A rare purebred born in Yamagata, raised on domestic feed rice — the phantom Jinhua pig, the marbled umami and elegant richness of the ‘phantom Jinhua pig’.
Hiraboku Junsui Kinkaton is a Japanese brand pork (meigara-buta) from Yamagata Prefecture and Hokkaido, managed by Hiraboku Co., Ltd. Breed / crossbreeding: Jinhua pig (purebred).
Nihon no Kome Sodachi Hirata Bokujo Junsui Kinkaton (Japan Rice-Fed Hirata Bokujo Pure Jinhua Pig) is an exceptionally rare, highest-grade brand pork that Hiraboku Co., Ltd. in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture has carefully raised since the 1980s. The original breed is ‘Jinhua Pig,’ originating from Jinhua District, Zhejiang Province, China — a globally rare breed widely known as the source pig for Jinhua Ham, one of the world’s three great hams. Within Japan, pure bloodline Jinhua Pigs are maintained and shipped by only two locations including Hiraboku, with annual shipments of approximately 1,000 head. This represents a mere 0.006% of the total domestic pork distribution — explaining why it is called ‘the phantom pig.’ The shipping age is approximately 240 days, and the far longer time required for maturation compared to standard pigs allows the flavor to deepen slowly as a meat ingredient. The body is also roughly two sizes smaller than a standard pig — and this is what enables the realization of a delicate, fine-quality meat.
In rearing, a plant-based designated compound feed is used — focused on domestically grown feed rice to support Japan’s food self-sufficiency improvement, with attention to taste enhancement and safety (NON-GMO, PHF). This unique feed design imparts a rich sweetness and depth to the meat.
The meat quality is silky and finely grained, with a degree of fat marbling almost inconceivable in pork — the greatest distinguishing feature. The fat melts smoothly at a low melting point, and its abundance of inosinic acid and oleic acid delivers a rich, aromatic flavor with an outstanding balance of umami and sweetness. Available in limited quantities through Hiraboku’s company-owned stores, official mail-order, and furusato nozei — a supreme brand pork representing Yamagata.
Basic Information
- Name
Hiraboku Junsui Kinkaton - Production Area
Yamagata Prefecture and Hokkaido (designated farms) - Management Body
Hiraboku Co., Ltd. - Breed / Crossbreeding
Jinhua pig (purebred) - Meat Characteristics
Silk-like fine-grained meat with superb marbling. Fat with a low melting point melts smoothly; rich in inosinic and oleic acids with excellent umami and sweetness - Feed Characteristics
Plant-based designated compound feed based mainly on domestic feed rice, with attention to taste and safety (NON-GMO, PHF) - Shipping Age
Approx. 240 days - Annual Production
Approx. 1,000 head/year (0.006% of domestic pork distribution) - Signature Dish
Shabu-shabu / Steak - Certifications
Brand regulations established: March 2002 / Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award at the Japan No. 1 Feed-Rice Livestock Product Brand Contest - Related URLs
Hiraboku Official Site | Jinhua Pig
Hiraboku Online Shop | Junsui Kinkaton - Source
Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.51
Hiraboku Official Site
Hiraboku Online Shop
Related brand pork
Last updated
6/21/2026
