Why source from Japan
Kagoshima's >95% production share; Berkshire-pure breeding registry; cool sweet-potato fodder distinct profile.
Key spec
Lipid 8-12% (vs ~4% standard pork); marbling distinctly visible; protein 19-21%.
Typical end-product
Premium tonkatsu / shabu-shabu retail, gift-economy boxes, fine-dining hospitality.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 2 suppliers
- Typical MOQ
- 1–10 kg cuts; 100 g – 1 kg specialty
- Typical lead time
- 6–10 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Kagoshima (>95% of Japan's kurobuta)
- Category
- Food ingredients
- Harvest season
- Year-round
- Japan regulatory status
- Food product; Kagoshima cooperative-managed; pork-import rules
- Japanese name
- 鹿児島黒豚
- Romaji
- 鹿児島黒豚
About this ingredient
Premium Japanese black pork — descended from imported British Berkshire pigs (1800s) and adapted to Kagoshima cultivation conditions. The 'Kagoshima Kurobuta' label requires Berkshire-pure breeding and Kagoshima-prefecture rearing. Distinguished from standard pork by superior marbling, lower water content, and richer flavour. Per-kg pricing 2-3× standard pork. Substantial export to Asian fine-dining markets and increasingly to Western premium retail.
Regulatory status
| Japan | Food product; Kagoshima cooperative-managed; pork-import rules |
|---|---|
| EU | Pork import; trichinella inspection; pork-allergen labelling |
| United States | USDA FSIS approved facilities; pork-import licensing |
| China | GACC; halal-prohibited; pork-import licensing |
Looking for alternatives?
Common reasons buyers swap to a different ingredient — and what we'd suggest based on this ingredient's profile.
Vegan / plant-based alternatives
Kagoshima Kurobuta Pork is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
Sansho Pepper
山椒
Zanthoxylum piperitum source; INCI Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract; MOQ from 1–10 kg (dried peppercorn); 100 g – 5 kg (powder).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Wasabi Powder
山葵粉末
Wasabia japonica (Eutrema japonicum) source; INCI Wasabia Japonica Root Powder; MOQ from 1–10 kg (powder); 100 kg+ (bulk paste).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Shio Koji
塩麹
MOQ from 20–100 kg.
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Easier China regulatory path
Kagoshima Kurobuta Pork faces a more restrictive regulatory pathway in China. These alternatives have a simpler status in that market:
Sansho Pepper
山椒
Zanthoxylum piperitum source; INCI Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract; MOQ from 1–10 kg (dried peppercorn); 100 g – 5 kg (powder).
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
Wasabi Powder
山葵粉末
Wasabia japonica (Eutrema japonicum) source; INCI Wasabia Japonica Root Powder; MOQ from 1–10 kg (powder); 100 kg+ (bulk paste).
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
Shio Koji
塩麹
MOQ from 20–100 kg.
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
Disclaimer
Japan Ingredient Sourcing Platform introduces overseas buyers to Japanese ingredient manufacturers. The platform is an information service only and is not a party to any purchase, supply, or manufacturing contract between buyer and seller.
Information shown — including company details, product descriptions, regions of origin, minimum order quantities, lead times, certifications, and regulatory references — is compiled primarily from publicly available sources and manufacturer websites. Specifications change without notice; buyers are expected to verify current specifications, pricing, certification status, and regulatory compliance directly with each manufacturer before placing orders or signing contracts.
The platform operator is not licensed to provide legal, regulatory, customs, tax, or professional advice. References to third-party companies, products, certifications, trademarks, and geographical indications (GI) are factual and do not imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Last updated: 2026-05-05