A perfect harmony of lean and fat — a brand pork from Ishioka with a delicate, subtle flavor that sets it apart.
Shiho Mochibuta, born in Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a brand pork raised with devoted care in the rich natural environment of northern Kanto overlooking Mount Tsukuba. The name carries the alternative name of Mount Tsukuba — ‘Shiho’ (Purple Peak) — the symbol of Ibaraki Prefecture, expressing both local pride and strong confidence in the quality of the pork. The greatest appeal is the exquisitely balanced harmony of lean and fat. Fine marbling (sashi) penetrates the muscle, and when eaten, a gentle sweetness and slowly-spreading umami fill the mouth. The key to creating this distinctive meat quality lies in the distinctive feed design. The incorporation of breadcrumbs and sweet bread powder with suppressed protein content creates an environment in which moderate intramuscular fat tends to accumulate easily, promoting the formation of moist, beautiful marbling. Furthermore, by reducing corn and incorporating starch-rich ingredients such as sweet potato and barley — using only plant-based feed with absolutely no animal fats — oleic acid accumulates abundantly in the fat, producing a clean, refreshing sweetness with no gaminess. Inosinic acid, the umami component, is also abundantly present — and when heated, this rich umami becomes even more pronounced. Raised slowly over 170–185 days to shipping, the firmness and flavor of the meat are further refined. Its delicate flavor can be enjoyed in tonkatsu, yakiniku, and a wide range of preparations from shabu-shabu to stir-fry. It is also shipped to the Tokyo Metropolitan Meat Market, earning high praise at restaurants throughout the capital. Please do savor this premium Ibaraki pork at least once.
Basic Information
- Name
Shiho Mochibuta - Production Area
Hosoya, Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture - Management Body
Koda Yoton Farm - Breed / Crossbreeding
Female (Landrace × Large White) × Male: Duroc - Meat Characteristics
Rich in inosinic acid and oleic acid. Well-balanced lean and fat with fine marbling that melts in the mouth. - Feed Characteristics
Vegetable-only feed including breadcrumbs, sweet potato, and wheat — no corn or fish meal. A longer finishing period further develops flavor. - Shipping Age
170–185 days - Annual Production
Approx. 4,600 heads/year - Signature Dish
Tonkatsu - Certifications
None - Related URLs
Tonkatsu Shiho | Tonkatsu specialty restaurant using Shiho Mochibuta
Farm Search | Butatrace – National Pig Farm Traceability System (JPPA) - Source
Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.58
Tonkatsu Shiho
Butatrace (JPPA)
Last updated
June 21, 2026