Raised on six grains — a domestic pork overflowing with rich depth and a full, satisfying umami.
Koku Uma (Rich Deliciousness) is a domestic brand pork managed by Ito Ham Yonekyu Holdings Co., Ltd. Raised at designated farms in 11 prefectures and districts nationwide including Hokkaido, Akita, Iwate, Miyagi, Ibaraki, Gunma, Saitama, Shizuoka, Hiroshima, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima — a thorough management system is in place ensuring a certain quality is maintained wherever raised. What becomes the origin of the name is the unique committed feed. An original feed well-balanced blending 6 types of grain — combining starch-rich wheat, barley, and rice with nutritionally excellent corn, milo, and soybeans — is given for rearing. What is drawn out by this grain-centered feed design is the ‘richness (koku)’ and ‘umami’ true to the name. In taste testing by an external testing organization — compared to standard pork, umami components (glutamic acid + aspartic acid) approximately 2.7 times more, richness/mellow components approximately 1.6 times more results reported — the rich flavor is firmly backed up numerically as well. Also, high standards are maintained in quality management — processed at external certification-acquired facilities at 11 locations — traceability from production farm through sales is secured. The quality is also internationally recognized — in the 2025 ITI (International Taste Institute) evaluation, Koku Uma loin received the highest evaluation of 3 stars, belly, shoulder loin, and fillet also acquiring 2 stars. Easy to use in a wide range of preparations from grilling to stir-fry — a specialty where the rich flavor can be enjoyed at the daily table.
Basic Information
- Name
Koku Uma - Production Area
Designated farms in Hokkaido, Akita, Iwate, Miyagi, Ibaraki, Gunma, Saitama, Shizuoka, Hiroshima, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima Prefectures - Management Body
Ito Ham Yonekyu Holdings Co., Ltd. - Breed / Crossbreeding
Three-way cross - Meat Characteristics
Umami components (glutamic acid + aspartic acid) at approximately 2.7 times that of standard pork. Richness and mellow depth components at approximately 1.6 times. - Feed Characteristics
Original designated compound blending six grains: wheat, barley, rice, corn, sorghum (milo), and soybean. Confirmed 2.7x umami compounds and 1.6x richness/mellow compounds versus standard domestic pork. - Shipping Age
approx. 155–190 days - Annual Production
Approx. 480,000 head annually - Signature Dish
Tonteki (pan-seared pork steak) / Meat rolls / Stir-fry / Fried pork - Certifications
N/A - Related URLs
Domestic Pork Koku Uma Special Site — Ito Ham Yonekyu Holdings - Source
Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.215
Domestic Pork Koku Uma Special Site — Ito Ham Yonekyu Holdings
Last updated
6/21/2026