Jewels in the Pond

This is the story of an unusual journey: a 35-kilogram koi is being transported from Japan to Switzerland. The film takes this as an occasion to examine the Japanese tradition of breeding and raising these ornamental fish, a knowledge which is passed on from generation to generation like a precious gift.
It is also an opportunity to study the complex structure of Japanese society, the deeply-rooted sense of solidarity within Japanese families, and the way they view the process of aging.

In addition, the metaphorical significance of the koi – a symbol of strength and nobility in Japan – takes on very special meaning against the background of the dramatic recent events in Fukushima.