There are thought to be over 100 varieties of goldfish in the world,
and 30 to 40 of those are commonly found in Japan.
Goldfish appeal to the many Japanese who enjoy
delicate motifs embodying natural beauty and vitality.
The breeds differ in many ways, including color and shape.
This is the waki, known for its slim body.
It's thought to be the progenitor of all Japanese goldfish.
Next, the ryukin.
Since the 18th century, this has been one of the most popular breeds in Japan.
Here we have hamanishiki.
It has a distinctive heart-shaped lump on its head.
The eyes of the chotengan variety are turned upwards.
This breed was once exclusive to the Chinese imperial court.
It arrived in Japan in the early 20th century.
Just as striking is the suihougan breed.
A genetic mutation gave it two large balloon-shaped sacs underneath its eyes.
Finally, lanchu, known in Japan as the king of goldfish.
It has a lump on its head and no dorsal fin.
A single fish can cost hundreds of thousands or even millions of yen.
Lanchu are often described as living works of art or swimming sculptures.
Now, this fish actually is a work of art.
Created by a world-renowned painter of goldfish,
Fukahori Ryusuke.
He slowly builds up an image using layers of acrylic resin, around 20 layers altogether.
When combined, they form a realistic three-dimensional fish.
It appears to float.
I took the lid off my fish tank and found myself gazing down at a goldfish.
Its back was so beautiful, a vivid red.
I'd forgotten how amazing that color could be.
That's what I strive to recreate.
In Japan, the color red is associated with warding off misfortune.
And so goldfish are seen as auspicious.
They feature as a motif on toys, fans, coin purses and other everyday items.
In China, around 1500 to 1800 years ago,
genetic mutation produced a red-colored variety of carp.
These fish were bred over and over until eventually goldfish were created.
Those fish were introduced to Japan in the 16th century.
At the time, they were luxury possessions owned only by the wealthy upper classes.
In the 17th century, goldfish became a source of local pride.
Aristocrats competed to have the most unique and beautiful specimens.
For example, the Kochi region had Tosaki,
whose own unique tail has been compared to the raiment of a celestial maiden.
To create this unusual tail, the fish are raised in a round bowl.
They swim in circles, which is what makes their tails curl in such an attractive way.
Next, Izumo Nankin from the Shimane region.
Its red mouth, round body and glittering silver coloring communicate a quiet dignity.
In the 19th century, goldfish ownership spread to the general public.
Samurai started raising goldfish to help make ends meet in a time of peace.
The fish were produced in great quantities.
Originally, there were no glass tanks.
Instead, goldfish were kept in porcelain containers and viewed mostly from above.
In due course, small transparent glass containers were produced.
These made it easier to admire goldfish from any angle.
Later still, goldfish scooping became a popular activity at summer festivals.
Families would take home the goldfish they caught.
Watching them swim was thought to offer a cooling effect during the hot and humid summer months.
