The name "koi" dates back to about 500 B.C. when it was first mentioned and recorded to describe a wild carp presented by King Shoko of Ro to Confucius on the birth of his first son. The Japanese word for carp is "koi". The preferred name in Japan for all single or multicolored carp is Nishikigoi, from the Japanese word "nishiki", used to describe an expensive cloth of many colors imported from India. Nishikigoi are held in such high regard that they are recognized as the national fish of Japan. Japanese Koi are by far the most beautiful and desirable fish to keep in an outdoor water garden, and described as Living Jewels by author Steve Hinkling of the book "Living Jewels of the Orient". The photos, taken on April 1st, 2008, at Ramat Hanadiv Memorial Gardens, are dedicated with love to Hiromi Green, a great artist and a wonderful sensitive person, who is in my eyes a "Living Jewel of the Orient".