The pride of Miyagi Prefecture — a phantom marbled brand pork born of seven generations of careful refinement.
Shimofuri Red is a Duroc breed line pig developed over 8 years by Miyagi Prefecture’s Livestock Experiment Station. Honed through 7 generations of selective breeding in pursuit of peak marbling and umami, it has a loin fat content approximately 1% higher than that of standard Duroc — with a characteristic fine marbling of sashi spread throughout. The meat quality, combining both tenderness and elasticity, delivers a deepening, spreading umami with every chew. Rich in oleic acid — the unsaturated fatty acid also found abundantly in olive oil — the fat dissolves smoothly in the mouth, with a satisfying richness yet a clean, elegant aftertaste. Raised only at designated farms within Miyagi Prefecture, the difficulty of production means the output is less than 1% of the prefecture’s total commercial pigs — an exceptionally rare existence. Its delicate characteristics make large-scale production difficult, and even today, a small number of designated farms continue to raise this pig with devoted care. Raised patiently for approximately 180 days before shipping, the pork is then distributed to a limited number of retailers via Miyagi Prefecture Meat Distribution Corporation and Sendai Meat Market. Annual shipments number only around 1,100 head — a brand so difficult to obtain it is called a phantom pork. Its rarity means even restaurants and specialty meat retailers within Miyagi Prefecture carry it only in limited quantities — when the chance encounter comes, do not miss it. Please do savor this Miyagi treasure — honed through years of breed improvement in pursuit of supreme marbling — at least once. The deep umami crafted by the exquisite marbling and the sweetness of the fat will fill your mouth with richness in every single bite.
Basic Information
- Name
Shimofuri Red - Production Area
Miyagi Prefecture - Management Body
Shimofuri Red Brand Promotion Council - Breed / Crossbreeding
Duroc (purebred lineage pig) - Meat Characteristics
Finely marbled lean with springy texture and excellent elasticity. Rich in oleic acid for a smooth, refined fat melt and clean aftertaste. - Feed Characteristics
Not specified - Shipping Age
Approx. 180 days - Annual Production
Approx. 1,100 head/year - Signature Dish
Kushiyaki (skewered grilled pork) / Gyoza - Certifications
Trademark registered: June 20, 2003 - Related URLs
Shimofuri Red Lineage Pig | Miyagi Prefecture Official - Source
Brand Pork Guidebook 2026 p.39
Miyagi Prefecture Official Site
Last updated
June 21, 2026