The Showa is the last of the big three. Like sanke and Kohaku, this variety is very popular. Showa have much more sumi in their pattern than Sanke and are very imposing.

Colours
Although Showa, like Sanke are three coloured koi, they differ from Sanke in that they are predominantly black koi with red and white markings. As with both Sanke and Kohaku the depth and uniformity of colour are very important, and the white should be the colour of snow.

Patterns
The most obvious difference between a Showa and a Sanke, is the sumi head markings on a Showa. Sumi should also appear in the joints of the pectoral fins.

Head
The sumi head markings of the Showa is one of the most important features. The two most common head patterns occur where either the sumi divides the hi on the head in two, or the sumi draws a V-shape behind the head, with another sumi marking on the nose.

Body
A bright, well-defined pattern over the body of the Showa is very important. Balance in colour is again the key factor in the pattern of a Showa.

Hi Showa: This is a predominantly red Showa, with straight hi markings from nose to tail.
Kindai Showa: This Showa has a predominantly white pattern.
Boke Showa: The sumi of the Showa is blurred and indistinct, more grey than black.

Tail
The pattern again should not extend into the tail. a white tail gives a clean finish.

Fins
Sumi should be found in the base of the pectoral fin and should be the same on both sides.