Award-winning reference photos
Identity
Asagi should show a clean blue net-like scale pattern on the back, often with red or orange on the cheeks, sides, belly, and fins. The impression is quieter than Gosanke, but it can be very refined.
| Feature | Good sign | Common problem |
|---|---|---|
| Head | Clean, light head without excessive dark staining. | A smoky or dirty head can make the fish look old or rough. |
| Reticulation | Even blue-gray net pattern with consistent scale edges. | Muddy, uneven, or broken reticulation. |
| Hi placement | Red/orange supports the sides, cheeks, belly, and fins without climbing too high. | Too much red overwhelming the blue back. |
| Body | Calm refined impression with a straight frame and good volume. | Buying only for color while ignoring weak body shape. |
Four named Asagi variations
These names describe recognizable expressions within the Asagi family. They do not replace the main checks for body, head cleanliness, even reticulation, and balanced hi.
| Variation | Identification cue | Do not confuse it with |
|---|---|---|
| Gunjo Asagi | Clear, deeper indigo-blue body color. | Aka Matsuba, Ki Matsuba, and Kigoi have historical links to Gunjo Asagi lines but are entered in the Mujimono class rather than Asagi. |
| Narumi Asagi | Each scale shows a darker indigo center surrounded by paler blue, creating a distinct two-tone scale structure. | Ordinary uneven or muddy reticulation lacks the deliberate center-and-surround pattern. |
| Taki Asagi | A white line separates the blue ground from the red hi markings. | Do not label every pale edge as Taki; the separating white band should be readable between blue and red. |
| Mizu Asagi | Pale, light-blue body color; it is also called Akebi Asagi. | Its lighter tone is a subtype cue, but skin clarity and scale order still matter. |
Variation definitions follow the Zen Nippon Airinkai Asagi reference.
Shusui relationship
Shusui is the Doitsu, or scaleless, relative of Asagi. Instead of full reticulation, Shusui often shows a line of large mirror scales along the back.
Beginner note
- Look for a clean head without too much dark staining.
- Reticulation should look even rather than muddy.
- Red should support the body line without overwhelming the blue impression.