25 Years of Koi, Friendship, and Fulfillment
We’re proud to celebrate Kodama’s 25th Anniversary alongside Tony Malone—not just as a valued customer, but as a true partner in our journey. For 25 years, Tony has grown with us, shared our passion for koi, and helped shape the Kodama community. Here’s to 25 years together!
Customer Story By: Tony M.
Some journeys begin with a whisper, not a plan. Mine began in 1999 with a backyard water garden—just a shallow pond meant for plants and peace.
I didn’t know it then, but that pond would lead me to a lifelong passion, a new purpose, and a bond with two men—Taro and Mamoru Kodama—who would change my life forever. I didn’t even know what a “KOI” was.
I tried adding small koi from a garden store, but they vanished. I needed bigger ones. That’s when I stumbled across a website called Japan Koi Online. The koi were stunning—vivid, elegant, alive.
But $200 for a fish? I thought it was crazy. Still, I bid on a Kohaku and a Showa—and won. That click of a mouse was the first step into a world I never imagined.
Soon I was bidding every week, losing, winning, learning. Eventually, I had to call the site—and that’s when I heard his voice: Taro Kodama, the owner himself. His kindness, patience, and deep knowledge of Nishikigoi were unlike anything I had encountered. He wasn’t just selling fish. He was inviting me into a world—into a philosophy, even a way of life.
Todiama Koi Farm Is Born
Taro didn’t just guide me. He believed in me. He told me, “You should build an indoor pond. Your koi deserve it.” I took his advice to heart.
I sold my house and built a 20,000-gallon indoor koi pond, which I cheekily named Todiama Koi Farm. It’s not a business—I never sold a single fish—but a sanctuary. A place where beauty swims in circles and time seems to pause.
Under the mentorship of Taro and his legendary father, Mamoru Kodama, I studied, observed, and absorbed. Their book KOISHI became my bible.
Soon I was saying things like, “Taro, can you find me a sansai female ISA Showa? I don’t care what it costs.” I wasn’t collecting koi. I was chasing excellence. Art. Soul.
Into the World of Koi Shows
Taro suggested I enter koi shows. I had no idea koi competitions even existed, but I gave it a try—and won Grand Champion twice over 20 years. One of my koi, a Hasegawa Kohaku, was even featured in KOISHI. That honor meant more than any trophy.
Koi Across the Ocean
When Taro held a koi show in Hawaii, I flew in to participate. There we were—beautiful koi, blue tanks, and Waikiki Beach. Heaven.
Japan: The Heart of Koi
But nothing compared to what came next: my first trip to Japan in 2014. With Taro as my guide, I met breeders I had only read about—Marudo, Isa, Hasegawa, Murata, Nogami. To me, they were rock stars. Their farms were temples. It was awe, reverence, and joy all rolled into one.
I returned eight more times. Each visit, I found more than koi—I found peace, wonder, and belonging. Once, I even entered koi into the All Japan Koi Show. I didn’t win, but standing in Tokyo among the world’s best fish, I felt like I had already won something deeper.
A Lifelong Love for Koi
Today, I no longer show koi, but my love hasn’t faded. I still have 40 majestic koi and, at the moment, 13 more on the way from Kodama Koi Farm. I treat every illness myself, observe every behavior, and cherish every pattern.
People sometimes ask if I’ll ever stop. “Stop?” I laugh. “I’m Koikichi! Once koi enters your heart, it never leaves.”
More Than a Dealer
For 25 years, Taro Kodama has been more than a dealer. He’s been a friend, a teacher, and a constant.
He remembers my tastes, hunts koi just for me, and treats a $100 customer like a $10,000 one.
Every time I ask, “What do you think of this one?”
He smiles and says, “This one is good.” That’s all I need to hear.
Tony M. Image Gallery
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
