A three-way cross of Kanagawa’s breed line and Duroc — a smiling gem that has earned the Agriculture Minister’s Award.
Egao ga Ichiban Iijima Pork is a Japanese brand pork (meigara-buta) from Zama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, managed by Zama City Pork Direct Sales Division. Breed / crossbreeding: Female (Landrace × Large White) × Male Duroc.
Egao ga Ichiban Iijima Pork (Smiles Come First — Iijima Pork), born in Zama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a committed brand pork inheriting the blood of lineage pigs uniquely developed by Kanagawa Prefecture. Production is handled by Tadaharu Iijima of Zama City Pork Direct Sales Division. The wish to ‘make consumers smile’ with an integrated vision from farm to table is embedded in this brand name.
The defining feature is the three-breed cross pig — using Kanagawa Prefecture Livestock Technology Center-developed lineage pigs ‘Kanagawa York’ and ‘Yumekanaeru’ as the sow base, crossed with Duroc male improved by Iijima himself. Kanagawa York is a Large White lineage pig outstanding in growth and meat productivity; Yumekanaeru is a Landrace lineage pig excelling in reproductive capacity and hardiness. The addition of the rich-lean-umami Duroc creates a fragrant, juicy flavor.
The feed adopts self-blending, with ingredient composition managed according to the pig’s condition and growth stage. Shipping is at approximately 180 days of age and approximately 120 kg — delivered to Kanagawa Meat Center. Despite an annual production scale of 2,000 head, devoted rearing that places quality above all is consistently maintained.
Beyond fresh cuts, the ‘Tonzuke’ — pork marinated in a proprietary blended miso — is famous as a specialty. This flavor — winner of the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award — can be enjoyed as a fragrant grilled side dish with rice, or as a sandwich filling in various ways. Available for direct purchase at JA Sagami direct sales outlets — please do taste this Kanagawa-born pork.
Basic Information
- Name
Egao ga Ichiban Iijima Pork - Production Area
Zama City, Kanagawa Prefecture - Management Body
Zama City Pork Direct Sales Division - Breed / Crossbreeding
Female (Landrace × Large White) × Male Duroc - Meat Characteristics
A three-breed cross of Kanagawa Prefecture’s own breed lines and Duroc. Rich lean umami with a fragrant, juicy flavor. Quality recognized with the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award. - Feed Characteristics
Self-blended feed. The producer selects ingredients and manages blending ratios, feeding according to the pigs’ growth stage and condition. - Shipping Age
180 days - Annual Production
2,000 head annually - Signature Dish
Tonzuke (miso-marinated pork) / Tonkatsu / Shabu-shabu / Ginger pork (shogayaki) - Certifications
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award recipient - Related URLs
Iijima Farm | Kanagawa Prefecture Pig Farmers Association - Source
Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.107
Kanagawa Pig Farmers Assoc. – Iijima Farm Page
Kanagawa Livestock Technology Center
Related brand pork
Last updated
6/21/2026
