, we extend our deepest gratitude to our loyal customers, partners, and dedicated team. Your trust and support have been the foundation of our success, and we are honored to have you as part of the Kodama family. Every koi we deliver carries our passion and commitment, but it is your dedication to this beautiful art that keeps the koi community thriving.We also want to recognize our hardworking team, whose dedication and expertise have been instrumental in making Kodama Koi Farm what it is today. Their commitment to excellence, customer service, and the well-being of every koi is truly the backbone of our success. We look forward to many more years of excellence together. Join us in celebrating this milestone and continue to be a part of our journey for the love of Nishikigoi!
