2026 Koi Season Preview – Japan Hand-Picks, BKF Bred & the Year Ahead | Byer Koi Farm
With the days lengthening and water temperatures beginning their slow rise, the familiar “koi itch” starts to return.
Winter at Byer Koi Farm is never truly quiet — but this point in the year brings a different kind of energy. The groundwork is done, the koi are settling into their stride, and we’re now moving from preparation into release mode.
This season, we’re especially excited about the range coming forward: a substantial selection of Japanese Tosai and Nisai, alongside a very strong group of BKF Bred Tosai from our breeding programme.
Japanese Koi – Hand-Picked Last Autumn, Quarantine Complete
Last autumn I spent time in Japan selecting koi carefully — pond by pond and bowl by bowl — from breeders we know and trust. That process is never rushed. It’s not simply about choosing what looks impressive on the day, but about identifying koi with the kind of skin quality, body structure and underlying balance that will continue to develop well beyond the first season.
Read about my most recent Japan trip on the blog here:
This year’s Japanese selection includes a broad spread of styles and pond roles — from koi capable of becoming genuine focal points, to beautifully balanced fish that will reward patient growth.
A brief look at part of this season’s Japanese Tosai — a broad range from trusted breeders, now through quarantine, with many more to be revealed in the coming releases.
Among them is a small group of Nisai Sanke from the historic Matsunosuke line, selected at Yamamatsu — koi known for a slower, more progressive style of sumi development. These are very much for those who enjoy the longer development arc, where patience can bring its own rewards over time.
All imported Japanese koi — both Tosai and Nisai — have now completed our full quarantine process. That includes extended observation, heat ramping and careful monitoring to ensure they are feeding strongly, stable and properly settled before being prepared for sale. It’s a stage we never rush, because long-term health matters.
A small selection from 100's of Japanese nisai we have available this season
You’ll begin to see these koi appearing in the shop over the coming weeks as we complete photography and listings.
BKF Bred Tosai – From Our Breeding Programme
Alongside the Japanese koi, we have a significant range of Tosai from our own BKF breeding programme ready for the new season.
Each year we refine pairings and direction within the programme, and the most recent spawnings have produced a particularly pleasing mix of quality and variety. The consistency is improving season by season, and it’s rewarding to see the results coming through in the ponds.
A brief glimpse of this season’s BKF bred Tosai — a wide and developing range from our breeding programme, with much more to be revealed as the season unfolds.
For a reminder on our breeding programme, and to see these koi as tiny fry - read this 'a week in the life of a koi farmer' blog from 2025.
Expect to see a wide spread of tosai from BKF lines this year, including:
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Strong Doitsu metallic types including Beni Kikokuryu and Doitsu Kogane Ocbiba
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Utsuri, including some very encouraging Ki Utsuri
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Reliable growth varieties including Chagoi and Karashigoi
For those who enjoy selecting Tosai and watching development unfold over summer and into future seasons, there will be plenty of opportunity this year.
Alongside the Tosai coming forward this season, the breeding cycle for 2026 is also beginning, with pairings now being prepared for the spring. Breeding remains a central part of the farm’s rhythm — the foundation from which future generations develop — and it continues quietly in the background as the season unfolds.
Butterfly Koi – Expanded and Stronger Than Last Season
Butterfly koi proved extremely popular last year, and we’ve responded by building a much larger and broader selection for this season.
There is significantly more depth this time — greater variety in pattern and colour, more of each type, and a wider spread of sizes. There will be lots of strong, attention commanding Butterfly Koi options available.
A glimpse of this season’s expanded Butterfly selection — more variety, more depth, and plenty to explore in the coming releases.
Last season we made 3 butterfly koi releases. Here's a reminder of last year's mid season butterfly koi release. The first release of butterfly koi this year will be solely small tosai, around 15cm.
How This Season’s Releases Will Work
Across the season, a wide and varied spread of koi will be released — with different varieties, sizes and styles appearing at different points — so each drop will have its own character and emphasis.
This allows us to present fish properly, gives customers time to consider selections, and ensures each group receives the attention it deserves.
As always, email subscribers will receive advance notice of new releases — particularly useful for koi that tend to move quickly.
Early Access & Season Updates
Join our email list for advance notice of new koi releases and early access to this season’s selection.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Koi Season
Some seasons feel steady and incremental. Others arrive with a little more momentum — where breeding results, Japanese selections and overall variety align particularly well.
This year feels like one of those seasons.
We’re looking forward to presenting the koi to you — and even more so, to seeing how they develop in your ponds over the months and years ahead.
The first releases of the 2026 season will be announced soon.
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Adam
Byer Koi Farm
