Description on the reverse of the greeting card it is said that a koi carp swims up rivers and climbs waterfalls with bravery not unlike a samurai warrior the japanese associate koi carps with perseverance in adversity strength of purpose and determination to overcome obstacles thus representing courage and the ability to attain high goals it is also regarded as a symbol of good fortune depicted here swimming under a pine tree both japanese and chinese regard the evergreen pine as a symb