Need advice on koi carp tattoo...?

[Lame Name Dame]

Hi everyone.
I've wanted for years a Japanese half-sleeve piece and I have chosen the "koi carp going up a waterfall" theme. I want to draw the piece myself and I've read somewhere, in an interview with a Japanese irezumi artist, that usually western artists get it wrong - this piece has to go with a certain flower, because it blooms in the season when carps go up the waterfall - cherry blossoms are a mistake. Unfortunately, he didn't mention the flower!
Which is correct? I don't want to go under the needle until I'm 100% positive I've got it right.

[tatt_bratt]

Japanese maple leaves or lotus flowers.