The first picture is of the holding pond for the ranchu before being presented to the judges. Since there are so many fish at the Show, it is important for the Selection Judges to choose these fish carefully. Many of the inferior fish will be culled directly from such an early stage. You can see the panel of judges in the background observing the side of the fish and voting on them.

The second picture is of the Judges being presented with the fish. The Fish Judge will show the sideview of the fish (for about 5 seconds) to the panel of six judges for their considerations. The Judges will then have about 20 - 30 seconds to consider the fish as it swims in the bowl before they have to render their decision by giving points (1 to 5) to separate the classes of the fish in each classification. This is the most important time for each of the ranchu. If the fish do not swim well in this time, it will not do well in the Show.

The third picture is of the panel of Judges giving points to separated the classes of the ranchu. Class A = 24 - 30 points, Class B = 21 - 23 points, Class C = 19 - 20 points, Class D = 18 points, Class E = 16 - 17 points, Class F = 12 - 15 points, and Class G = 11 points and under.

The fourth picture is of the ranchu after they have been sorted by class. What you see in this picture is Class B and C.

The last picture is of the Class A pond for the Nisai Class. You may recognize Mr.Mita's Nisai in the pond. But please kindly look at each of these masterpieces.

Attached Images

     

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Loyalty above all else, except honor.