An Amami native black pig preserved and raised in the land of Miyagi — a phantom of exquisite purity, with snow-white fat and a sweetness that lingers.
Maboroshi no Shimabuta (‘The Phantom Island Pig’) is an exceptionally rare brand pork that carries the blood of ‘Shimabuta’ — a native black pig that has been kept on Amami Oshima since ancient times. Its origins trace back to a Chinese-lineage small-eared black breed, once known in Okinawa as Agu and in Amami as Kishiuwa (Kise Pig) — a small, all-black pig. After rapid hybridization with improved breeds following World War II, pure Shimabuta were thought to be nearly extinct, but in 1975, a conservation effort led by Toshitaro Ki and others from Amami Oshima marked the beginning of serious efforts to preserve the native breed. Subsequently inherited as a rare breed under Professor Kazushige Tanaka of Tokyo University of Agriculture, the bloodline is now maintained in Tome City, Miyagi Prefecture, by Kubo Chikusan Co., Ltd. The rearing period is 300 days — approximately twice that of standard white pigs — with each animal raised slowly and with devoted care. The feed uses non-GMO grains before the growing stage, and from the growing stage onward, feed free of antimicrobial agents — reflecting the producer’s strong and consistent commitment to safety throughout all aspects of rearing. The meat quality is finely-grained and tender, and the most striking appeal is the brilliant white fat with its elegant, pronounced sweetness. Richer in Vitamin B1 and glutamic acid than white pigs, the umami is deep, and the low-melting-point fat creates a smooth mouthfeel. Due to its rarity, distribution is extremely limited — and the very opportunity of encountering it is itself a special experience, truly worthy of the name ‘phantom.’ A pork to be savored in preparations that allow the authentic umami of the ingredient to come through directly — shabu-shabu and yakiniku.
Basic Information
- Name
Maboroshi no Shimabuta - Production Area
Tome City, Miyagi - Management Body
Kubo Livestock Co., Ltd. - Breed / Crossbreeding
Shimabuta (heritage breed) - Meat Characteristics
Finely grained, tender lean with pure white, sweetly flavored fat. Rich in vitamin B1 and glutamic acid for outstanding natural umami. - Feed Characteristics
Non-GMO grain during growth phase; antibiotic-free feed from the growing stage onward. - Shipping Age
300 days - Annual Production
Not specified - Signature Dish
Not specified - Certifications
Trademark registered: November 10, 2009 - Related URLs
Meat Shop Uchino | Maboroshi no Shimabuta - Source
Brand Pork Guidebook 2026 p.41
Meat Shop Uchino
Last updated
June 21, 2026