{"id":1103,"date":"2026-05-05T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-05T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/?page_id=1103"},"modified":"2026-05-27T14:43:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T14:43:00","slug":"showa-koi-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Showa Koi Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"kt-site\" aria-label=\"Showa koi guide\">\n<main><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/#Quick_Recognition\" >Quick Recognition<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/#What_Makes_a_Showa_Koi\" >What Makes a Showa Koi<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/#Black_Structure\" >Black Structure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/#Red_and_White_Balance\" >Red and White Balance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/#Development\" >Development<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/#Showa_Koi_Guide_for_Beginners\" >Showa Koi Guide for Beginners<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/#How_to_Recognize_Showa_Koi\" >How to Recognize Showa Koi<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/#Black-Based_Impression\" >Black-Based Impression<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/#Head_Markings\" >Head Markings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/#Pattern_Power\" >Pattern Power<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/#Showa_or_Sanke\" >Showa or Sanke?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/#Buying_Showa_Koi\" >Buying Showa Koi<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/#Useful_Tools_Before_Buying_Showa\" >Useful Tools Before Buying Showa<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/#Helpful_Categories\" >Helpful Categories<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/#Kohaku_Sanke_and_Showa\" >Kohaku, Sanke, and Showa<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/#Kohaku\" >Kohaku<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/#Sanke\" >Sanke<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/#Showa\" >Showa<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/#Health_and_Pond_Fit\" >Health and Pond Fit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/#Q_A_Showa_Koi_Guide\" >Q&amp;A: Showa Koi Guide<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/#What_is_a_Showa_koi\" >What is a Showa koi?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/#How_do_I_recognize_Showa_koi\" >How do I recognize Showa koi?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/#Is_this_Showa_koi_guide_useful_for_beginners\" >Is this Showa koi guide useful for beginners?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/#What_is_the_difference_between_Showa_and_Sanke\" >What is the difference between Showa and Sanke?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/#Do_young_Showa_change_as_they_grow\" >Do young Showa change as they grow?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/#Should_I_quarantine_a_new_Showa\" >Should I quarantine a new Showa?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/#Further_Reading\" >Further Reading<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/#Next_Step\" >Next Step<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<section class=\"kt-hero\">\n<div class=\"kt-wrap kt-hero__inner\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"kt-kicker\">Koi variety guide<\/p>\n<h1>Showa Koi Guide \u2014 Recognize Showa, Compare with Sanke, and Buy Wisely<\/h1>\n<p class=\"kt-lede\">This Showa koi guide explains how to recognize Showa koi, understand black, red, and white pattern structure, compare Showa with Sanke, and choose a healthy koi that fits your pond.<\/p>\n<div class=\"kt-actions\">\n        <a class=\"kt-button\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/koi-varieties\/\">Koi Varieties<\/a><br \/>\n        <a class=\"kt-button-secondary\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/buying-koi\/\">Buying Koi<\/a><br \/>\n        <a class=\"kt-button-secondary\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/recommended-koi-products\/\">Recommended Products<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<aside class=\"kt-signal\">\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick_Recognition\"><\/span>Quick Recognition<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Showa often have a stronger black presence than Sanke, and black may appear on the head. Young Showa can change a great deal with age.<\/p>\n<\/aside><\/div>\n<figure class=\"kt-figure\">\n    <img data-src=\"https:\/\/mantifang.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Hi-Showa.jpg\" alt=\"Showa koi guide showing black red and white Showa koi pattern\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\"><figcaption>Showa koi are recognized by strong black structure with red and white pattern across the body.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"kt-band\">\n<div class=\"kt-wrap\">\n<div class=\"kt-section-head\">\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Makes_a_Showa_Koi\"><\/span>What Makes a Showa Koi<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Showa koi, also called Showa Sanshoku, are one of the classic Japanese koi varieties and are traditionally understood as black-based koi with red and white markings. Showa identification is not only about seeing three colors; it is about how the black, red, and white interact across the whole body.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"kt-grid\">\n<article class=\"kt-card\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Black_Structure\"><\/span>Black Structure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Black gives the variety much of its identity. It may wrap upward from the body, appear on the head, and form powerful blocks across the fish.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"kt-card\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Red_and_White_Balance\"><\/span>Red and White Balance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Red and white should work with the black rather than disappear under it. A strong fish still needs balance and readable contrast.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"kt-card\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Development\"><\/span>Development<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This variety can be difficult for beginners because future black development may not be obvious at purchase.<\/p>\n<\/article><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"kt-band kt-band--soft\">\n<div class=\"kt-wrap kt-two\">\n<div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Showa_Koi_Guide_for_Beginners\"><\/span>Showa Koi Guide for Beginners<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This guide keeps the first judgement practical. Do not buy Showa only because the pattern looks dramatic. Look first at health, body shape, skin, swimming, seller explanation, and whether the koi fits your pond.