The pride of Yamagata — a brand pork nurtured by local rice and a circular farming system rooted in the land.
Maimai Ton (Dancing Rice Pig), born in Yamanobe Town, Higashine District, Yamagata Prefecture, is a brand pork raised slowly on a special feed incorporating 12% locally-grown feed rice ‘Fukuhibiki.’ The name was chosen by public contest in 2008 — inspired by the concept of pigs so happy eating rice they dance, and expressing respect for the traditional dance ‘Agasuke’ passed down in Yamanobe Town. The first shipment followed in 2009, and the brand has continued as a community-rooted brand created through the unity of Yamanobe Town’s rice farmers, the agricultural cooperative, and producers. Yamagata Pig Farm Co., Ltd. manages production using a three-breed cross of Landrace × Large Yorkshire female with Duroc male — handling everything from breeding pig selection through rearing independently. Given ample pure subterranean water from the Gassan mountain system and raised slowly to approximately 200 days, a finely-grained meat quality and gentle, natural marbling develop organically. Private analytical research has scientifically proven that the meat contains more oleic acid than standard domestic pork — producing an elegant, easy-to-enjoy pork with a sweet, mellow richness in the fat and a refreshingly clean aftertaste. Furthermore, a circular agriculture model is practiced across the entire community — locally-grown brown rice becomes the pig’s feed, the pig’s manure becomes compost that returns to the rice paddies — achieving both deliciousness and environmental consideration at a high level. Please do try Maimai Ton at least once — the rich nature of Yamagata and the passion of its farmers, concentrated in every bite.
Basic Information
- Name
Maimai Ton - Production Area
Yamabe Town, Higashi-Murayama District, Yamagata - Management Body
Yamagata Pig Farm Co., Ltd. - Breed / Crossbreeding
Female (Landrace × Large White) × Male Duroc - Meat Characteristics
Finely grained with moderate marbling. High oleic acid content from feed rice delivers a refined, clean-sweet fat and elegant aftertaste. - Feed Characteristics
Specially formulated feed incorporating 12% locally grown ‘Fukuhibiki’ feed rice variety from Yamabe Town. - Shipping Age
200 days - Annual Production
Approx. 6,000 head/year - Signature Dish
Not specified - Certifications
Trademark registered: 2010
Brand specification established: 2010 - Related URLs
Maimai Ton | Yamagata Pig Farm
Maimai Ton Info | Yamakichi Miso - Source
Brand Pork Guidebook 2026 p.52
Yamagata Pig Farm
Yamakichi Miso
Last updated
June 21, 2026