The pride of Kagoshima — a traditional Roppaku black pork of richly fragrant umami and a delicate, refined meat quality.
Kuro no Takumi (Black Artisan) is a brand black pig using pure Berkshire (Roppaku) produced in Kagoshima Prefecture. The Berkshire breed has the characteristic of ‘Roppaku’ — black body with 4 white legs, white nose tip, and tail — widely known as an established breed that has long supported Kagoshima’s meat food culture. The meat quality of Kuro no Takumi is finely-grained — with a pleasant sweetness in the smooth fat — the major appeal of an elegant finish with absolutely no cloyingness. In November 2023, the Grand Prix — the highest award — was received at Japan Food Selection — the high quality is widely recognized by many food professionals and consumers as well. The rearing period is approximately 200 days or more — longer than standard pork — the commitment of this brand pork to raise slowly and carefully over time. In the finishing stage of late fattening — a dedicated feed containing 10–20% sweet potato nurtured by the Kagoshima earth is given — further drawing out the authentic umami and richness of pork. By this — the exquisite harmony of fat sweetness and lean flavor unique to black pig produces a rich flavor. Raised under a compound feed conforming to Kagoshima Prefecture Black Pig Producers Council standards — with Sankyo Meat Co., Ltd. of the Ito Ham Group consistently handling up to meat processing — safe hygiene management and stable quality are secured. The authentic umami of pork can be fully savored in a wide range of preparations such as shabu-shabu and yakiniku — also highly evaluated as a special gift for important people. Please do verify the flavor at least once.
Basic Information
- Name
Kuro no Takumi - Production Area
Designated farms within Kagoshima Prefecture - Management Body
Ito Ham Yonekyu Holdings Co., Ltd. - Breed / Crossbreeding
Berkshire (pure breed — both sire and dam) - Meat Characteristics
Finely-grained meat quality with a clean, naturally sweet fat. Never heavy — an elegant, refined finish. Winner of the Japan Food Selection Grand Prix in November 2023, a high-quality brand pork acclaimed by industry experts. - Feed Characteristics
Reared under Kagoshima Kurobuta Producers Council standards. Finishing period (2+ months): dedicated feed with 10–20% Kagoshima-grown satsumaimo (sweet potato) given to draw out umami and richness. - Shipping Age
approx. 200+ days - Annual Production
Approx. 55,000 head annually - Signature Dish
Shabu-shabu / Yakiniku (grilled pork) - Certifications
Trademark registration: June 8, 2007 - Related URLs
Ito Ham — Domestic Pork
Kagoshima Kurobuta ‘Kuro no Takumi’ — Sankyo Meat Co., Ltd.
Kuro no Takumi Wins Japan Food Selection Grand Prix — PR TIMES - Source
Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.203
Ito Ham — Domestic Pork
Kagoshima Kurobuta ‘Kuro no Takumi’ — Sankyo Meat Co., Ltd.
Kuro no Takumi Wins Japan Food Selection Grand Prix — PR TIMES
Last updated
6/21/2026