The umami and marbling of the Ryukyu native breed Agu — a premium brand pork born of Okinawa.
Okinawa Agu is a Japanese brand pork (meigara-buta) from Okinawa Prefecture, managed by Okinawa Prefectural Meat Center Co., Ltd. Breed / crossbreeding: Female (Landrace × Large White) × Male Ryukyu native breed Agu.
Okinawa Agu is a cross pig using as the paternal side the Ryukyu indigenous pig variety ‘Agu’ — said to have been transmitted to the Ryukyu Kingdom from China around 1385. Once driven nearly to extinction post-war — Agu made a comeback through the dedicated preservation efforts of those involved — now known nationwide as a representative brand pork of Okinawa. The crossing pattern is — a male Ryukyu indigenous Agu crossed with a female of Landrace × Large White cross.
Whereas the standard pig shipping age is around 210 days — Okinawa Agu is raised slowly over the long period of 240 days. Correspondingly, the meat quality is finely grained, richly containing umami component glutamic acid — the taste is soft and elegant. With plenty of marbling unique to indigenous pigs — the fat is concentrated with sweetness and umami — a melting sensation in the mouth at the moment of eating can be enjoyed.
A dedicated feed formulated for agu pigs is used — rearing committed to meat quality improvement is conducted. The managing entity is Okinawa Prefectural Meat Center Co., Ltd. — a consistent system from production through processing and sales is in place. The pigs are also raised under a safe, reliable production system with Farm HACCP obtained — also a major reason it is supported by consumers.
As representative preparations — Okinawan local specialty rafute (braised pork belly), shabu-shabu, yakiniku, and other preparations making use of the ingredient’s umami are cited. With export achievements to Hong Kong as well — the deliciousness is highly evaluated both domestically and internationally.
Basic Information
- Name
Okinawa Agu - Production Area
Okinawa Prefecture (designated farms) - Management Body
Okinawa Prefectural Meat Center Co., Ltd. - Breed / Crossbreeding
Female (Landrace × Large White) × Male Ryukyu native breed Agu / Female (Large White × Landrace) × Male Ryukyu native breed Agu - Meat Characteristics
High in umami components (glutamic acid) with a soft flavor. Plenty of marbling; the fat is rich in sweetness and umami. - Feed Characteristics
Dedicated feed for Agu pigs - Shipping Age
240 days - Annual Production
Approx. 17,000 head annually - Signature Dish
Rafute (braised pork belly) / Shabu-shabu / Yakiniku (grilled pork) - Certifications
Farm HACCP obtained (2018; Sukuta Farm) / Trademark registered: March 27, 2009 / Brand regulations established: June 4, 2007 (JA Okinawa Branded Pork Promotion Council) / Designated retailer program in place / Export record to Hong Kong - Related URLs
Agu is Okinawa Prefectural Meat Center
Agu Supporters Association (JA Okinawa Branded Pork Promotion Council) - Source
Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.212
Agu is Okinawa Prefectural Meat Center
Agu Supporters Association (JA Okinawa Branded Pork Promotion Council)
Related brand pork
Last updated
6/21/2026
