Hatsuratsuton

From healthy pigs comes healthy meat. A Joshu brand pork born of scientific feed design and bloodline selection — the pride of Joshu (Gunma).

Hatsuratsuton is a Japanese brand pork (meigara-buta) from Gunma Prefecture, managed by Hatsuratsuton Research Group. Breed / crossbreeding: Female (Landrace ♀ × Large White ♂) × Male Duroc.

Hatsuratsuton (Vigorous Pork) is a brand pork produced by the ‘Hatsuratsuton Research Group’ in Gunma Prefecture, certified as one of the Joshu Brand Porks. Joshu Brand Pork is a pork brand certification system uniquely established by Gunma Prefecture — Hatsuratsuton is known as a high-quality pork representing Gunma that meets its strict standards. What this brand most values is the consistent principle of ‘healthy meat from healthy pigs.’ From the early stages of rearing, prophylactic antibiotics are completely excluded without exception, and rearing that draws out the pigs’ inherent immune system and vitality to the maximum is practiced.

The dedicated feed is richly blended with seaweed powder, sweet potato, garlic, and Vitamin E — with an original feed design that scientifically emphasizes the balance of unsaturated fatty acids. Through this feed ingenuity, a high-quality fat of low melting point that melts cleanly when it enters the mouth is produced. Furthermore, the Hatsuratsuton Research Group carries out rigorous selection of breeding pigs from the breeding stage itself. A continuing commitment to meat quality at the bloodline level, ensuring quality uniformity and high reproducibility — this is a major strength of this brand.

The meat quality that this accumulated effort produces is characterized by high-quality fat with a pleasant melt-in-the-mouth feel, and a soft, umami-rich lean. The fat is white and beautiful — the characteristic pork off-odor rarely appears even with heat, so the inherent flavor of pork stands out in any preparation.

In tonkatsu, the unity with the coating is outstanding, with juicy meat juices spreading in the mouth even after frying. In shabu-shabu, the fine-quality fat melts into the broth, and the pork’s inherent sweetness and umami can be savored to the fullest. Available at specialty meat retailers and supermarkets within Gunma Prefecture — a specialty with the freshness unique to the production area.

Basic Information

• Name
  Hatsuratsuton
• Production Area
  Gunma Prefecture (member farms of the research association)
• Management Body
  Hatsuratsuton Research Group
• Breed / Crossbreeding
  Female (Landrace ♀ × Large White ♂) × Male Duroc / Female (Large White ♀ × Landrace ♂) × Male Duroc
• Meat Characteristics
  Low-melting, melt-in-the-mouth fat; umami-rich and tender lean meat; superior unsaturated fatty acid balance.
• Feed Characteristics
  No preventive antibiotics. Dedicated feed containing seaweed powder, sweet potato, garlic, and vitamin E. Original feed design emphasizing the balance of unsaturated fatty acids
• Shipping Age
  Approx. 180 days
• Annual Production
  Limited to Gunma Prefecture (butcher shops, supermarkets, etc.)
• Signature Dish
  Tonkatsu, shabu-shabu, salt-and-pepper sauté
• Certifications
  Certified Joshu Brand Pork. No preventive antibiotics; rigorous selection of breeding stock from the boar and sow stage / Brand regulations established: April 1, 1998
• Related URLs
  Gunma Prefecture Meat Quality Improvement Council (Hatsuratsuton)
• Source
  Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.83
  Gunma Pork (Gunma Agricultural Information Center)
  Gunma Prefecture Meat Quality Improvement Council

Last updated
6/21/2026