The umami and marbling of the Ryukyu native breed Agu — a premium brand pork born of Okinawa.
Okinawa Agu is a cross pig using as the paternal side the Ryukyu indigenous pig variety ‘Aguu’ — said to have been transmitted to the Ryukyu Kingdom from China around 1385. Once driven nearly to extinction post-war — Aguu made a comeback through the desperate preservation efforts of those involved — now known nationwide as a representative brand pork of Okinawa. The crossing pattern is — a male Ryukyu indigenous Aguu crossed with a female of Landrace × Large Yorkshire cross. Whereas the standard pig shipping age is around 210 days — Okinawa Agu is raised slowly over the long period of 240 days. Correspondingly, the meat quality is finely-grained, richly containing umami component glutamic acid — the taste is soft and elegant. With plenty of marbling unique to indigenous pigs — the fat is concentrated with sweetness and umami — a melting sensation in the mouth the moment of eating can be enjoyed. A dedicated feed formulated for agu pigs is used — rearing committed to meat quality improvement is conducted. The managing entity is Okinawa Prefecture Meat Center Co., Ltd. — a consistent system from production through processing and sales is in place. Also raised under a safe, reliable production system of Farm HACCP obtained — also a major reason supported by consumers. As representative preparations — Okinawan local specialty rafute (pork belly simmered preparation), shabu-shabu, yakiniku, and other preparations making use of the ingredient’s umami are cited. Also having export achievements to Hong Kong — the deliciousness is highly evaluated both domestically and internationally.
Basic Information
- Name
Okinawa Agu - Production Area
Designated farms within Okinawa Prefecture - Management Body
Okinawa Prefectural Meat Center Co., Ltd. - Breed / Crossbreeding
Female (Landrace × Large White) × Male Ryukyu native breed Agu / Female (Large White × Landrace) × Male Ryukyu native breed Agu - Meat Characteristics
High in umami components (glutamic acid) with a soft, gentle flavor. Generously marbled — the fat is rich in natural sweetness and umami. - Feed Characteristics
Dedicated compound feed specially formulated for Agu pigs. - Shipping Age
240 days - Annual Production
Approx. 17,000 head annually - Signature Dish
Rafute (braised pork belly) / Shabu-shabu / Yakiniku (grilled pork) - Certifications
N/A - Related URLs
Agu is Okinawa Prefectural Meat Center
Agu Supporters Association (JA Okinawa Branded Pork Promotion Council) - Source
Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.212
Agu is Okinawa Prefectural Meat Center
Agu Supporters Association (JA Okinawa Branded Pork Promotion Council)
Last updated
6/21/2026