A Lifetime With Living Jewels
We are honored to celebrate Kodama’s 25th Anniversary with those who have had this passion for even longer than we have been open. Thank you Estelle, for sharing your incredible 35-year journey with us—what began as a gift from your husband blossomed into a multigenerational passion.
Your story is a beautiful reflection of how koi can bring peace, joy, and connection across decades, and we’re honored to be a small part of that legacy.
Customer Story By: Estelle C.
“Reflecting on my journey in owning these “Living Jewels,” it’s hard to believe I started 35 years ago. My husband and I were a newly married couple, and he decided to build me a koi pond. We filled it with a handful of Koi purchased from a landscape nursery, and that first group of Koi went on to teach me a great deal.
My first lesson: I had no idea what I was doing. When people ask me which of my koi is my favorite, I can honestly answer that it is my now-34-year-old, 91cm female ki Matsuba, my young daughter named Herman. We now jokingly refer to Herman as “Hermena” since we found out several years later that Herman is a female.
As time went on, Herman and I learned about water quality, oxygen and pond treatments together, and she has watched and survived as I have fumbled my way through it all. My love of koi spread to my daughter, who would go with me to pick out koi at our local garden centers. By our pond is a statue of a little girl gazing at the water’s edge, purchased because she reminded me of my own daughter. My little girl has now grown into an adult who still shares in all of my koi adventures.
I was lucky enough to meet Tomoko, who has been a wealth of knowledge in guiding me through all things koi and is always available to help when I have a question. I also avidly watch all of Taro’s YouTube videos to expand my understanding about the different types of koi and their breeders. My daughter and I were excited to finally meet Taro in person this spring at Kodama’s New York location.
My current pond is 7,200-gallons with three waterfalls and a stream that connects two ponds. Our pond has become the main point of attraction at every family event and gathering hosted at our home. For me, the pond is my place of refuge—the place where I can unwind and take comfort in watching our koi swim gracefully around. The pond, these koi, are my deep breath in this busy world.
As Taro would say, ‘Stay happy with your Koi!'”
CUSTOMER’S GALLERY : ESTELLE C.
VIDEO GALLERY : ESTELLE 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.
