Exceptionally abundant marbling — a Saitama brand pork celebrated for a sweetness that melts in the mouth and lingers long after.
Bushu Sashi-ton (Bushu Marbled Pork), produced by Aihara Livestock Co., Ltd. in Kounosu City, Saitama Prefecture, is a brand pork whose name embodies the remarkably abundant sashi (marbling) — rare in pork. Compared to standard pork, the sashi is immeasurably greater — the cross-section of red and white beautifully harmonized is reminiscent of premium beef. When tasted, the fat melts as if dissolving — sweetness and softness spreading simultaneously. The clean, refreshing finish is unrelated to the cloyingness characteristic of pork, and chopsticks naturally reach for another bite. One secret producing this abundant sashi is the dedicated compound feed ‘Big Marble Fattening Pork M.’ Giving this feed designed for easy sashi formation draws out the fineness of fat marbling. Furthermore, Bushu Sashi-ton contains more unsaturated fatty acids than standard pork — particularly oleic acid in abundance. Oleic acid is said to lower bad cholesterol, underpinning the sweetness and approachability of the fat. Precisely because the fat is delicious, the melt-in-the-mouth texture and lingering flavor are realized. The breed is a three-breed cross — Landrace × Large Yorkshire sows with Duroc male. Duroc is known as a breed with easy marbling, bringing abundant fat marbling and a high-water-retention meat quality. Shipped at 180 days of age and approximately 115 kg — fully matured before shipment. 2,000 head annually distributed through designated retailers, with the trademark registered in 2007. Particularly suited to preparations that allow the umami of the fat to be savored, such as shabu-shabu and yakiniku.
Basic Information
- Name
Bushu Sashi-ton - Production Area
Aihara Chikusan Co., Ltd. (Konosu City, Saitama) - Management Body
N/A - Breed / Crossbreeding
Three-breed cross: Female (Landrace x Large White) x Male Duroc - Meat Characteristics
Exceptionally high intramuscular fat with fine beef-like marbling; rich in oleic acid — fat that melts sweetly with a clean, non-greasy finish - Feed Characteristics
Dedicated marbling feed Big Marble Nikubuta-yo M, designed to promote intramuscular fat infiltration - Shipping Age
180 days / approx. 115 kg - Annual Production
Approx. 2,000 head annually. Designated retailer program in place. - Signature Dish
N/A - Certifications
Trademark registration: March 9, 2007
Farm HACCP: not applicable
Export interest: yes - Related URLs
Saitama Prefecture Official – Mail-Order Pork Guide
Saitama Prefectural Livestock Association
Kobayashi Chikusan Co., Ltd. (Distributor) - Source
Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.92
Buta Trace Pig Traceability System
Saitama Prefecture Official – Mail-Order Pork Guide
Saitama Prefectural Livestock Association
Kobayashi Chikusan Co., Ltd.
Last updated
6/21/2026