Born from a breed that survived the brink of extinction — a rare brand pork from the foothills of Mt. Fuji.
Fuji Genton is a rare brand pork raised on the slopes of Mt. Fuji in Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture. The story behind the name “Genton” (phantom) lies in the extraordinary history of the breed itself. The Middle Yorkshire, once accounting for roughly 80% of pig farming in Japan, dwindled rapidly as efficient three-breed crossbreeds became the industry standard during Japan’s postwar economic growth — at one point, only 7 individuals remained in the country, teetering on the edge of extinction. The man who preserved the Middle Yorkshire and continued breeding it to the highest standard is Yasushi Kuwahara of Fuji Farm Service Agricultural Cooperative. A world authority on swine artificial insemination and crossbreeding, Kuwahara has received multiple Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Awards and supplies breeding pigs to brand pork producers across Japan. Fuji Genton is born from carefully selected pure Middle Yorkshire crossed with Landrace (LY two-breed cross), raised on original compound feed and Mt. Fuji’s natural spring water. Its most distinctive feature is the melting point of its fat: while standard pork fat melts at 38°C or above, Fuji Genton’s fat melts at just 32.6°C. Below body temperature, the refined fat dissolves gently the moment it enters the mouth, releasing a pure, clean sweetness with no off-flavors. The fine muscle fiber characteristic of the Middle Yorkshire breed produces an exceptionally tender texture, and the deep, concentrated umami developed through its extended rearing period is another hallmark. With annual shipments of around 500 head, Fuji Genton is exceptionally rare — selected twice for the Cuisine Kingdom 100 and highly regarded by professional chefs. Experience its true quality through careful preparations such as charcoal grilling or low-temperature roasting.
Basic Information
- Name
Fuji Genton - Production Area
Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture - Management Body
Fuji Farm Service Agricultural Cooperative - Breed / Crossbreeding
Middle Yorkshire × Landrace (LY two-breed cross) - Meat Characteristics
Fat melting point of 32.6°C (vs. 38°C+ for standard pork); fat dissolves gently on the palate with clean sweetness. Exceptionally tender texture from fine muscle fiber; deep, concentrated umami from extended rearing. - Feed Characteristics
Original compound feed; natural spring water from Mt. Fuji used for drinking water. - Shipping Age
N/A - Annual Production
Approx. 500 head (very rare) - Signature Dish
Charcoal grilling, low-temperature roasting - Certifications
Cuisine Kingdom 100 Selections (2011, 2017) - Related URLs
Fuji Genton Official Website
Fuji Genton | Brand Pork - Source
Fuji Genton Official Website
Fuji Genton | Brand Pork
Last updated
6/24/2026