A phantom marbled pork with marbling as rich as wagyu beef — from Kashiwa City, Chiba.
Kashiwa Genso Pork (Kashiwa Phantom Frost Pork), raised by Sozaemon Co., Ltd. at their farm in Tega, Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture, is an extremely rare pork with beef-like sashi (marbling) entering the lean — extraordinary even for pork. True to its name — frost as though from a phantom — the meat quality has captivated many gourmands. The commitment in rearing lies in the feed. A self-formulated feed combining bread crusts, corn, soybean meal, feed rice, and beer lees is handmade daily and given, with absolutely no antibiotics used. The rearing period extends to 210–240 days of age — approximately 2 months longer than standard pigs — with patient, time-taking rearing producing finely-grained, delicately-textured meat quality. The meat quality is characterized by fine sashi distributed uniformly in the beautiful pale grayish-pink lean, with a moist texture and juicy umami. The fat has a subtle sweetness and no off-odor — well-received as easy to eat even for those who dislike pork. The fat — rich in oleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid — is low in cholesterol, and the health-friendly aspect is also not to be overlooked. The culinary applications are broad — in thinly-sliced shabu-shabu and yakiniku, the elegant sweet fat umami can be savored to the fullest. Simple preparations that let the ingredient shine particularly suit it — roast pork from loin or shoulder loin, or braised belly pork. Sozaemon also manufactures processed products including prosciutto and salsiccio — the appeal of this pork can be enjoyed in various forms. Also handled at department stores such as Takashimaya — a specialty also welcomed as a gift.
Basic Information
- Name
Kashiwa Genso Pork - Production Area
Sozaemon Co., Ltd. (Tega, Kashiwa City, Chiba) - Management Body
N/A - Breed / Crossbreeding
Not specified (proprietary breeding) - Meat Characteristics
Fine, uniform beef-like marbling throughout pale lean meat; moist texture with juicy umami; subtly sweet fat with zero gaminess; rich in oleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid - Feed Characteristics
Hand-crafted self-blended feed made fresh daily: bread crusts, corn, soybean meal, feed rice, and brewer’s spent grain; completely antibiotic-free - Shipping Age
210-240 days - Annual Production
Approx. 900 head annually. Primary wholesaler: Ito Ham. Primary slaughterhouse: Toride Meat Center. - Signature Dish
N/A - Certifications
Trademark registration: September 16, 2011. Brand regulations established: September 16, 2014. - Related URLs
Sozaemon Official Online Shop - Source
Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.96
Sozaemon Official Online Shop
Last updated
6/21/2026