Mr. Akira Naitoh is devoted to Ranchu for about 50 years.

Mr. Naitoh was an executive board member of the All Japan Ranchu Association and served as the chairman of the Kinkyu-Kai, a big Ranchu club in Hamamatsu city, for 13 years. He is one of the most revered men in the Ranchu industry.

"Ranchu Hobby (Raising Ranchu as a hobby) is difficult, but the more difficult it gets, the more interesting it becomes." he says.

He also mentions "The crossing of Ozaki Ranchu and Ozeki Ranchu can not be of the same quality as a pure Ozeki Ranchu.". and that's why it is essential to have a crossing of two defining Oya Ranchu.

The quality of Ranchu depends on its Oya Ranchu, so breeders have to be very strict when selecting the Oya Ranchu.

Mr. Naitoh is now devoted to breeding goldfish by himself after he retired from being the executive board member of All Japan Ranchu Association and the chairman of the Kinkyu-Kai.

"Ranchu is an aquarium fish. To have it in your hand, turn it around, and look for anything
wrong is not the right way to enjoy Ranchu. You have to appreciate aquarium fish by
looking at their beauty as they swim." Mr. Naitoh said.

Please come and take a look at Lion Head and the Hamamatsu Ranchu's beautiful swimming at least once.


Dec. 2007 interview at NAITOH's farm