Carrying the DNA of the Ryukyu native breed — a brand pork of which Okinawa is immensely proud.
Agu is a brand pork meat tracing lineage to ‘Aguu’ — a Ryukyu indigenous pig variety brought to the Ryukyu Kingdom from China approximately 600 years ago. Once driven nearly to extinction in the post-war turmoil — revived in modern times through the steady efforts of producers wishing for its revival — now receiving high evaluation as a representative brand pork of Okinawa. The definition of ‘agu’ is a meat pig crossing male Ryukyu indigenous Aguu (DNA-proven by the Livestock Improvement Association) with female Landrace × Large Yorkshire cross (LW) — with the breeding boar limited to those certified by JA Okinawa Brand Pork Promotion Council. Whereas standard pigs are shipped at approximately 180–210 days of age — agu is raised slowly to approximately 240 days — umami is slowly concentrated. The defining characteristic of the meat quality is the richness of umami components such as glutamic acid — said to be approximately 3 times more than standard pork. Also, fine marbling enters throughout the body unique to indigenous pigs — the fat has sweetness and richness. The low cholesterol value of the fat being healthy is also one of the reasons supported by many consumers. As eating methods — shabu-shabu and rafute (Okinawan braised pork belly) are particularly famous — the softness of the meat quality and the deliciousness of the sweet fat can be fully enjoyed. Production is handled by certified farms within Okinawa Prefecture — produced under a strict management system where only pork meeting quality standards receives certified seal and certificate. Since JA Okinawa obtained trademark rights in December 1996 — continuing as a proud pork brand for Okinawa Prefecture residents.
Basic Information
- Name
Agu - Production Area
Certified designated farms within Okinawa Prefecture - Management Body
JA Okinawa Branded Pork Promotion Council - Breed / Crossbreeding
Male Ryukyu native breed Agu × Female Landrace/Large White cross (LW) - Meat Characteristics
Umami components including glutamic acid at approximately 3 times that of standard pork. A beautiful fine marbling characteristic of native breed pigs, with a fat of natural sweetness and richness. Low in cholesterol — a genuinely healthy choice. - Feed Characteristics
Feed varies by each member brand of the JA Okinawa Branded Pork Promotion Council. Please refer to each individual brand for specific feed details. - Shipping Age
240 days - Annual Production
Approx. 31,769 head annually - Signature Dish
Shabu-shabu / Rafute (Okinawan-style braised pork belly) - Certifications
N/A - Related URLs
Okinawa Brand Pork Agu — Agu Supporters Association (Official Website)
Agu Pork — JA Okinawa - Source
Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.211
Okinawa Brand Pork Agu — Agu Supporters Association (JA Okinawa Branded Pork Promotion Council) Official Website
Agu Pork — JA Okinawa
Last updated
6/21/2026