Raised in the clear air and four-season bounty of the Northern Alps — a free-range pork that knows no off-odor.
Azumino Houbokuton is a Japanese brand pork (meigara-buta) from Akashina Nakakawate, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture, managed by Fujiwara Chikusan Co., Ltd. Breed / crossbreeding: Three-breed cross: Female (Landrace × Large White) × Male Duroc.
Azumino Houbokuton (Azumino Free-Range Pork) is a brand pork raised freely in plenty of sunlight and clear air in the mountains at 800 meters above sea level — overlooking the Northern Alps in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture. This pork, produced by Fujiwara Chikusan Co., Ltd., begins free-range at approximately 70–100 days of age and is fattened slowly over approximately 240 days. A free-range area of 10 tsubo (approximately 33 square meters) per head in principle provides an environment for daily exercise — a rearing style that naturally nurtures the pig’s inherently healthy body is consistently maintained.
The commitment to feed is also particularly noteworthy. Based on a dedicated compound feed, local seasonal ingredients are delivered directly to the pigs’ meals — wild grasses in spring, local Shimohara district watermelons in summer, highland vegetables and walnuts in autumn, and apples in winter. Feed including the malt lees of a craft brewery and other local food culture links are also utilized — a circular initiative that shines in both reducing waste and enhancing the pork’s umami. The combination of natural environment and locally sourced feed means the pigs grow healthily without any antibiotics or hormone agents whatsoever.
The meat quality is finely grained and elastic, with the characteristic pork off-odor surprisingly minimal. The fat is sweet yet with a crispy, light texture — well-received even by those who dislike fat.
In staple preparations including ginger pork stir-fry and braised pork belly of course, also in simple roasting with only salt — the umami of the ingredient stands out to the fullest. Annual shipments are rare at approximately 350 head — a designated retailer system is in place to strive for quality uniformity — a stance of sincere production that speaks for itself.
Basic Information
- Name
Azumino Houbokuton - Production Area
Akashina Nakakawate, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture - Management Body
Fujiwara Chikusan Co., Ltd. - Breed / Crossbreeding
Three-breed cross: Female (Landrace x Large White) x Male Duroc - Meat Characteristics
Finely grained, elastic meat with almost none of the characteristic pork off-odor. The fat is sweet yet has a crisp, light texture and a clean finish. Low in scum (aku), making it well suited to simmered dishes as well. - Feed Characteristics
Based on a dedicated free-range compound feed, supplemented with seasonal local produce: wild grasses (spring), watermelon from the local Shimohara district (summer), highland vegetables and walnuts (autumn), and apples (winter). Malt lees from craft beer brewing are also used in a circular rearing approach. No antibiotics or hormone agents whatsoever. - Shipping Age
Approx. 240 days - Annual Production
Approx. 350 head annually. Designated retailer program in place. - Signature Dish
Ginger pork (shogayaki) / Kakuni braised pork / Roast pork (simply roasted with salt only) / Soy milk chige hot pot / Gyoza - Certifications
Brand regulations established: April 1, 2000 / Trademark: none / Farm HACCP: none / JGAP: none / No antibiotics or hormone agents / Designated retailer program in place - Related URLs
Azumino Houbokuton Direct Sales Site
Buta Trace – Fujiwara Chikusan Farm - Source
Azumino Houbokuton Direct Sales Site
NIHONMONO – Fujiwara Chikusan Free-Range Feature
GREAT FARMERS – Azumino Free-Range Pork Feature
Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.115
Buta Trace
Related brand pork
Last updated
6/21/2026
