We breed Shiroutsuri in the hope that we can make Shiroutsuri as much attractive as Gosanke in every respect. The fascination of Shiroutsuri attributes to the fact that only the contrast in light and shade can make it possible with infinite expression even though this koi has only two colours, Black and White just as a Black and White drawing. Our ultimate goal will be to reach to the extreme of Shiroutsuri and to be champions in all of the classes from 12 cm Bu to 90 cm Bu, beating Gosanke. We keep making every effort with the motto of “breeding to be able to create the needs”

Owner(s): Takayoshi Omosako, Takahiro Omosako
Founded: around 1953
Specialty: Shiro Utsuri, Kujaku, Showa

History

Located in Hiroshima, one of two largest koi breeding regions in Japan, the 55-year old farm is famous for Omosako Shiro-Utsuri.
There are two breeding teams on the farm: one led by President Omosako which mainly cultivates Omosako Shiro-Utsuri using six spawnings annually and the other led by Mr. Takayoshi Omosako which cultivates Omosako Showa using two spawning each year. The annual total of 40,000 Shiro-Utsuri accounts for 90 % of their total cultivation. All koi are grown out in 40 ponds located in seven indoor houses.

According to President Omosako, the ultimate goal of their cultivation process is growing Shiro-Utsuri which have superior qualities when compared to other Gosanke varieties. The primary objective is to beat other Gosanke varieties at the major koi shows. They work diligently to improve the darkness of the Sumi markings and luster of the pure white background so as to highlight the Sumi. President Omosako says, “Our Shiro-Utsuri’s quality must be approved by all of the judges in a koi contest. There are no other factors other than beautiful white skin and bold black Sumi on Shiro-Utsuri, so it is very difficult to deceive the judges’ eye. It is never an easy task to grow Shiro-Utsuri but that’s why this variety attracts our farmers.”

The quality, physical beauty and breeding quantity of the Omosako Shiro-Utsuri, originates from the “Tatsuma Utsuri” lineage. The jumbo Shiro-Utsuri, “Musashi”, 92 cm in length, “Panda”, 90 cm, and “Godzilla”, 92 cm, were born one after another. In 2010, a descendant, “Zebra”, bettered the long cherished record by reaching 57 cm at the age of two and 70 cm at when it turned three. With this ongoing evolution the Omosako Shiro-Utsuri has entered another new stage.

Omosako’s most impressive Shiro-Utsuri is nicknamed “Musashi”.  Omosako considers this offspring the ideal Shiro-Utsuri in quality and size.
The fish won the 85 Bu Kokugyo Prize in the 36th All Japan Koi Show. Today it has reached 92 cm in length and has been spawning as a koi parent since its impressive victory.