Raised in the clear air and four-season bounty of the Northern Alps — a free-range pork that knows no off-odor.
Azumino Houbokuton (Azumino Free-Range Pork) is a brand pork raised freely in plenty of sunlight and clear air in the mountains at 800 meters above sea level — overlooking the Northern Alps in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture. This pork, produced by Fujiwara Livestock Co., Ltd., begins free-range at approximately 70–100 days of age and is fattened slowly over approximately 240 days. A free-range area of 10 tsubo (approximately 33 square meters) per head in principle provides an environment for daily exercise — a rearing style that naturally nurtures the pig’s inherently healthy body is consistently maintained. The commitment to feed is also particularly noteworthy. Based on a dedicated compound feed, local seasonal ingredients are delivered directly to the pigs’ meals — wild grasses in spring, local Shimohara district watermelons in summer, highland vegetables and walnuts in autumn, and apples in winter. Feed including the malt lees of a craft brewery and other local food culture links are also utilized — a circular initiative that shines in both reducing waste and enhancing the pork’s umami. The combination of natural environment and locally-sourced feed means the pigs grow healthily without any antibiotics or hormone agents whatsoever. The meat quality is finely-grained and elastic, with the characteristic pork off-odor surprisingly minimal. The fat is sweet yet with a crispy, light texture — well-received even by those who dislike fat. In staple preparations including ginger pork stir-fry and braised pork belly of course, also in simple roasting with only salt — the umami of the ingredient stands out to the fullest. Annual shipments are rare at approximately 350 head — a designated retailer system is in place to strive for quality uniformity — a stance of sincere production that speaks for itself.
Basic Information
- Name
Azumino Houbokuton - Production Area
Fujiwara Chikusan Co., Ltd. (Azumino City, Nagano) — free-range at 800m elevation - Management Body
N/A - Breed / Crossbreeding
Three-breed cross: Female (Landrace x Large White) x Male Duroc - Meat Characteristics
Dense, well-exercised muscle from extended free-range at 800m; pure, sweet fat with almost zero gaminess; subtle seasonal complexity from locally sourced fresh food - Feed Characteristics
Free-range dedicated compound base supplemented with seasonal local produce: wild grass (spring), watermelon (summer), highland vegetables and walnuts (autumn), apple (winter) - Shipping Age
Approx. 240 days - Annual Production
Approx. 350 head annually. Designated retailer program in place. - Signature Dish
N/A - Certifications
Brand regulations established: April 1, 2000
Trademark: not registered
Farm HACCP: not applicable
JGAP: not applicable
Antibiotic and hormone-free
Designated retailer program in place - Related URLs
Azumino Houbokuton Direct Sales Site
Buta Trace – Fujiwara Chikusan Farm - Source
Azumino Houbokuton Direct Sales Site
NIHONMONO – Fujiwara Chikusan Free-Range Feature
GREAT FARMERS – Azumino Free-Range Pork Feature
Last updated
6/21/2026