Raised in the great nature of Tsunan, the heavy-snow heartland — a premium pork born of seaweed and minerals, raised on Koshihikari rice.
Tsunan Pork / Koshino Hikari Pork is a Japanese brand pork (meigara-buta) from Tsunan Town, Nakauonuma District, Niigata Prefecture, managed by Tsunan Pork Co., Ltd. Breed / crossbreeding: Three-breed cross (LWD): Female (Landrace × Large White) × Male Duroc.
Tsunan Town, located at the southern tip of Niigata Prefecture, is known as one of Japan’s heaviest snowfall areas. Born in the great nature blessed with rich snowmelt water and clear air are ‘Tsunan Pork’ and ‘Koshino Hikari Pork’ — both brand porks produced by Tsunan Pork Co., Ltd., born from the same farm but divided into 2 grades by differences in rearing method.
The defining feature of Tsunan Pork is the uniquely devised feed. Based on a specific compound feed, by adding seaweed and FFC minerals, Vitamin E is approximately 3 times more and oleic acid approximately 10% more than in standard pork. Oleic acid has the action of lowering the fat’s melting point — bringing a gently melting, soft sweetness of fat in the mouth. The abundant Vitamin E means less off-odor — a clean, refreshing finish.
In particular, the upper-grade Koshino Hikari Pork blends 20% Uonuma-produced Koshihikari rice into the finishing feed — given for 60 days before shipment. That starch becomes energy within the pig’s body — producing a finely grained, springy meat quality. Non-gamey with a mellow sweetness spreading — characterized by a clean mouth feel.
Representative eating methods include tonkatsu, shabu-shabu, and ginger pork stir-fry. The flavor can be fully enjoyed in simple preparations that draw out the ingredient’s umami. Certified as a Niigata Clean Pork Farm — a safe, reliable production environment is in place. Approximately 7,000 head are shipped annually — distributed through Tsunan Pork Processing Center and Taishin Chikusan Kogyo.
Basic Information
- Name
Tsunan Pork / Koshino Hikari Pork - Production Area
Tsunan Town, Nakauonuma District, Niigata Prefecture - Management Body
Tsunan Pork Co., Ltd. - Breed / Crossbreeding
Three-breed cross (LWD): Female (Landrace x Large White) x Male Duroc - Meat Characteristics
A light flavor with a mild sweetness and no off-flavors. Rich in vitamin E with little off-odor; high oleic acid gives a soft, melting fat. Koshino Hikari Pork has a finely grained, springy meat. - Feed Characteristics
Specific compound feed with seaweed and FFC minerals. Koshino Hikari Pork additionally has 20% Uonuma-grown Koshihikari in the finishing feed, given for 60 days before shipment. - Shipping Age
180 days - Annual Production
Approx. 7,000 head annually. Distributed through Tsunan Pork Processing Center and Taishin Chikusan Kogyo. - Signature Dish
Tonkatsu / Shabu-shabu / Ginger pork (shogayaki) - Certifications
No information - Related URLs
Pork of Tsunan | Tsunan Town official site - Source
Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.126
Tsunan Town Official – Tsunan Pork
Attend Park – Tsunan Pork
Tsunan Pork – Premium Brand (Koshino Hikari Pork)
Related brand pork
Last updated
6/21/2026
