Born of Ibaraki’s original breed line Rose D-1 — Ibaraki’s representative brand pork, tender and overflowing with umami.
Hitachi no Kagayaki is a Japanese brand pork (meigara-buta) from Ishioka City, Omitama City and others, Ibaraki Prefecture, managed by Hitachi no Kagayaki Promotion Council. Breed / crossbreeding: Female (Landrace × Large White) × Male: Duroc (Rose D-1); also Female (Large White × Landrace) × Male: Duroc (Rose D-1).
Hitachi no Kagayaki is a brand pork representing Ibaraki Prefecture, with the entire prefecture as its production area, managed and promoted by the Hitachi no Kagayaki Promotion Council. Its defining feature is the breed.
In crossbreeding, the selected Duroc line ‘Rose D-1’ — independently developed by Ibaraki Prefecture — is adopted as the sire, with a three-breed cross of Landrace × Large White sows. Rose D-1 has the outstanding characteristic of containing a rich intramuscular fat content compared to standard pork. It is this combination with this breed line that is the single greatest factor elevating the meat quality of Hitachi no Kagayaki to a distinctly higher level. Furthermore, by giving the specially designed ‘Hitachi no Kagayaki Dedicated Feed’ for a set period during the fattening stage, individual variation is suppressed while uniform meat quality and stable quality are reliably maintained.
The finished pork features a soft, juicy texture and a rich umami that stands out, with an elegant sweetness and a light, clean fragrance in the fat. The uniform penetration of fine fat throughout the lean has earned high praise even from acclaimed chefs.
Shipping is at approximately 180 days, with annual shipments of approximately 19,000 head — one of the leading scales within Ibaraki Prefecture. A designated retailer system is in place, delivering to consumers through reliable, quality-managed sales channels. Institutionally established through trademark registration in 2019 and brand regulations set in 2018, this is a widely trusted brand within and beyond Ibaraki Prefecture, consistently chosen for many tables as the byword for Ibaraki pork.
Basic Information
- Name
Hitachi no Kagayaki - Production Area
Ishioka City, Omitama City and others, Ibaraki Prefecture - Management Body
Hitachi no Kagayaki Promotion Council - Breed / Crossbreeding
Female (Landrace × Large White) × Male: Duroc (Rose D-1); also Female (Large White × Landrace) × Male: Duroc (Rose D-1) - Meat Characteristics
Three-way cross using Rose D-1, Ibaraki Prefecture’s original pig line. Rich in intramuscular fat, tender, with rich umami and a good aroma - Feed Characteristics
Specially designed ‘Hitachi no Kagayaki dedicated feed’ given for a set period during the fattening stage - Shipping Age
Approx. 180 days - Annual Production
Approx. 19,000 head/year - Signature Dish
N/A - Certifications
Trademark registered: August 9, 2019 / Brand regulations established: October 10, 2018 / Designated retailer system in place - Related URLs
Hitachi no Kagayaki Promotion Council – Official Site - Source
Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.61
Hitachi no Kagayaki Promotion Council Official Site
Related brand pork
Last updated
6/21/2026
