rockm
Spuds Moyogi
I find that extremely hard to believe. I have no idea of the intricacies involved with Koi market economics, but from what I can see, there are huge sums exchanging hands for fish sold by Japanese dealers. I wouldn't want anyone to muscle in if I were on the receiving end of that.
To me, it looks a lot like a monopoly protecting its market. No monopoly is sound (and in a market where stratospheric values are placed on such things as fish with the "correct" coloring fin placement, etc things are extremely shaky--see "Dutch Tulip Mania"), despite the rhetoric that's produced by the monopoly. Making others feel inferior, unable to compete or limiting access are tried and true monopolistic tactics.
The Japanese have a vested interest in keeping the smoke and mirrors in place and keeping others out...
To me, it looks a lot like a monopoly protecting its market. No monopoly is sound (and in a market where stratospheric values are placed on such things as fish with the "correct" coloring fin placement, etc things are extremely shaky--see "Dutch Tulip Mania"), despite the rhetoric that's produced by the monopoly. Making others feel inferior, unable to compete or limiting access are tried and true monopolistic tactics.
The Japanese have a vested interest in keeping the smoke and mirrors in place and keeping others out...