It’s not often something like this comes together.
After months of planning, Ricky Stoddart has finally confirmed that three incredible batches of Dainichi Toyota Tosai are landing in the UK and will be released this Sunday, 9th November at 10am on KoiOnline.co.uk.
This deal has been in the works for some time with Hiroshi at Dainichi Toyota — a breeder Ricky holds in very high regard. Hiroshi’s passion, precision, and consistency in producing koi of exceptional quality are second to none. Now, for the first time, Ricky has managed to put something together that makes these koi truly accessible to enthusiasts in the UK.
These aren’t just any Tosai.
They come from bloodlines that represent the next generation of Dainichi breeding, and they’ll be raised personally by Ricky in the UK at Koi Online’s facilities, using the same systems and approach he’s developed to achieve Japanese-level results.
What’s Being Released
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Showa – Pandora Bloodline
Every Showa in this batch carries Pandora genetics, descended from Dainichi’s groundbreaking project focused on producing koi with outstanding body structure and deep, consistent colour. These are the same bloodlines making waves at Dainichi’s own auctions in Japan. -
Kohaku – Nanako Line
All Kohaku are from a single parent set led by the Nanako female, the most highly regarded Kohaku at Dainichi Toyota. These koi show exceptional bone structure, skin quality, and growth potential. Ricky himself owns a three-year-old Nanoko Kohaku now measuring 70cm — a direct sibling to this batch. -
Hi Utsuri – Pandora Bloodline
The Hi Utsuri also descend from Pandora-blood Showa parents, giving them that strong Dainichi frame and dynamic balance of beni and sumi that develops beautifully over time.
Size: 18–23 cm on arrival
Included: 3 months of professional growing (after quarantine)
Price: £295 each — 2 for £550 — 3 for £750 (mix any varieties)
Availability: 30 of each variety available to buy, with 60 of each released at the selection event
After quarantine, these koi will be raised in one of Ricky’s 3,500-gallon ponds through to spring. Every buyer will then take part in a live selection event, where 60 koi from each variety will be available for choosing — double the number of fish to tickets sold — ensuring plenty of choice for everyone involved. Selection order will be decided by lucky draw to keep things fair.
For the full story and all the background from Ricky’s trip to Dainichi Toyota, watch the livestream below.
Key Details at a Glance
- Release: Sunday, 9 November 2025 – 10:00 AM (UK time)
- Where: KoiOnline.co.uk
- Varieties: Showa (Pandora), Kohaku (Nanako), Hi Utsuri (Pandora)
- Size: 18–23 cm
- Price: £295 each / £550 for 2 / £750 for 3
- Availability: 30 of each variety available to buy, with 60 of each at the selection event
- Includes: 3 months of professional growing by Ricky Stoddart (after quarantine)
- Selection: Live draw event once ready, with double the fish to tickets
This release is a rare opportunity to own koi carrying Pandora and Nanako bloodlines directly from Dainichi Toyota, all of which will be raised under Ricky Stoddart’s personal care here in the UK.