Photo/Illutration Nishikigoi, or ornamental carp, at a koi park in Ojiya, Niigata Prefecture (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

Koi diplomacy is back with Japanese nishikigoi, or ornamental carp, set to return to the lucrative Chinese market after a nearly year-long hiatus. 

Sources have confirmed that Chinese authorities have agreed to resume imports of these vibrantly colored fish, although the reason for the suspension remains unclear. 

The export of nishikigoi to China had been suspended since last November when Chinese customs authorities failed to renew the necessary permits.

However, a list was published on the Chinese customs website earlier this month, revealing that six Japanese breeding facilities–four in Niigata Prefecture and one each in Fukuoka and Hiroshima prefectures–had been approved for exports to China.

With the completion of the quarantine and other procedures, exports are expected to resume shortly.

In August last year, Beijing imposed a ban on all Japanese marine products after Japan started releasing treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean that same month.

While it was uncertain whether the suspension of nishikigoi imports was part of the blanket ban, Japanese authorities have been in talks to resume koi exports.

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 ($41 million), with China accounting for 1.2 billion yen of that total.

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