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<ol class=\"kt-path\">\n<li><strong>Confirm the Variety<\/strong><span>Look for a black-based impression with red and white working across the body.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Read the Black<\/strong><span>Black may appear on the head, wrap from the body, or create stronger visual structure than in Sanke.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Check Health First<\/strong><span>Judge behavior, body, fins, breathing, and skin before discussing future pattern development.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Ask About Development<\/strong><span>Young Showa may change, so ask what is expected and what remains uncertain.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"kt-band\">\n<div class=\"kt-wrap\">\n<div class=\"kt-section-head\">\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Recognize_Showa_Koi\"><\/span>How to Recognize Showa Koi<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Showa recognition depends on the overall impression. Compared with Sanke, this koi usually feels stronger, heavier, and more black-based, especially when black appears on the head or wraps from the lower body.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"kt-grid\">\n<article class=\"kt-card\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Black-Based_Impression\"><\/span>Black-Based Impression<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The fish often gives the feeling that black is part of the underlying body pattern, not only an accent placed over white.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"kt-card\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Head_Markings\"><\/span>Head Markings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Black on the head is a useful beginner clue, although one marking alone should not be the only basis for identification.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"kt-card\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pattern_Power\"><\/span>Pattern Power<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This variety often appears more dramatic than Sanke because the black can be stronger and more central to the design.<\/p>\n<\/article><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"kt-band kt-band--soft\">\n<div class=\"kt-wrap kt-two\">\n<div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Showa_or_Sanke\"><\/span>Showa or Sanke?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The difference can be subtle. Use several clues together: head markings, black placement, body impression, and whether the black feels like accents on white or a deeper part of the body pattern.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<ul class=\"kt-list\">\n<li>Showa: black is often stronger and may appear on the head.<\/li>\n<li>Sanke: white base with red pattern and black accents.<\/li>\n<li>Showa often feels heavier, stronger, and more dramatic.<\/li>\n<li>Sanke often feels lighter, cleaner, and more white-based.<\/li>\n<li>Use multiple clues instead of relying on one marking.<\/li>\n<li>Compare with Kohaku first, then decide how the black changes the variety.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"kt-band\">\n<div class=\"kt-wrap kt-two\">\n<div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Buying_Showa_Koi\"><\/span>Buying Showa Koi<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Buying Showa koi requires caution. Avoid paying only for imagined future quality unless the seller can explain age, bloodline, development risk, health history, and why the fish fits your pond.<\/p>\n<p>Young Showa can change dramatically over time. Beginners should be cautious about paying premium prices for future development they do not yet understand.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<ul class=\"kt-list\">\n<li>Ask about age, origin, quarantine, and recent observation.<\/li>\n<li>Ask what black development is expected and what is uncertain.<\/li>\n<li>Check whether the koi swims steadily and breathes normally.<\/li>\n<li>Look for clean skin, strong body shape, intact fins, and no visible sores.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid koi from tanks with gasping, flashing, ulcers, or dead fish.<\/li>\n<li>Plan transport and acclimation before buying.<\/li>\n<li>Quarantine new koi when possible before adding them to the main pond.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"kt-band kt-band--soft\">\n<div class=\"kt-wrap kt-two\">\n<div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Useful_Tools_Before_Buying_Showa\"><\/span>Useful Tools Before Buying Showa<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Product guidance should support careful observation, safe handling, quarantine, and water testing. It should not push a purchase or replace judgement about fish health and pond readiness.<\/p>\n<p>Before buying a Showa, make sure you understand how to test your pond, observe the fish safely, and prepare quarantine if possible.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<aside class=\"kt-signal\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Helpful_Categories\"><\/span>Helpful Categories<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul class=\"kt-list\">\n<li>Water test kits<\/li>\n<li>Viewing bowls<\/li>\n<li>Koi nets and sock nets<\/li>\n<li>Quarantine equipment<\/li>\n<li>Air pumps and air stones<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>      <a class=\"kt-button\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/recommended-koi-products\/\">View Recommended Products<\/a><br \/>\n    <\/aside>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"kt-band kt-band--soft\">\n<div class=\"kt-wrap\">\n<div class=\"kt-section-head\">\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kohaku_Sanke_and_Showa\"><\/span>Kohaku, Sanke, and Showa<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Kohaku, Sanke, and Showa are often discussed together as Go-Sanke. For beginners, the practical distinction is simple: Kohaku has white and red only, Sanke adds black accents, and Showa uses black more powerfully as part of the whole body pattern.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"kt-grid\">\n<article class=\"kt-card\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kohaku\"><\/span>Kohaku<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>White body with red pattern. No black markings.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"kt-card\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sanke\"><\/span>Sanke<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>White body with red and black markings. The black usually appears as accent markings.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"kt-card\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Showa\"><\/span>Showa<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Black-based koi with red and white pattern. The variety often gives a stronger, heavier visual impression.