Born in the ancient land of Shirone, nurtured by the Shinano and Nakanokuchi rivers — a soft, tender pork that comes from a spacious, unhurried farm environment.
Shirone, Minami Ward, Niigata City — fertile land through which the Shinano River and Nakanokouchi River flow, once called Shirone City. This area has long been thriving in agriculture, blessed with a rich natural environment. Shirone Pork is a brand pork carefully raised within such Niigata landscape. The designated fattening area is the entire former Shirone City region — the pig breed adopts a three-breed cross of Landrace × Large Yorkshire female crossed with Duroc male. What is thoroughly maintained in rearing is building an environment where the pigs can spend their days healthily. By maintaining appropriate rearing density, air circulation within the barns is secured — an environment where each individual can live with ease is arranged. Also, by continuing efforts to suppress unnecessary medication administration, responsibility for the quality and hygiene aspects of pork delivered to tables is fulfilled. This steady production stance has been recognized — receiving the ‘Shoku to Hana no Meisanhin’ (Food and Flower Specialty Products) certification established by Niigata City. The meat quality is soft and finely-grained, with a natural sweetness in the fat. The minimal development of the characteristic pork off-odor even when cooled is also a major defining feature — in tonkatsu, the rich umami spreads in the mouth in combination with the crispiness of the coating. In cold shabu-shabu as well, with no cloying fat, a clean finish can be enjoyed. Niigata City is a region boasting top-class pork consumption nationally — Shirone Pork, long beloved locally, can be said to be the most representative. Under the managing body Niigata Kagayaki Agricultural Cooperative, approximately 4,000 head are shipped to Niigata City Meat Center annually. Distributed through JA Zen-Noh Niigata Prefecture Headquarters — delivered to regional tables.
Basic Information
- Name
Shirone Pork - Production Area
Farms in former Shirone City (Minami Ward, Niigata City), Niigata - Management Body
JA Niigata Kagayaki - Breed / Crossbreeding
Three-breed cross (LWD): Female (Landrace x Large White) x Male Duroc - Meat Characteristics
Soft, smooth texture with clean, non-heavy fat and mild umami from spacious, low-stress housing in the Niigata river plain - Feed Characteristics
Standard compound feed from JA Niigata Kagayaki affiliated suppliers; managed to consistent quality specifications - Shipping Age
Not specified - Annual Production
Approx. 4,000 head annually. Distributed primarily through JA Zen-Noh Niigata Branch. - Signature Dish
N/A - Certifications
Brand regulations established: March 20, 2007; revised March 24, 2022
Designated as a Niigata City ‘Food and Flower Specialty Product’ - Related URLs
JA Niigata Kagayaki (Official Site) - Source
Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.125
Niigata City Official – Local Food Products
JA Zen-Noh Niigata
JA Niigata Kagayaki (Official Site)
Last updated
6/21/2026