Koi at Koko-en garden, Himeji

The breeding of the "brocaded carp" - nishiki-goi, commonly known as koi (鯉) - started in Japan at the beginning of the 19th century and led to the creation of a large variety of colors and patterns.

Many Japanese gardens are priding themselves with their spectacular carps. Photographed here is the pond of the Koko-en garden in Himeji, with a joyful pack of koi.