From Shizuoka, the land of tea — Japan’s only brand pork raised on green tea, a one-of-a-kind in all the country.
Shizuoka Prefecture is Japan’s leading tea production area. That rich tea culture is applied to pig rearing as well — that is ‘TEA-ton (Tea Pork),’ produced by Kitagawa Farm in Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City. The defining feature of TEA-ton, true to its name, is raising the pigs by giving them green tea in their drinking water. Local pure rock spring water and green tea leaves are placed in the drinking water tank — so to speak, drinking ‘cold-brew green tea’ every day while growing up. Catechin — the main component of green tea — is a type of polyphenol with powerful antioxidant action. By continuously ingesting catechin, lipid oxidation in the body is suppressed — an effect preventing the formation of lipid peroxides that cause meat off-odor can be expected. Tea also contains theanine — which brings a relaxing effect — also playing a role in creating an environment where the pigs can spend calmly without stress. At Kitagawa Farm, space for the pigs to move freely is secured in a spacious barn through which natural breezes flow. A rearing policy prioritizing the pig’s comfortable living over production efficiency is consistently maintained. As a result of such devoted rearing, TEA-ton pork produces finely-grained, soft meat quality and a juicy flavor in which a subtle sweetness melts. The fat is non-cloying and clean — the ability to directly feel the ingredient’s umami is the appeal. The quality is highly rated by chefs as well — spreading by word of mouth centered on restaurants. Processed products including ham and bacon are also developed — the deliciousness can be fully enjoyed whether simply grilled, or in shabu-shabu and ginger pork stir-fry. TEA-ton — transforming the local bounty of Shizuoka’s green tea into pork deliciousness — is a brand that truly embodies ‘local production for local consumption in food.’
Basic Information
- Name
TEA-ton - Production Area
Kitagawa Farm (Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City) - Management Body
N/A - Breed / Crossbreeding
N/A - Meat Characteristics
Finely-grained and remarkably tender. The fat is clean and light, with a gentle, natural sweetness and a juicy, deeply satisfying flavor. A brand pork highly regarded by professional chefs. - Feed Characteristics
Drinking water infused with local spring water and green tea leaves — a cold-brewed green tea provided daily. Catechins (polyphenols) reduce lipid oxidation and suppress off-odor. Theanine promotes a calm, stress-free environment. - Shipping Age
N/A - Annual Production
Approx. 1,200 head annually. Shipping age: 180–200 days. Shipping weight: approx. 120 kg. Primary slaughterhouse: Shizuoka Prefecture Economic Federation Ogasa Meat Center. Primary wholesaler: Prima Ham. Available via JA Shimizu ‘Kirari’ official online shop and direct sales. - Signature Dish
N/A - Certifications
Trademark registration: February 2, 2015
Animal welfare in practice: natural ventilation barns with ample exercise space
Unique water management using Shizuoka Iwashimizu water and locally grown green tea leaves - Related URLs
JA Shimizu Kirari Official Online Shop (TEA-ton) - Source
Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.139
JA Shimizu Kirari Official Online Shop
ZRATTO! Shizuoka
Last updated
6/21/2026