Our First Sighting

As we passed by a small pond in the middle of the garden our guide paused for a moment admiring his prize koi. All the sudden out of nowhere came these beautiful red and white fish dancing all around with big beautiful flashing fantails. Looking up at us, as if to say: {We are the true show fish in this pond not them}. Our Japanese host said they are called Wakins. (Wah-Keens)  We asked him what that meant in English? He laughed and said  "Japanese Goldfish". Later that day we asked him what else he could tell us. All he said was they were his Oak-sans (wife's) pride and joy and must stay if he wanted to keep the peace.

When we returned home I could not stop thinking about how beautiful these fish really were and was determined to find any information on them I could. After months of research hundreds of letters, emails, phone calls, fish books, and all other resources I could find. I put together this information, whether it is true or not only you can be the judge.

Most American owners call them (wah-kin) or (wah-kin's), if they are lucky enough to own their own school. Most of the breeders and dealers if you can find one pronounce them by the Japanese name (wa-keen) sounds funny to us but they have been calling them that for more years then we been around. The Wakin is the most common, least expensive goldfish found in Japan. We call this fish a "Japanese Wakin" to inform buyers and collectors where they come from but  actually it is redundant, since "wakin" in Japanese literally means "Japanese Goldfish". It is basically Japan's equivalent to our comet here in the US. 

Even though this breed is the same species as the common goldfish, it is quite different in appearance.  The double caudal (tail) fin is just one characteristic that makes the wakin so unique and especially beautiful when viewed from above in a pond setting.  The wakin is ideally suited for fish ponds.  It is a very hardy.  My  importer, says that wakin's are the healthiest of all the fish he deals with. They arrive in great condition looking no worse for wear after the long trip compared to the more expensive less hardy fancy goldfish.  Our experience has also been very good...it is very easy to maintain these fish.  Any size pond can successfully accommodate theirs fish, unlike koi which do best in larger deep ponds.  

It's a rather odd looking fish when viewed from its side, having a deep rounded body, but from above these fish are gorgeous with their long body and fantail.  This makes them perfect for ponds where fish are predominantly viewed from above. Like the koi, the wakin looks it's best when viewed from above.

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