Chiba Imo Buta

Raised on the gifts of tubers — a brand pork that Hokuso, Chiba is proud of.

Chiba Imo Buta is a Japanese brand pork (meigara-buta) from Asahi City, Sosa City and others, Chiba Prefecture, managed by Asahi Meat Cooperative. Breed / crossbreeding: (Landrace ♀ × Large White ♂) × Duroc ♂.

Chiba-kensan Imo Buta (Chiba Prefecture Sweet Potato Pork) is produced from the northern Boso Peninsula of Chiba Prefecture through to the Hokuso district — a brand pork raised on a dedicated feed richly incorporating sweet potato and other tubers. While corn is primarily used in standard pig farming, this brand continues giving starch-rich tubers for an average of 70 days before shipment. This time-consuming, labor-intensive rearing makes a major difference to the pork quality.

The high-quality starch in the tubers slowly transforms into fat within the pig’s body. The result is a fat with a melt-in-the-mouth sweetness and soft texture, and a lean with firm umami and depth. Minimal off-odor and a clean, refreshing finish are also characteristics — well-received as easy to eat even by those who dislike fat.

Furthermore, in this brand, once the pigs reach 100 days of age, antibiotic use in the feed is discontinued — a thoroughgoing stance toward producing pork that consumers can eat with confidence. The commitment to production at only 4 designated farms within the prefecture, and the traceability initiative of publishing production information on the website, are also recognized.

This brand pork managed by Asahi Meat Cooperative is not limited to domestic consumption — with export achievements to Hong Kong and Italy. The reliable supply capability of approximately 22,000 head shipped annually and high quality are proof of domestic and international recognition. Chiba-kensan Imo Buta is a brand pork wholeheartedly recommended to those who value trust in the production area and food safety.

Basic Information

• Name
  Chiba Imo Buta
• Production Area
  Asahi City, Sosa City and others, Chiba Prefecture
• Management Body
  Asahi Meat Cooperative
• Breed / Crossbreeding
  (Landrace ♀ × Large White ♂) × Duroc ♂
• Meat Characteristics
  Melt-in-the-mouth sweet fat produced by high-quality starch from tubers, and meat rich in umami, flavor, and sweetness. Little off-odor and a light aftertaste
• Feed Characteristics
  Dedicated Imobuta feed (high in sweet potato and other tubers) given for an average of 70 days before shipment. No antibiotics in feed from 100 days of age
• Shipping Age
  170–190 days
• Annual Production
  Approx. 22,000 head annually. Primary slaughterhouse: Chiba Prefecture Meat Corporation. Primary wholesaler: Chubu Shiryo.
• Signature Dish
  Tonkatsu, shabu-shabu, ginger pork, sauté
• Certifications
  Production managed at designated farms. Production information publicly disclosed on the official website (traceability compliant). Export track record: Hong Kong and Italy. Brand regulations established: July 1, 2008.
• Related URLs
  Asahi Meat Cooperative (Official Site)
  Chiba Imo Buta | Chibaza Pork
• Source
  Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.99
  Asahi Meat Cooperative Official Site
  Chibaza Pork

Last updated
6/21/2026