An Amami native black pig preserved and raised in the land of Miyagi — a phantom pig whose pure-white fat and sweetness shine.
Maboroshi no Shimabuta is a Japanese brand pork (meigara-buta) from Tome City, Miyagi Prefecture, managed by Kubo Chikusan Co., Ltd. Breed / crossbreeding: Shimabuta.
Maboroshi no Shimabuta (‘The Phantom Island Pig’) is an exceptionally rare brand pork that carries the blood of ‘Shimabuta’ — a native black pig that has been kept on Amami Oshima since ancient times. Its origins trace back to a Chinese-lineage small-eared black breed, once known in Okinawa as Agu and in Amami as Kishiuwa (Kise Pig) — a small, all-black pig. After rapid hybridization with improved breeds following World War II, pure Shimabuta were thought to be nearly extinct, but in 1975, a conservation effort led by Shuntaro Moto and others from Amami Oshima marked the beginning of serious efforts to preserve the native breed. Subsequently inherited as a rare breed under Professor Kazue Tanaka of Tokyo University of Agriculture, the bloodline is now maintained in Tome City, Miyagi Prefecture, by Kubo Chikusan Co., Ltd. under Isamu Kubo.
The rearing period is 300 days — approximately twice that of standard white pigs — with each animal raised slowly and with devoted care. The feed uses non-GMO grains before the growing stage, and from the growing stage onward, feed free of antimicrobial agents — reflecting the producer’s strong and consistent commitment to safety throughout all aspects of rearing.
The meat quality is finely grained and tender, and the most striking appeal is the pure-white fat with its elegant, pronounced sweetness. Richer in Vitamin B1 and glutamic acid than white pigs, the umami is deep, and the low-melting-point fat creates a smooth mouthfeel.
Due to its rarity, distribution is extremely limited — and the very opportunity of encountering it is itself a special experience, truly worthy of the name ‘phantom.’ A pork to be savored in preparations that let you enjoy the umami of the ingredient as it is — shabu-shabu and yakiniku.
Basic Information
- Name
Maboroshi no Shimabuta - Production Area
Tome City, Miyagi Prefecture - Management Body
Kubo Chikusan Co., Ltd. - Breed / Crossbreeding
Shimabuta - Meat Characteristics
Fine-grained, tender meat and pure-white, sweet fat. Rich in vitamin B1 and glutamic acid, with outstanding umami and mouthfeel - Feed Characteristics
Non-GMO grains before the growing stage; feed with no antimicrobial additives from the growing stage onward. A feeding system focused on safety - Shipping Age
300 days - Annual Production
N/A - Signature Dish
N/A - Certifications
Registered trademark (No. 5378110; filed November 10, 2009; registered December 24, 2010) / Brand regulations established: 1995 - Related URLs
Meat Shop Uchino | Maboroshi no Shimabuta - Source
Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.41
Meat Shop Uchino | Maboroshi no Shimabuta
Related brand pork
Last updated
6/21/2026
