Nurtured by Towada, Aomori — a brand pork blessed by the gifts of garlic and pure, crystal-clear water.
Oirase Garlic Pork, from Towada City in Aomori Prefecture, is a brand pork managed by JA Towada Oirase (Towada Oirase Agricultural Cooperative). Towada City is located in the inland area of Aomori Prefecture, known as a naturally rich land where pure subterranean water from the Hakkoda mountain range flows abundantly. The pigs are raised drinking this clear water and fed a designated compound feed incorporating locally-grown garlic powder. The active components in garlic promote the production of B vitamins within the pig’s body, resulting in a meat quality richer in inosinic acid — the umami component — and of deeper flavor than ordinary pork. The low fat melting point, and the pronounced sweetness of the fat as it dissolves smoothly in the mouth, is another defining characteristic. With the characteristic off-odor of pork suppressed, the authentic flavor of the ingredient comes through directly. The fundamental rearing policy keeps medication use to an absolute minimum and prioritizes healthy rearing in a clean, low-stress environment. In 2015, a presentation was held in Tokyo for approximately 200 French and Italian chefs — earning high praise from professional cooks and rapidly elevating the brand’s profile. Shipping age is 180 days, with the long, patient rearing allowing umami to concentrate further. Approximately 8,000 head are shipped annually, distributed widely not only within Aomori Prefecture but also to restaurants and food retailers in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Particularly well suited to simple preparations like shabu-shabu and sauté that let the ingredient speak for itself — the full umami of the meat and the sweetness of the fat can be savored to the full.
Basic Information
- Name
Oirase Garlic Pork - Production Area
Towada City, Aomori - Management Body
Towada Oirase Agricultural Cooperative (JA Towada Oirase) - Breed / Crossbreeding
Female (Landrace Female × Large White Male) × Male Duroc (etc.) - Meat Characteristics
Rich in B vitamins and inosinic acid, with a notably low fat melting point for a smooth, sweet melt. Minimal off-odor lets the natural flavor speak directly. - Feed Characteristics
Designated compound feed enriched with Aomori-grown garlic powder. Drug use minimized; raised in clean, stress-reduced conditions. - Shipping Age
180 days - Annual Production
Approx. 8,000 head/year - Signature Dish
Shabu-shabu / Sauté - Certifications
Trademark registered: March 26, 2004
Brand specifications established: April 1, 2010 (revised August 1, 2021)
Designated retailer system: in place - Related URLs
JA Towada Oirase
Aomori’s Fine Foods – Oirase Garlic Pork - Source
Brand Pork Guidebook 2026 p.28
JA Towada Oirase
Aomori’s Fine Foods
Last updated
June 19, 2026