The Process of Shipping Koi from Japan to Fitz’s Fish Ponds
Mar 3rd 2025
Winter marks an important season for Fitz’s Fish Ponds (FFP) — koi shipping season. Each year, the team travels to Japan to select top-quality koi from Niigata's renowned breeders. The process of shipping these koi to the United States is carefully planned to ensure their health and safety throughout the journey.
Preparing Koi for Shipment
At Shintaro Koi Farm, Saito and his son, Kosuke, work efficiently to prepare Nisai koi, including new varieties such as Garomo and Kujaku, for shipment. Before transport, the koi undergo a fasting period to maintain clean water quality during transit.
Each fish is double-bagged for protection, and a small white pouch called Alfish is placed inside the bag to help bind ammonia produced by the fish.
Since airlines have strict weight requirements, water is added in precise amounts using a measured bucket.
Pure oxygen is then added to each bag to ensure the koi remain healthy during transport.
Once packed, the boxes are loaded onto breeder trucks and transported to a central collection point, where they are grouped with shipments from other breeders such as Koda, Koshigi, Kanno, Marusaka, and Marushin Koi Farms.
Transport to Tokyo
Despite Niigata’s heavy snowfall, the city’s underground water system helps keep roads clear by spraying warm groundwater (50-59°F) onto the pavement. This allows trucks to safely transport koi to Tokyo.
At Ikarashi Toshinobu Koi Farm, AJ from FFP checks the koi selected during the fall season. The farm prepares a shipment of 40 boxes, each labeled with the breeder's name, box number, and koi details for tracking. Smaller koi are packed first to minimize the time larger koi spend in their bags.
Other breeders, including Oya, Shinoda, and Ikarashi Ozumi, also prepare their shipments. A standout koi, a large Karasu Kohaku, requires a significantly larger box due to its size.
Arrival in the United States
Once all 220 boxes are accounted for, they are transported to Tokyo and flown to the United States. Upon arrival at JFK Airport, an initial box count confirms the shipment. Each box is assigned to a designated tank at FFP, where the koi are gradually acclimated to their new environment.
Some koi are pre-sold to customers, while others remain available for purchase. Those interested in specific koi can reach out to FFP for details.
The shipping process involves multiple stages and careful coordination between breeders, transport teams, and FFP staff.
Every step is executed with precision to ensure that the koi arrive in excellent condition, ready to be introduced to their new homes.
Bring Home a Piece of Japan’s Finest Koi!
Fitz’s Fish Ponds works directly with Niigata’s top breeders to bring world-class koi straight to your pond.
Whether you’re looking for a rare variety or a standout addition to your collection, our carefully selected koi are shipped with expert care to ensure they arrive healthy and vibrant.
Don’t miss your chance to own one of these exceptional fish—contact us today to reserve your koi before they’re gone! Or call us at: (908) 420-9908.