<\/p>\n<\/article><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"kt-band\">\n<div class=\"kt-wrap\">\n<div class=\"kt-section-head\">\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Health_and_Pond_Fit\"><\/span>Health and Pond Fit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A koi with powerful markings still needs stable water, good oxygen, sensible feeding, quarantine, and careful observation. If a koi shows ulcers, gasping, heavy flashing, clamped fins, isolation, or sudden decline, test the water immediately and ask an experienced koi professional or qualified aquatic veterinarian for help.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"kt-band kt-band--soft\">\n<div class=\"kt-wrap\">\n<div class=\"kt-section-head\">\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_A_Showa_Koi_Guide\"><\/span>Q&amp;A: Showa Koi Guide<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"kt-grid\">\n<article class=\"kt-card\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_Showa_koi\"><\/span>What is a Showa koi?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A Showa koi, also called Showa Sanshoku, is a black-based koi with red and white markings.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"kt-card\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_recognize_Showa_koi\"><\/span>How do I recognize Showa koi?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Look for strong black structure, red and white pattern, and a heavier black-based impression than Sanke.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"kt-card\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_this_Showa_koi_guide_useful_for_beginners\"><\/span>Is this Showa koi guide useful for beginners?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes. This Showa koi guide gives beginners practical recognition clues and helps separate Showa from Sanke.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"kt-card\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_difference_between_Showa_and_Sanke\"><\/span>What is the difference between Showa and Sanke?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Showa usually has stronger black that may appear on the head and feel central to the body pattern. Sanke usually feels more white-based with black accents.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"kt-card\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_young_Showa_change_as_they_grow\"><\/span>Do young Showa change as they grow?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Young fish can change dramatically as black develops, strengthens, or shifts in visual importance.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"kt-card\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_quarantine_a_new_Showa\"><\/span>Should I quarantine a new Showa?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, when possible. Quarantine protects the main pond and gives time to observe the koi before mixing it with other fish.<\/p>\n<\/article><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"kt-band\">\n<div class=\"kt-wrap kt-two\">\n<div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Further_Reading\"><\/span>Further Reading<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Use this Showa koi guide as the practical starting point. KoiTalk covers recognition clearly, while Mantifang provides deeper Showa Sanshoku background and dictionary context.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<ul class=\"kt-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/koi-varieties\/\">Koi Varieties<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/koi-varieties\/kohaku-koi-guide\/\">Kohaku Koi Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/koi-varieties\/sanke-koi-guide\/\">Sanke Koi Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/buying-koi\/\">Buying Koi<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/recommended-koi-products\/\">Recommended Koi Products<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/pond-water-quality\/\">Pond &amp; Water Quality<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/koi-dictionary\/\">Koi Dictionary<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/ask-shikibu-about-koi\/\">Ask Shikibu About Koi<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/mantifang.com\/showa-sanshoku-one-of-the-big-3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mantifang Showa Sanshoku Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/mantifang.com\/showa-sanshoku-koi-black-red-white-sumi-patterns-hi-patterns-shiroji-koi-varieties-ornamental-fish-pond-fish-water-gardens-koi-enthusiasts-classic-koi-japanese-koi-colorful-koi-striking-patterns-showa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mantifang Showa Sanshoku Dictionary Entry<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"kt-band kt-band--soft\">\n<div class=\"kt-wrap kt-path\">\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Next_Step\"><\/span>Next Step<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Use this Showa koi guide as a first recognition tool, then compare Showa with Sanke and Kohaku before buying. Always match the koi to your pond, water quality, and quarantine routine.<\/p>\n<div class=\"kt-actions\">\n      <a class=\"kt-button\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/koi-varieties\/sanke-koi-guide\/\">Compare Sanke<\/a><br \/>\n      <a class=\"kt-button-secondary\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/buying-koi\/\">Read Buying Koi<\/a><br \/>\n      <a class=\"kt-button-secondary\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/recommended-koi-products\/\">Recommended Products<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><\/main>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Koi variety guide Showa Koi Guide \u2014 Recognize Showa, Compare with Sanke, and Buy Wisely This Showa koi guide explains how to recognize Showa koi, understand black, red, and white pattern structure, compare Showa with Sanke, and choose a healthy koi that fits your pond. Koi Varieties Buying Koi Recommended Products Quick Recognition Showa often have a stronger black presence than Sanke, and black may appear on the head. Young Showa can change a great deal with age. Showa koi are recognized by strong black structure with red and white pattern across the body. What Makes a Showa Koi Showa koi, also called Showa Sanshoku, are one of the classic &#8230; <a title=\"Showa Koi Guide\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/showa-koi-guide\/\" aria-label=\"Showa Koi Guide \u306b\u3064\u3044\u3066\u3055\u3089\u306b\u8aad\u3080\">\u7d9a\u304d\u3092\u8aad\u3080<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1536,"parent":0,"menu_order":3,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1103","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1103","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1103"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1103\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1595,"href":"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1103\/revisions\/1595"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1536"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/koitalk.app\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1103"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}