Nurtured on domestic feed rice and stevia — Higata Tsubaki Pork, the cherished pride of Asahi City, Chiba.
Higata Tsubaki Pork, produced primarily in Asahi City, Chiba Prefecture, is one of the brand porks representing Chiba Prefecture, managed by Sanchoku Pork Chiba Co., Ltd. The name combining ‘Higata’ (the place name of Higata) and ‘Tsubaki’ (camellia — Chiba Prefecture’s prefectural flower) carries pride in the region and affection for pork production. The defining feature of this brand pork is the use of a grain-centered feed incorporating 5% domestically-grown feed rice. Furthermore, by adding Stevia extract — known as a natural sweetener — to the feed, the pigs are said to be able to be raised healthily while reducing stress. By giving this special feed during the finishing stage of fattening, rearing management that draws out umami while suppressing excess fat is thoroughly practiced. The resulting pork is appealing for its finely-grained meat — moderate elasticity and high water retention felt with every chew. Juicy yet without cloyingness, it is finished as a pork that can enjoy the elegant, authentic flavor of the ingredient. Widely applicable to preparations including tonkatsu, shabu-shabu, and ginger pork stir-fry — outstanding compatibility with preparations that draw out the quality of the ingredient. The breed is a three-breed cross — (Landrace female × Large Yorkshire male) × Duroc male — raised over a full 180 days with devoted care. Slaughter is carried out at Chiba Prefecture Meat Corporation, with approximately 30,000 head delivered to the market annually. Trademark registered in 2006, with Farm HACCP also obtained in 2015 — the sincere approach to food safety is also recognized.
Basic Information
- Name
Higata Tsubaki Pork - Production Area
Farms in Asahi City, Chiba - Management Body
Sanchoku Pork Chiba Co., Ltd. - Breed / Crossbreeding
Three-breed cross: Female (Landrace x Large White) x Male Duroc - Meat Characteristics
Fine-grained texture with pleasant elasticity and high water-holding capacity; juicy yet never heavy with an elegantly clean flavor - Feed Characteristics
Grain-based compound feed with 5% domestic feed rice and stevia extract added during the finishing period - Shipping Age
180 days - Annual Production
Approx. 30,000 head annually. Primary wholesaler: JA Zen-Noh Meat Foods. Available at ‘Odoya’ supermarket stores throughout Chiba Prefecture. - Signature Dish
N/A - Certifications
Trademark registration: 2006
Farm HACCP certified: January 30, 2015
Designated retailer program in place - Related URLs
Higata Tsubaki Pork | Chibaza Pork - Source
Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.102
Chibaza Pork Official Site
Last updated
6/21/2026