Mizuho no Imo Buta

Raised on satsumaimo and tapioca — an Ibaraki brand pork with excellent water retention when cooked and excellent umami.

Mizuho no Imo Buta is a Japanese brand pork (meigara-buta) raised nationwide (head office: Kamisu City, Ibaraki Prefecture), managed by Feed One Co., Ltd. Breed / crossbreeding: Female (Landrace × Large White) × Male: Duroc (three-way cross).

Mizuho no Imo Buta (Mizuho Sweet Potato Pork), with Kamisu City, Ibaraki Prefecture as the production area, is a three-breed pig raised on a dedicated feed centering on tubers such as sweet potato and tapioca for a certain period. Feed One Co., Ltd. is the managing entity — produced under consistent quality management based on original rearing standards.

The defining feature of this pork is the high heat water retention — it does not easily lose moisture even after heating. By firmly retaining the meat juices even when grilled or deep-fried — a juicy texture can be long enjoyed even after cooking. Also richly containing Vitamin E — another major appeal — the abundant nutrients derived from tubers contributing to pork quality improvement. Furthermore, with minimal gaminess — also well-received as easy to eat even for those who dislike the characteristic pork gaminess.

The meat quality is finely grained and soft — characterized by an elegant flavor where a faint sweetness derived from sweet potato is dissolved. The fat melting point is low — the softly melting fat the moment it enters the mouth is also one of the appeals. Shipping age 180 days — slowly and carefully raised — approximately 25,000 head shipped nationwide annually.

Also receiving high evaluation from chefs in Tokyo specialty tonkatsu restaurants to the extent of whole-head purchasing — when made into tonkatsu, it becomes an exceptional dish with a crispy coating and overflowing meat juices. The umami also stands out in miso marinade — also delivered nationwide as Ibaraki Prefecture Ryugasaki City furusato nozei return gift ‘Ryugasaki-zuke’ — broadly cherished as a local ingredient. Trademark registered in 2005 — a brand trusted over many years.

Basic Information

• Name
  Mizuho no Imo Buta
• Production Area
  Nationwide (head office: Kamisu City, Ibaraki Prefecture)
• Management Body
  Feed One Co., Ltd.
• Breed / Crossbreeding
  Female (Landrace × Large White) × Male: Duroc (three-way cross)
• Meat Characteristics
  High water retention when heated, so the juices do not escape. Rich in vitamin E; little gamey odor and easy to eat. Fine-grained, tender meat with a faint sweetness from sweet potato and a low fat melting point
• Feed Characteristics
  Raised for a set period on dedicated feed based on tubers such as sweet potato and tapioca
• Shipping Age
  180 days
• Annual Production
  Approx. 25,000 head annually
• Signature Dish
  Tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) / Miso-marinated grilled pork (Ryugasaki-style)
• Certifications
  Trademark registered: April 22, 2005 / Designated retailer system in place / Brand regulations established: March 2, 2006 (revised April 19, 2010)
• Related URLs
  Feed One Foods Co., Ltd.
  What is Mizuho no Imo Buta — Kotobank
• Source
  Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.217
  Feed One Foods Co., Ltd.
  What is Mizuho no Imo Buta — Kotobank

Last updated
6/21/2026