Known as swimming jewels, nishikigoi are highly sought after in China and other overseas markets due to their vibrant colors and unique patterns. In 2022, Japan exported koi worth 6.3 billion yen ...

Since an outbreak of koi herpes virus in Japan in the 2000s, the country conducts a compulsory quarantine of 7-10 days for all exports, including to China, to make sure the koi are disease-free.

Koi aren't lightweights either; they typically tip the scales around 35 pounds (16 kg), and experts advise filling a pond ...