Starzen Co., Ltd.

Kobe Beef — the world's most-recognised Japanese wagyu brand, sourced exclusively from Tajima cattle raised, slaughtered, and processed in Hyogo Prefecture under strict cooperative-managed standards. MAFF GI-protected and registered with the Japan Patent Office. Strict criteria: BMS (Beef Marbling Standard) ≥6, BCS (Beef Color Standard) 4-7, BFS (Beef Fat Standard) 4-7, gross weight 270-499 kg. Distinct from existing 'wagyu-fat-tallow' (rendered fat) entry; this is the prime export-grade meat ingredient.

Matsusaka Beef from Mie Prefecture — one of Japan's three most-prestigious wagyu brands (along with Kobe and Omi). Distinguished by extended fattening period (often 30+ months on a high-quality fodder) and exclusively female (virgin heifer) cattle for the top grade. The 'Tokusan Matsusaka Ushi' (Premium Matsusaka Beef) sub-label is the most-prized; some prized cattle command per-head prices over $30,000 at auction.

Omi Beef from Shiga Prefecture — Japan's oldest documented wagyu brand (production since the early Edo period). One of the three most-prestigious wagyu brands (Kobe, Matsusaka, Omi) and the founding member of the wagyu trinity. Cattle raised in the cool waters and rolling hills around Lake Biwa, fed local rice straw. Substantial export volume to Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and increasingly to US fine-dining.

Premium wagyu beef from Yamagata Prefecture (Yonezawa region). One of Japan's three major wagyu brands of the Tōhoku region (Yonezawa, Maezawa, Yamagata). MAFF GI-protected; cattle must be raised in the Okitama region of Yamagata for at least the final 32 months. Distinguished by clean snow-fed water and the cold mountain climate's effect on fat-marbling profile. Distinct from existing Kobe / Matsusaka / Omi wagyu entries.

Premium wagyu beef from Saga Prefecture, Kyushu. Cattle raised under JA Saga cooperative-managed standards with strict BMS ≥7 requirement. Saga's mild Kyushu climate and Ariake Sea-anchored agriculture produce wagyu distinct from Honshu varieties. Substantial export to Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and increasingly to halal-Muslim markets (Saga has the largest concentration of halal-certified wagyu abattoirs in Japan).

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.

Premium pork raised in the Iga Basin (Mie Prefecture) under cooperative-managed standards. Iga's mountain-bowl topography and the cool Iga River feed produce pork with finer fat-marbling than industrial breeds. Used in fine-dining tonkatsu and shabu-shabu, plus the regional Iga ninja-themed gift-economy retail. Smaller production volume than Kagoshima Kurobuta but commands a Mie-region premium. Distinct from existing pork entries.

Heritage Japanese chicken breed (Nagoya Cochin), one of Japan's three premier 'jidori' (heritage) chickens (alongside Hinai-jidori from Akita and Satsuma-jidori from Kagoshima). Aichi Prefecture-bred; raised at lower density and slaughtered at older age (~110 days vs 50 days for industrial broiler) — producing firmer texture and richer flavour. Nagoya Cochin yakitori, oyakodon, and chicken-and-egg dishes anchor Aichi cuisine. Substantial gift-economy retail.