Joshu Mugibuta

The bounty of the land that nurtured cereal grains — a brand pork of planned production that is the pride of Gunma.

Joshu Mugibuta is a Japanese brand pork (meigara-buta) from Maebashi City, Tomioka City and others, Gunma Prefecture, managed by Gunma Prefecture Meat Wholesale Market Co., Ltd. Breed / crossbreeding: Female (Landrace × Large White) × Male: Duroc.

Joshu Mugibuta (Joshu Barley-and-Wheat Pork) is a brand pork managed by Gunma Prefecture Meat Wholesale Market Co., Ltd., based in Tamamura Town, Sawa District, Gunma Prefecture. Produced in planned fashion at contracted farms within Gunma Prefecture based on the rearing management manuals and hygiene manuals established by the JA Group, it is one of the brand porks representing Gunma, boasting stable quality and supply.

The key to rearing is the brand pork dedicated feed given from approximately 120 days of age through to shipment. This feed is formulated with an abundance of grains and cereal grains such as barley and wheat, with the complete exclusion of animal protein being a major defining feature. By raising carefully on a feed rich in cereal grains, the characteristic pork off-odor is suppressed and a clean, non-gamey, refined flavor is born.

In terms of meat quality, the greatest appeal is firm, compact texture with outstanding water retention. Moisture rarely escapes even with heat, with a moist texture that persists — the inherent umami of the ingredient can be firmly enjoyed in simple preparations like ginger pork stir-fry and pork sauté. Also in shabu-shabu and loin katsu, the sweetness and tenderness of the meat stand out.

Gunma Prefecture is known as one of Japan’s premier pork production areas, with the abundant production know-how and thoroughgoing quality management of this production area supporting the stable quality of Joshu Mugibuta. The scale of approximately 45,000 head shipped annually also indicates the richness of the production system across the entire production area. Please do try Joshu Mugibuta — born in Gunma, raised with a thorough commitment to feed and planned rearing — at your everyday table.

Basic Information

• Name
  Joshu Mugibuta
• Production Area
  Maebashi City, Tomioka City and others, Gunma Prefecture
• Management Body
  Gunma Prefecture Meat Wholesale Market Co., Ltd. (Sales Division)
• Breed / Crossbreeding
  Female (Landrace × Large White) × Male: Duroc
• Meat Characteristics
  Firm meat with excellent water retention and a light flavor with suppressed pork off-odor. Moist texture persists even when grilled
• Feed Characteristics
  Dedicated brand pork feed given from around 120 days of age through shipment. Formulated rich in grains and cereal grains such as barley and wheat, with animal protein excluded for a clean design
• Shipping Age
  Approx. 180 days
• Annual Production
  Approx. 45,000 head annually
• Signature Dish
  Ginger pork
• Certifications
  Trademark registered: August 24, 2007 / Brand regulations: established (quality certification standards and trading conditions)
• Related URLs
  Gunma Meat Wholesale Market | Brand Pork
  Gunma Pork Kingdom | Joshu Mugibuta
• Source
  Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.80
  Gunma Prefecture Meat Wholesale Market
  Gunma Pork Kingdom

Last updated
6/21/2026