Gosanke

Common varieties include

Showa

Kohaku

Sanke

Gosanke (GO-sahn-keh) refers to the “Big Three” koi varieties—Kohaku, Sanke, and Showa. These koi are the most celebrated in the world of Nishikigoi and form the foundation of nearly every serious collection.

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Kohaku is recognized by its pure white body and red (hi) markings. Sanke (Taisho Sanke) adds black (sumi) accents to this pattern. Showa (Showa Sanshoku) flips this palette by featuring a black body adorned with red and white markings.

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These varieties are prized for their elegance, contrast, and balance—making Gosanke the gold standard of koi appreciation and competition.

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What to Look For

Seek high contrast between colors with well-defined, symmetrical patterns that flow across the body. Skin quality, especially the purity of white and depth of red, is crucial. In Showa, sumi should be deep and lacquer-like, while in Sanke it should appear in sharp, controlled patches. Body conformation and the placement of patterns across the dorsal line and fins also carry weight in evaluations.