Kodama Koi Farm - Limited Time -Tancho Goshiki

What Makes Tancho Goshiki So Rare and Revered?

Tancho Goshiki (pronounced tahn-choh goh-shee-kee) is a study in elegance and restraint—a koi that blends the serene symbolism of the Tancho mark with the rich, layered complexity of the Goshiki’s five-color foundation. The result? A truly exceptional fish that feels both minimalist and masterful.

At first glance, it’s the perfect red circle—bold and centered on a snowy white head—that draws the eye. But as you look closer, the Goshiki body reveals intricate reticulation and a metallic, almost ethereal quality. Together, they create a koi that’s both grounded in tradition and refreshingly unique.

Look for:

• A clean, symmetrical red (hi) circle on the head—the hallmark of Tancho

• Unblemished white (shiroji) around the face and head to highlight the Tancho mark

• Rich, blue-grey reticulation across the body, giving depth and texture

• A five-color blend (black, white, red, blue, and grey) that shimmers beneath the scales

• Strong body conformation with a smooth, balanced silhouette

The Tancho Goshiki carries deep cultural symbolism, its red mark echoes the Japanese flag, often associated with good fortune, celebration, and national pride. When set against the refined Goshiki body, it becomes not just a symbol, but a living work of art.

This koi doesn’t need bold patterns or shifting colors to impress. Its beauty lies in harmony, in the tension between simplicity and intricacy, between stillness and sparkle. In a well-maintained pond, the Tancho Goshiki glows like a jewel, offering quiet sophistication to those who appreciate koi at their most refined.