Raised on the gifts of root vegetables — a brand pork that Chiba Hokuou is proud of.
Chiba-kensan Imo Buta (Chiba Prefecture Sweet Potato Pork) is produced from the northern Boso Peninsula of Chiba Prefecture through to the Hokuso district — a brand pork raised on a dedicated feed richly incorporating sweet potato and other root vegetables. While corn is primarily used in standard pig farming, this brand pork continues giving starch-rich root vegetables for an average of 70 days before shipment. This time-consuming, labor-intensive rearing makes a major difference to the pork quality. The high-quality starch in the root vegetables slowly transforms into fat within the pig’s body. The result is a fat with a melt-in-the-mouth sweetness and soft texture, and a lean with a firm, satisfying umami and depth of flavor. Minimal off-odor and a clean, refreshing finish are also characteristics — well-received as easy to eat even by those who dislike fat. Furthermore, in this brand, once the pigs reach 100 days of age, antibiotic use in the feed is discontinued — a thoroughgoing stance toward producing pork that consumers can eat with confidence. The commitment to production at only 4 designated farms within the prefecture, and the traceability initiative of publishing production information on the website, are also recognized. This brand pork managed by Asahi Meat Cooperative is not limited to domestic consumption — with export achievements to Hong Kong and Italy. The reliable supply capability of approximately 22,000 head shipped annually and high quality are proof of domestic and international recognition. Chiba-kensan Imo Buta is a brand pork wholeheartedly recommended to those who value trust in the production area and food safety.
Basic Information
- Name
Chiba Imo Buta - Production Area
Four specified farms across northern Boso Peninsula and Hokuso region, Chiba - Management Body
Asahi Meat Cooperative (Asahi City, Chiba) - Breed / Crossbreeding
Not specified - Meat Characteristics
Melting-sweet fat and clean, firm lean umami from tuber-based feed; low gaminess with a clean finish - Feed Characteristics
Dedicated feed rich in sweet potato and other tubers given for an average of 70 days before shipping; antibiotic-free from 100 days of age onward - Shipping Age
Not specified (70-day tuber feed finishing period before shipment) - Annual Production
Approx. 22,000 head annually. Primary slaughterhouse: Chiba Prefecture Meat Corporation. Primary wholesaler: Chubu Shiryo. - Signature Dish
N/A - Certifications
Production managed at designated farms. Production information publicly disclosed on the official website (traceability compliant). Export track record: Hong Kong and Italy. Brand regulations established: July 1, 2008. - Related URLs
Asahi Meat Cooperative (Official Site)
Chiba Imo Buta | Chibaza Pork - Source
Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.99
Asahi Meat Cooperative Official Site
Chibaza Pork
Last updated
6/21/2026