As we celebrate Kodama’s 25th Anniversary, we are honored to recognize koi keepers like Alan, whose bond with koi is rooted in love, memory, and resilience. What began as his mother’s dream has grown into a beautiful legacy—a 6,000-gallon sanctuary filled with care, patience, and purpose. Through every Sanke, Showa, and cherished Yamabuki, your pond is a reflection of her spirit and your strength.
Thank you, Alan, for allowing Kodama to be part of your healing journey and your koi story. Your tribute touches hearts more than words can say.
Customer Story By: Alan C.
“My pond is 6,000 gallons—16 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 6 feet deep. It’s 3 feet in-ground and 3 feet above ground. It is rectangular. We built the pond because my mom wanted one in the backyard in Palmdale, CA.
My koi journey began when my mom passed away on July 1st of 2014. She was 59 years young and I was 29. She was diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma Cancer stage 4. The doctors only gave her 6 months to live, and her body deteriorated very quickly. She wanted to be put in hospice, so that’s what we did. At that time, I didn’t know anything about koi or even liked koi.
It is still hard for me to talk about her. Still makes me tear up. When people ask me if I’m okay, I just put on a smile for them. It’s all I can do, even though it still hurts from time to time. I was very close to my mother. She raised me coming from a divorced family. She would always tell me to be strong and that I have to be strong.
I remember she would tell me to go feed her koi fish in the backyard when she was sick, and I would tell her, “Why don’t you go feed your koi—they’re your pets :)” I know it sounds mean, but I was 29, young and dumb, and wasn’t into koi at the time. Now I know she was just training me on how to take care of her koi fish when she was gone.
So long story short—her koi hobby became my hobby as well. I have learned a lot in the past 11 years since my mom’s passing, in life and in the koi hobby also. Maybe it reminds me of my mom, so that’s why I do it and enjoy it.
I love my pond and koi—especially when I see all my Sanke and Showas getting bigger and feeding them. And I know somewhere in there, my mom is smiling down at me from the heavens seeing the koi get that big. The special koi in my pond would be the yellow Yamabuki, since yellow was my mom’s favorite color.
The lessons that my koi taught me are to be patient and tranquil over the years. Dreams for my pond include having a glass window on the side so I can see my koi from the side—that would be my next upgrade. And maybe install a water heater so I can feed all year round.”
CUSTOMER’S GALLERY : ALAN C.
VIDEO GALLERY : ALAN C.
Celebrating 25 Years of Kodama Koi Farm: A Legacy of Passion, Tradition, and Excellence
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. Learn more.
Ginrin Soragoi – koi #y0714s030
Kohaku – koi #y0619s008-re
Doitsu Orange Ogon – koi #y0619s005-re
Taisho Sanke – koi #y0618s013
