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NATIONAL KOI DAY

4 min. read
July 7, 2026

NATIONAL KOI DAY

Today is July 7 and National Koi Day on the National Day Calendar and we are honoring the Koi fish today! Join us as we learn about the colorful Koi fish and celebrate the life of Hanako, the world's oldest Koi fish.

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National Koi Day celebrates the Japanese Koi fish and brings attention to the exotic beauty of the fish. As a symbol of courage, patience, perseverance, and strength, the Koi fish has been celebrated in the Japanese culture for centuries.

The word "koi" comes from nishiki-goi, which means colored carp. Some say the translation also means "love." Either way, the Koi fish is a variety of Amur carp specifically bred for water gardens. Historically, records indicate breeding began in Niiggata, Japan, around the 19th century. Today, identification of the Koi fish depends on the hues and patterns of the color of the fish. The most common colors of the Koi fish are white, red, orange, yellow, blue, and black.

Koi fish are highly intelligent fish that also show affection, especially to their owners. They are known to interact with the people around them by displaying patterns of excitement when they "see" people they recognize. In fact, many Koi fish tend to get excited and swim rapidly when their owners are near. Owners can teach their Koi fish to do tricks, like stick their head out of the water during feeding time. However, Koi fish do carry some bacteria that can cause infections in humans. If you are planning to purchase Koi fish, it's important to learn about the fish before you buy.

5 National Koi Day Fish Facts

  1. Koi fish and Goldfish are cousins because they are both decedents of Carp. However, the Goldfish is the older fish species of the two.

  2. The skin of a Koi fish is extremely sensitive, which means they can get sunburn if exposed to sun for long periods of time.

  3. Koi fish love their fruits and vegetables, including watermelon.

  4. The oldest Koi fish in the world lived to be 226 years old. Hanako, or "flower girl" was born during the era of samurai's and shoguns. She was born in 1751 but sadly died July 7, 1977.

  5. In Japanese culture, the color of Koi fish symbolizes a specific value, such as wealth, love, good fortune, and success.

Koi fish are found throughout homes, gardens, and shrines across Japan. In fact, the Koi fish is such an important part of their culture, they often refer to the fish as part of their cultural identity.

What Do the Colors of Koi Fish Mean?

  1. Red Koi represent love and/or passion;

  2. Black Koi represent anger and/or aggression;

  3. White Koi represent good fortune and luck;

  4. Yellow Koi represent wealth;

  5. Orange Koi represent beauty and grace; and

  6. Blue Koi represent adversity and overcoming obstacles.

NATIONAL KOI DAY CELEBRATIONS

  1. Learn the significance Koi fish play in Japanese culture.

  2. Study the different characteristics Koi have.

  3. Visit an area and see Koi fish in their natural habitat.

  4. Watch a video about Koi fish.

  5. Share your Koi fish images and love on social media by tagging #NationalKoiDay.

HISTORY BEHIND NATIONAL KOI DAY

We are not sure who the creator of National Koi Day was, but we do know the July 7 date was chosen as a memorial date for Hanako, the world's oldest Koi fish. Hanako is the oldest documented Koi fish in the world. She was born in 1751 but sadly died July 7, 1977 (7-7-77). Join National Day Calendar each year on July 7 as we celebrate and honor the Koi fish.