Some contenders for the Nogyosai title

Well benching has finished (officially) although it seems pretty flexible!

To make a change the weather is glorious for the show, normally you can be sure of rain.

The Kazuto Kohaku I tipped has not come to the show for some reason.  This was harvested at the same time - http://www.niigata-nishikigoi.com/node/562 - and there was little to choose between them, this below slightly larger and better body perhaps.  Ikarashi-san was one of the first to bench his Koi and seemed to have a real spring in his step this morning.

Isa Showa

Hoshikin Kohaku

Dainichi Kohaku

Dainichi Kohaku

Nogami Kohaku, not the one I thought he was bringing.

This is the Nogami Showa you can see here - http://www.niigata-nishikigoi.com/node/567 - that Nogami-san hoped would maybe take best in size.

This Marudo Kohaku is simply sublime, I'm not 100% sure but I think probably in the same size as the Showa above.

Judging starts in 90 minutes, check back this evening for the results.