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The koi fish in Japanese folklore represents the overcoming of obstacles, because the koi fish travels up the yellow river and when it comes to the end of the river it transforms into the dragon; thus overcoming the adversity represented by the strong river to fufill its own destiny.
The Legend of the Rainbow River (also known as The Yellow River)
Japanese legend has it that every year thousands of Koi, a courageous, strong, and dedicated fish, make a perilous and difficult journey up the Rainbow (or Dragon) river.
Out of perhaps a million Koi, only once in many years, one Koi is dedicated and strong enough to swim all the way to the head of the river, known as "The Dragon Gate" (or "The Rainbow Gate") and leap from the water.
He is transformed into a dragon.
According to Chinese Folklore there is an ancient tale of the nine holy Koi, who's quest was to endure the long arduous journey to Dragon Gate to make the magical transformation to become Dragon protectors of the Emperor. These nine Koi began their journey in a small stream close to the Emperors palace where they played as young Koi. At a very early age the Emperors daughter would swim with the Koi in the stream and they would share tales of their childhood journeys and their dreams of the future of China. So compelling were the tales that the princess created that the Koi became totally devoted to her, agreeing between them all, to ensure that her childhood dreams would reach fruition when she became older. As the Koi grew stronger and wiser they heard of the mystical powers of Dragon Gate and dreamed of one day making the journey along Yellow River to become Dragons in their quest to protect the Empire. The Koi elders would tell tales of the dangerous journey along Yellow River and the tremendous strength that Koi would need to endure the climb to Dragon Gate swimming against the strongest of known currents and jumping the most powerful of any known waterfall. The nine Warrior Koi Fish began their hard rigorous training without delay so that they may one day make the journey to Dragon Gate. The legend records that on the third moon of each year, the Koi that had successfully made the journey to Dragons Gate, had their heads burned off by lightning as they leaped over the rapids, the Kois head was replaced by that of a dragon's and then their bodies took the full form of the mighty Dragon. The nine warrior Koi listened intently to the elders' tales, their emotions were a mixture of fear and excitement, the passion for their collective ambition drove them to one day, make the journey to Dragons Gate. The names of the nine Koi were Akihito, Naruhito, Noryuki, Jakehiro, Michiko, Eko, Etsuko, Juri and Ikumi and they were 5 girls and 4 boys, equal in strength, determination and intelligence but very different in character. Each koi had its own distenctive marking which allowed the Princess to give them each a name.
Akihito, was a male Koi and probably the most dominant of the warriors
Naruhito, was a male Koi very sympathetic in nature but strong minded nonetheless
Noryuki, was a male Koi, the wildest of the bunch
Jakehiro, was a male Koi, the maverick
Michiko, was a female Koi, very wise with great leadership instinct
Eko, was a female Koi, independent in every way even with an injured tail fin
Etsuko, also a female Koi, the youngest and most energetic of the warriors
Juri, a female Koi and the oldest warrior, the great councillor
Ikumi, probably the prettiest of the Koi, beware this warriors beauty !
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