Showa

Showa is a three-colored koi variety with black sumi, white, and red hi arranged on a body traditionally understood as black-based. The full name is Showa Sanshoku, but many pond keepers simply say Showa. Strong examples often have sumi that wraps below the lateral line or appears on the head, helping separate the variety from Sanke. Modern Showa can show more white than older styles, yet the pattern should still feel integrated rather than lightly sprinkled with black.

Showa selection asks for patience because sumi can rise late, shift in intensity, or change the whole balance of the fish. A young Showa with unfinished black may improve dramatically, while one with heavy early sumi may become crowded. Buyers should judge body, skin, red quality, head pattern, and the likely path of the black markings. In the pond, steady water quality and careful quarantine matter more than chasing color changes. Breeders usually rely on family history to predict how the sumi will mature.

Colors: Asagi, Bekko, Black, Black with Deep Red and White Patterns, Black with Orange-Red and White Patterns, Black with Red and White Patterns, Blue, Brown, Chagoi, Cream, Doitsu, Ginrin, Gold, Goshiki, Gray, Karashigoi, Kohaku, Koromo, Kujaku, Metallic, Metallic Black with Red and White Patterns, Ogon, Orange, Red, Sanke, Showa, Shusui, Silver, Soragoi, Tancho, Utsuri, White, Yellow