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  This is
a case where
a hosta has been known for a number of years under one name but
evidence arises that it was named something else at an earlier
date. That earlier name takes precedence when it comes to plant
names.
From the
Field Guide to Hostas by Mark Zilis (2014), this cultivar was "registered as the cultivar
'On Stage' in 1986 by
Paul Aden...but 'Chōkō
Nishiki' is now recognized as the correct name."
This slow growing sport of
H.
montana (Mount Fuji-type) was originated in
Japan
and registered by
Mark Zilis of Illinois and
The
American Hosta Society in 2012. It is a large size plant about 22 inches
high with a spread of around 48 inches. The leaves medium green
with a yellow medial (center) variegation which has some streaks
in it. They have thick substance and are moderately wavy,
slightly corrugated and dull on top. Pale lavender, tubular
flowers with lighter lavender margins bloom in July.
The registration materials state: "...emerges golden
yellow centered with a green margin that often streaks
into the center, emerges late in spring (2 to 3 weeks
later than forms of H. montana found at lower
elevations...variegated in spring turns green by July
1."
 The foliage on this plant emerges
golden yellow in the center but turns green by mid-summer. It
emerges 2 or 3 weeks later in the spring than forms of H.
montana that come from other areas of Japan. This may help them
to avoid damage by late season frosts like other types from this
species. According to
The Hostapedia by Mark Zilis (2009), "...one of the last cultivars to
emerge in spring, making it less susceptible to frost in
southern growing areas. It has been marketed in the U.S. under
the name 'On
Stage'."
 "Choko
Nishiki Gibōshi "colorful morning sunray hosta" A H. montana
sport discovered in the wild by
Asami. Name derived from
combining the Japanese characters for
Mr. Asama and "ray
(light)." Clear yellow center and green margin. Stable
variegation. Highly valued in Japan. Similar variegated forms
are still being found. When mature it is similar to H. 'On
Stage'..."
 The 2013 Registrations report of The American
Hosta Society stated: "The 2012 report credited "Asami" as the originator of
H. 'On Stage", with a note that 'On Stage' is the same hosta as 'Chōkō Nishiki'.
Originator of 'Chōkō Nishiki' was possibly thought to be Mr. Hisatoyo Asami of
Tokyo, a long-time member of The American Hosta Society. An inquiry to Mr.
Hisatoyo Asami determined that though he purchased the hosta around 1980, he was
not its discoverer or originator. Furthermore, Mr. Asami does not know who named
it."
Mikiko Lockwood in an article on The Hosta Library titled,
A Little About Japanese Hosta Terms defines the term nishiki as brocade (rich-colored woven fabric) i.e.
something colorful and beautiful.
"H. ‘Chōkō Nishiki’ (2012) –
This was registered with the following provenance and
typographic error: Hisatoyo Asami
(ON), Goetmba Nursery (I), M. Zilis, AHS (R). Further
research has disclosed that the provenance should be:
unknown (ON), Gotemba Nursery (I), M. Zilis, AHS (R)."
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