It is said that a mutant carp, bearing colors of red, and white, is the origin of Nishikigoi. The colored carp was found in Ojiya, Niigata, about 200 years ago. The people in Ojiya continued improving the beauty of colored carp or koi through their breeding experiences and intuitions.
The true beauty of koi had only been enjoyed by a handful of enthusiastic koi fanciers in Japan until the late 1950's.
In late 1950's, Nishikigoi suddenly became popular among people all over Japan, but the beauty of koi only lasted for one year due to the lack of breeding skills. The breeding skills were greatly improved and simplified by many koi fanciers. Today anyone can easily enjoy keeping koi for many years.
The export of koi began in 1938. Today, koi are exported to US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, Canada, and Australia as well as many Asian countries. Keeping koi can represent a person's status.

It is said that Nishikigoi are grouped into about 80 varieties which are divided into two types: Wagoi, or Japanese carp, and Doitsu-goi or German carp. The entire body of the Wagoi is covered with scales, while the body of the Doitsu-goi is only partially covered with scales. Doitsu-goi are grouped into three type; the Leather Carp (which has scales only along both sides of the dorsal fin), the Mirror Carp (which has large scales along both sides of the dorsal fin and the lateral lines), and the Yoroi (armor) Carp (which has scales on other part of the body as well as on the dorsal ridge and lateral lines). German carp was first imported into Japan for food use. Later, it was crossed with Japanese carp. Through continued crossbreeding with Nishikigoi, almost all varieties of Doitsu-goi have been produced. Just recently, the new variety, Kikokuryu, has been produced.
Of about 80 varieties, Kohaku, Taisho Sanshoku and Showa Sanshoku, called Gosanke, are outstanding in size, dignity, and beauty. Other popular varieties are Hikari Moyomono, Hikari Utsurimono, Bekko, Asagi, Koromo, Ogon, Kinginrin, Tancho and Kawarimono.

The greatest charm of Nishikigoi is the brightness of the colors red, white, black, gold, silver and so on. The fish is called the king of fish for display, because of its grand and noble figure. Its graceful swimming manner breaks any fatigue its keeper may have. Nishikigoi has both the docility of cats and dogs and the artistic beauty of roses and Bonsai (dwarf plants).Keeping Nishikigoi in one's own pond can make him feel superior to others because of the status that koi can represent.