Japan’s only crossbreeding of its kind — a rare, limited brand pork that Yamagata is proud to call its own.
Yamagata Keiyu Farm Kinkaton is a Japanese brand pork (meigara-buta) from Higashine City, Yamagata Prefecture, managed by Keiyu Farm Co., Ltd. Breed / crossbreeding: Female Berkshire × Male Jinhua pig.
Yamagata Keiyu Farm Kinkaton is an exceptionally rare — perhaps even a ‘phantom’ — brand pork produced at Keiyu Farm Co., Ltd., set beside the clear waters of the Midare River at the foot of the Ou Mountains in Higashine City, Yamagata Prefecture. It is the only farm in Japan to cross Berkshire female pigs with Jinhua male pigs. The Jinhua Pig is an extraordinarily rare Chinese-origin breed, also called ‘the phantom pig,’ globally known as the raw material for the premium ingredient ‘Jinhua Ham.’ Yamagata Keiyu Farm Kinkaton contains no Landrace, Large White, or Duroc blood whatsoever — and Keiyu Farm is the only farm in Japan producing pigs in this Berkshire × Jinhua crossbreeding style.
The pigs are raised patiently over approximately 240 days — longer than standard — with a restricted ration of the finest quality feed, and the sweetness and umami concentrate slowly and thoroughly into every fiber of the meat. The low fat melting point creates a melt-in-the-mouth sensation the instant the meat touches the palate, and the delicate, finely grained muscle fibers are another major appeal. There is no lingering greasiness after eating — with every bite, an elegant umami and sweetness fills the mouth, and this is simply irresistible.
Adopted as the ingredient at famous tonkatsu restaurant Katsukura, among other acclaim, it has earned high praise from discerning food experts. With annual shipments of just 650 head, distribution is extremely limited — and the very opportunity to taste it is precious. Please do try Yamagata Keiyu Farm Kinkaton — raised with love and care in the naturally rich environment beside the clear river, surrounded by cherry and apple orchards.
Basic Information
- Name
Yamagata Keiyu Farm Kinkaton - Production Area
Higashine City, Yamagata Prefecture - Management Body
Keiyu Farm Co., Ltd. - Breed / Crossbreeding
Female Berkshire × Male Jinhua pig - Meat Characteristics
Low-melting-point fat with fine muscle fiber. The Berkshire × Jinhua cross delivers delicate, smooth-melting fat with clean sweetness and refined umami. - Feed Characteristics
Best-quality feed under restricted feeding regimen. Specific ingredients are proprietary and undisclosed. - Shipping Age
240 days - Annual Production
Approx. 650 head/year (limited production) - Signature Dish
Tonkatsu (deep-fried pork cutlet) - Certifications
Trademark registered: February 18, 2011 - Related URLs
Keiyu Farm | Yamagata Keiyu Farm Kinkaton
Yamagata Keiyu Farm Kinkaton | Katsukura Tonkatsu - Source
Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.53
Keiyu Farm
Katsukura Tonkatsu
Related brand pork
Last updated
6/21/2026
