Nurtured by the pure streams of Sekikawa Village, Niigata — a brand pork celebrated for its gentle sweetness and clean, characteristic-free flavor.
Sekikawa Village, Iwafune District — located in northern Niigata Prefecture, surrounded by the clear stream of the Ara River and rich nature. In this land, the brand pork ‘Asahi Buta (Asahi Pork)’ with a long history has been nurtured. Since the brand standards establishment in 1983, Asahi Buta Distribution Cooperative has maintained quality as one body for over 40 years. The breed of Asahi Buta is a three-breed cross — Large Yorkshire × Landrace sow crossed with Duroc male. Under an integrated management system from production through to processing and retail, the pigs are carefully fattened over approximately 180 days on a designated dedicated feed. As a farm certified with Niigata Prefecture’s Clean Pork certification, high hygiene standards under the HACCP system are maintained — the stance of safe, reliable pork production is folded. The greatest appeal of Asahi Buta is its elegant flavor. With good fat quality and minimal animal off-odor, the authentic deliciousness of pork can be felt directly. The meat quality is finely-grained with high water retention — moisture does not easily escape even with heat, and a moist, soft texture continues. Furthermore, through the effect of the grain-centered dedicated feed, a subtle sweetness and clean finish is realized. The range of preparations is also varied — thinly sliced for shabu-shabu, the sweetness of the fat dissolves and a plentiful, umami-spreading broth can be enjoyed. Loin meat made into tonkatsu finishes as a specialty with soft meat juices overflowing from within the crispy coating. Even in yakiniku and sauté, a non-gamey, sweet flavor can be fully savored. Available via farm-direct mail order and furusato nozei — please do experience the bounty of Sekikawa Village at your table.
Basic Information
- Name
Asahi Buta - Production Area
Yamaguchi Farm (Sekikawa Village, Iwafune District, Niigata) - Management Body
N/A - Breed / Crossbreeding
Three-breed cross: Female (Large White x Landrace or Landrace x Large White) x Male Duroc - Meat Characteristics
Gentle natural sweetness and zero gaminess from clean mountain environment and plant-based feed; fine-grained texture - Feed Characteristics
Dedicated Asahi Buta compound centered on quality grains and plant-based fats; no animal-derived fat sources - Shipping Age
Not specified - Annual Production
Approx. 5,000 head annually. Shipping age: 180 days; shipping weight: approx. 110 kg. Primary slaughterhouse: Niigata City Meat Center. Primary wholesaler: Watanabe Meat Shop. Designated retailer program in place. - Signature Dish
N/A - Certifications
Trademark: not registered
Brand regulations established: April 1, 1983
Farm HACCP: not applicable
JGAP: not applicable
Designated retailer program in place - Related URLs
Yamaguchi Farm (Official Site)
Sekikawa Village Direct Sales – Asahi Buta - Source
Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.122
Yamaguchi Farm (Official Site)
Sekikawa Village Direct Sales Network
Last updated
6/21/2026