A three-way cross of Kanagawa’s breed line and Duroc — a smiling masterpiece that has earned the Agriculture Minister’s Award.
Egao ga Ichiban Iijima Pork (Smiles Come First — Iijima Pork), born in Zama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a committed brand pork inheriting the blood of lineage pigs uniquely developed by Kanagawa Prefecture. Production is handled by Tadaharu Iijima of Zama City Pork Direct Sales Division. The wish to ‘make consumers smile’ with an integrated vision from farm to table is embedded in this brand name. The defining feature is the three-breed cross pig — using Kanagawa Prefecture Livestock Technology Center-developed lineage pigs ‘Kanagawa York’ and ‘Yumekanaeru’ as the sow base, crossed with Duroc male improved by Iijima himself. Kanagawa York is a Large Yorkshire lineage pig outstanding in growth and meat productivity; Yumekanaeru is a Landrace lineage pig excelling in reproductive capacity and hardiness. The addition of the rich-lean-umami Duroc creates a fragrant, juicy flavor. The feed adopts self-blending, with ingredient composition managed according to the pig’s condition and growth stage. Shipping is at approximately 180 days of age and approximately 120 kg — delivered to Kanagawa Meat Center. Despite an annual production scale of 2,000 head, devoted rearing that places quality above all is consistently maintained. Beyond fresh cuts, the ‘Tonzuke’ — pork marinated in a proprietary blended miso — is famous as a specialty. This flavor — winner of the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award — can be enjoyed as a fragrant grilled side dish with rice, or as a sandwich filling in various ways. Available for direct purchase at Sagami Cooperative direct sales outlets — please do taste this Kanagawa-born pork.
Basic Information
- Name
Egao ga Ichiban Iijima Pork - Production Area
Tadaharu Iijima – Zama City Direct Pork Sales Division (Zama City, Kanagawa) - Management Body
N/A - Breed / Crossbreeding
Three-breed cross: Female (Landrace x Large White) x Male Duroc (Kanagawa Prefecture original breeding line) - Meat Characteristics
Consistent, exceptional meat quality from producer-managed self-blended feed; fine texture with the balanced flavor of Kanagawa’s original breeding line - Feed Characteristics
Self-blended feed with ingredient selection and proportions managed entirely by the producer; adjusted daily by growth stage and individual condition - Shipping Age
Not specified - Annual Production
2,000 head annually - Signature Dish
N/A - Certifications
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award recipient - Related URLs
Iijima Farm | Kanagawa Prefecture Pig Farmers Association - Source
Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.107
Kanagawa Pig Farmers Assoc. – Iijima Farm Page
Kanagawa Livestock Technology Center
Last updated
6/21/2026