North & South America Koi Chapters — Events & Associations 2026
North & South America Koi Chapters Overview
North & South America Koi Chapters showcase the remarkable growth of Nishikigoi appreciation
throughout the Western Hemisphere. From the Pacific Northwest to Puerto Rico, koi enthusiasts maintain a strong
connection to Zen Nippon Arinkai (ZNA) principles of excellence, ethics and friendship.
These chapters form part of the broader America Koi Agenda 2026, highlighting koi events,
associations and cultural exchanges across the continent.
For questions or collaboration, please visit Vraag het Shikibu.
Koi History in the Americas
Koi were first introduced to the United States and Latin America during the mid-20th century, following post-war
trade with Japan. Hobbyists soon gathered into local clubs, many of which later joined the Zen Nippon Arinkai
network to align with international judging standards.
The American chapters brought scientific precision and hospitality to the hobby, combining Japanese aesthetics with
Western innovation. Today, koi clubs from California to the Caribbean maintain strong ties to Japan, continuing
to educate, compete and connect new generations of keepers.
The following overview presents leading koi associations and friendship clubs across the Americas.
Each contributes to the unity of the global koi community by promoting responsible keeping,
regional shows, and inter-chapter cooperation.
North & South America Koi Chapters
U.S. District Chairman
Mr. Duc Nguyen - Mail verzenden
Mr. Nguyen coordinates Zen Nippon Arinkai America (ZNA-A) activity across North America,
offering leadership, event guidance and communication between regional chapters and Japan HQ.
Northwest Koi & Goldfish Club
Mrs. Pat Christensen - Mail verzenden
https://www.nwkg.org
Based in Oregon, the Northwest Koi & Goldfish Club hosts one of the longest-running koi shows
in the United States and emphasizes education on pond ecology and koi health. It welcomes both koi and goldfish
enthusiasts, fostering inclusivity within the broader aquatic hobby.
Potomac Koi Club
Mr. Jim North - Mail verzenden
http://www.znapotomac.org
Located in the Washington D.C. area, the Potomac Koi Club promotes friendship and education
through seasonal koi shows, pond tours and workshops for new keepers. It is an active ZNA chapter maintaining
ties with Japan’s judging community.
Moto-Kara Koikai Chapter
Mr. David Waller - Mail verzenden
De Moto-Kara Koikai Chapter upholds traditional Japanese koi appreciation in the American context,
emphasizing grooming and conformation education for show preparation.
Northern Midwest Chapter
Mr. Richard Thomas - Mail verzenden
http://www.nmzna.net
Representing koi keepers from Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota, the Northern Midwest Chapter
organizes the region’s ZNA shows and educational meetings on koi health, filtration and climate adaptation.
Southern Koi Chapter
Mr. Richard Porter - Mail verzenden
http://www.znaska.org
Covering the southern United States, this chapter fosters community across Texas, Louisiana and nearby states.
It focuses on koi health during hot summers and promotes responsible water management.
Northern California Chapter
President: Bao Nguyen - Mail verzenden
De Northern California Chapter stands among the oldest on the West Coast and hosts
annual ZNA-sanctioned koi shows that attract visitors from across the Pacific.
Tri-State ZNA Chapter
Mr. Gerry McGovern - Mail verzenden
https://www.tristatezna.com
De Tri-State Chapter, spanning New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, builds bridges between
East Coast collectors and Japan. It frequently hosts judge training and cross-chapter social events.
Carolina ZNA Chapter
Dr. Jason Guevara, MD - Mail verzenden
De Carolina Chapter promotes koi appreciation across North and South Carolina,
encouraging new generations of hobbyists through open pond tours and youth competitions.
Friendship Clubs
North Idaho Koi Keepers
Mr. Gene Anderson - Mail verzenden
South Idaho Friendship Club
Mr. Sot Chimonas - Mail verzenden
Puerto Rico Friendship Club
Ms. Wanda Santiago - Mail verzenden
Rocky Mountain Chapter
Ms. Barbara Flowers - Mail verzenden
America Koi Culture & Agenda 2026
De North South America Koi Chapters are part of the wider America Koi Culture
network, guiding koi appreciation into 2026 with international collaboration and renewed community spirit.
Shared Values and Outlook
Across the Americas, koi associations and friendship clubs work together in the same cooperative spirit
that unites koi keepers worldwide. Education, mentorship and ethical fish care remain central themes.
From the Pacific to the Atlantic, koi bring together people of all backgrounds in a shared pursuit of peace
and perfection.
As part of the America Koi Agenda 2026, these chapters continue to strengthen cultural exchange
with Asia, ensuring that koi appreciation remains a global dialogue built on respect and friendship.
🌊 Klaar om meer te ontdekken?
Visit het Koi-archief of
Vraag het Shikibu -
or click [wpbot-click-chat text=”Ask Shikibu”]. to discover koi events,
associations and friendship clubs across the Americas for 2026 and beyond.
Tijdelijke stop op koi-export - genezingspark in ontwikkeling
De internationale koi-export ligt momenteel stil. Ondertussen leggen we de basis voor een natuurgedreven genezingspark in Goyang dat koicultuur, kunst en stil vakmanschap mengt. Voor updates of samenwerking, neem gerust contact op.
Neem contact op met Kim Young SooPart of the Koi Dictionary
This page belongs to the Mantifang Koi woordenboek, a growing index of koi varieties, patterns, colours, care terms, pond knowledge, and the wider world of Nishikigoi.
Continue with the main Koi Dictionary Index, where the koi terms are gathered into one clear overview. For the broader world of koi keeping, visit the KoiTalk hub.
New to Mantifang? Begin here: Begin hier.
