The legend tells of a group of koi swimming upstream in a mighty river, growing stronger with each struggle against the relentless current.

Upon reaching a towering waterfall at the river's end, many koi lost heart, allowing the waters to carry them away. But a determined few refused to surrender. Leaping from the depths, they tried again and again to reach the top.

Their efforts caught the attention of local demons, who mocked them and, out of malice, raised the waterfall even higher.

For a hundred years, the koi persisted. Until, at last, one koi broke through—soaring beyond the cascading waters to reach the summit.

The gods, moved by its unwavering spirit, transformed the koi into a golden dragon—the ultimate symbol of strength, perseverance, and transformation.