Shirone Pork

In the land of former Shirone, nurtured by the Shinano and Nakanokuchi rivers — soft pork born from spacious pig barns.

Shirone Pork is a Japanese brand pork (meigara-buta) from Minami Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture, managed by Niigata Kagayaki Agricultural Cooperative. Breed / crossbreeding: Female (Landrace × Large White) × Duroc.

Shirone, Minami Ward, Niigata City — fertile land through which the Shinano River and Nakanokuchi River flow, once called Shirone City. This area has long been thriving in agriculture, blessed with a rich natural environment. Shirone Pork is a brand pork carefully raised within such a Niigata landscape. The designated fattening area is the entire former Shirone City region — the pig breed adopts a three-breed cross of Landrace × Large White female crossed with Duroc male.

What is thoroughly maintained in rearing is building an environment where the pigs can spend their days healthily. By maintaining appropriate rearing density, air circulation within the barns is secured — an environment where each individual can live with ease is arranged. Also, by continuing efforts to suppress unnecessary medication administration, responsibility for the quality and hygiene aspects of pork delivered to tables is fulfilled. This steady production stance has been recognized — receiving the ‘Shoku to Hana no Meisanhin’ (Food and Flower Specialty Products) certification established by Niigata City.

The meat quality is soft and finely grained, with a natural sweetness in the fat. The minimal development of the characteristic pork off-odor even when cooled is also a major defining feature — in tonkatsu, the rich umami spreads in the mouth in combination with the crispiness of the coating. In cold shabu-shabu as well, with no cloying fat, a clean finish can be enjoyed.

Niigata City is a region boasting top-class pork consumption nationally — Shirone Pork, long beloved locally, can be said to be the most representative. Under the managing body Niigata Kagayaki Agricultural Cooperative, approximately 4,000 head are shipped to Niigata City Meat Center annually. Distributed through ZEN-NOH Niigata Prefectural Headquarters — delivered to regional tables.

Basic Information

• Name
  Shirone Pork
• Production Area
  Minami Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture (former Shirone City area)
• Management Body
  Niigata Kagayaki Agricultural Cooperative (JA Niigata Kagayaki)
• Breed / Crossbreeding
  Female (Landrace × Large White) × Duroc
• Meat Characteristics
  Soft, fine-grained meat. Natural sweetness in the fat, with little off-odor even when cooled. Suited to tonkatsu and cold shabu-shabu
• Feed Characteristics
  Compound feed
• Shipping Age
  190 days
• Annual Production
  Approx. 4,000 head shipped annually. ZEN-NOH Niigata Prefectural Headquarters handles distribution as the main wholesaler
• Signature Dish
  Tonkatsu, cold shabu-shabu
• Certifications
  Brand regulations established: March 20, 2007; revised March 24, 2022
  Designated as a Niigata City ‘Food and Flower Specialty Product’
• Related URLs
  JA Niigata Kagayaki (Official Site)
• Source
  Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.125
  Niigata City Official – Local Food Products
  JA ZEN-NOH Niigata
  JA Niigata Kagayaki (Official Site)

Last updated
6/21/2026