Hiraboku Sangenton

A premium brand pork raised in Japan’s rice country — Hiraboku Sangenton, the three-way cross that rice built.

Hiraboku Sangenton is a Japanese brand pork (meigara-buta) from Yamagata, Akita, Iwate and other prefectures, managed by Hiraboku Co., Ltd. Breed / crossbreeding: Female (Landrace × Duroc) × Male Berkshire.

Nihon no Kome Sodachi Hirata Bokujo Sangenton (Japan Rice-Fed Hirata Bokujo Three-Breed Cross) is a carefully crafted three-breed cross brand pork produced by Hiraboku Co., Ltd., headquartered in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture. Raised at multiple designated fattening sites spanning from Hokkaido to Tochigi Prefecture, in spacious open-type barns with excellent ventilation, these pigs grow freely in a low-stress environment. While standard pigs are typically reared for 150–180 days, these pigs are fattened slowly to 180–200 days — a defining feature. This extended time is what creates the deep umami and distinctive richness within the meat.

The feed is a plant-based designated compound incorporating a generous proportion of domestically grown feed rice. Feed rice is introduced from the early fattening stage, with the blend ratio further increased in the late stage — a proprietary rearing technique that nurtures flavor without placing undue burden on the pigs’ systems. Additionally, a long-term feed with a higher proportion of barley in a low-calorie design further develops a meat quality of concentrated umami and sweetness.

The muscle fibers are finely grained, combining moderate springiness and tenderness, and the fat is brilliantly white and beautiful — dissolving smoothly and sweetly on the palate. Richer in inosinic acid and oleic acid than standard pork, the pork is deeply umami while also being pleasant to eat.

In tonkatsu, the harmony of juicy, sweet fat and soft, finely grained lean shines particularly brightly. Please enjoy this premium pork — carefully raised at farms throughout Japan including Yamagata — at your table.

Basic Information

• Name
  Hiraboku Sangenton
• Production Area
  Hokkaido, Yamagata, Akita, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima and Tochigi (designated fattening areas in seven prefectures)
• Management Body
  Hiraboku Co., Ltd.
• Breed / Crossbreeding
  Female (Landrace × Duroc) × Male Berkshire
  Female (Landrace × Large White) × Male Berkshire
  Female (Landrace × Large White) × Male Duroc
• Meat Characteristics
  Finely grained meat fibers combining moderate springiness and tenderness; beautiful white fat that melts smoothly in the mouth. Richer in inosinic acid and oleic acid than standard pork, and healthy.
• Feed Characteristics
  NON-GMO, PHF-compliant plant-based designated feed with high proportion of domestically grown feed rice; low-calorie barley-heavy design for extended rearing.
• Shipping Age
  180–200 days
• Annual Production
  Approx. 120,000 head/year
• Signature Dish
  Tonkatsu
• Certifications
  JGAP: acquired August 28, 2019 (select farms) / Brand regulations established: October 1974
• Related URLs
  Hiraboku Sangenton | Brand Pork | Hiraboku Official Site
  Hiraboku Sangenton | Hiraboku Online Shop
  Hiraboku Sangenton – Katsukura Tonkatsu
• Source
  Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.50
  Hiraboku Official Site
  Hiraboku Online Shop
  Katsukura Tonkatsu

Last updated
6/21/2026