What is Oita Wagyu?
It’s a masterpiece of beef,
boasting a glorious history and a proven track record!
Since winning the top prize at the national beef fair held in 1921, Oita Bungo Beef has been crowned number one in Japan on numerous occasions. Oita Wagyu was launched as a leading brand of Oita Bungo Beef, in celebration of its 100th anniversary. Among high-quality Oita Bungo Beef, only superb Oita Bungo Beef with a meat quality grade of 4 or above on a scale of 1 to 5, from cattle that are raised by farmers highly dedicated to the pursuit of deliciousness, can be branded as “Oita Wagyu.”
Criteria for the certification of Oita Wagyu
1. Top-grade meat (quality grade 4 or above)
2. High traceability from farm to table
3. Beef crafted for exceptionally delicious flavor
(use of rice or beer lees as feed)
Meat quality grades
Japanese Wagyu beef is graded on a scale of 1 to 5 based on four factors: “degree of marbling,” “color and brightness of the meat,” “firmness and texture of the meat,” and “color, luster, and quality of the fat.” 1 is the lowest and 5 is the highest. Oita Wagyu beef is high-quality premium beef with a quality grade of 4 or 5.
Oita Bungogyu
Raising environment
Oita Prefecture is blessed with a mild climate and rich nature, with lush green mountains and fertile land. In such an ideal environment, Wagyu farmers are committed to minimizing stress on their cattle, enabling the cattle to grow in a relaxed way and resulting in delicious Oita Bungogyu beef.
Taste
Oita Bungogyu beef has beautiful marbling. With its rich flavor and melting tenderness, the beef is extremely delicious. The pedigrees of sires that have an impact on meat quality have also been highly evaluated nationwide.
History and reputation
Bungogyu cattle farming has a long history. The sire “Chiyoyama-go” won the top prize at the National Livestock Exhibition in Tokyo in 1921. Historical records show that the sire was paraded around Ginza with a banner reading “Bungo is the best quality cattle breed in Japan.” More recently, in 2017, Oita Bungogyu cattle became Japan’s number one in the sire division at the 11th National Competitive Exhibition of Wagyu (“Wagyu Olympics”) in Miyagi Prefecture, winning the Prime Minister’s Award. They also won the Distinction Award in all categories and third prize overall in Japan. As a result, the reputation of Bungogyu beef continues to rise.
Oita Wagyu
Brand
Since 1918, when the history of Bungogyu began, this breed has ranked number one in competitions in Japan many times. In 2018, the year marking Bungogyu’s centennial anniversary, Oita’s new Wagyu brand “Oita Wagyu” was launched. Oita Wagyu is premium beef with a quality grade of 4 or 5 sourced from Oita Bungogyu cattle raised by farms making dedicated efforts to produce delicious meat. Building on a century of heritage, new efforts are underway so that Oita Wagyu remains a source of local pride for the next 100 years.
100-year history of Oita Wagyu beef
1918
Registration rules for Bungogyu beef cattle are established, laying the foundation for the Bungogyu brand. The history of Wagyu in Oita Prefecture officially begins.
1921
The sire “Chiyoyama-go” wins top prize at the National Livestock Exhibition and is paraded around Ginza with a banner reading “Bungo is the best quality cattle breed in Japan.”
1953
“Sumie-go” becomes the best breeding cow in Japan, winning the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Award at the 1st National Wagyu Competition.
1958
The sire “Kinryu-gojuichi-go” is observed by the Emperor and Empress during a national tree-planting festival in Oita Prefecture.
1970
Wagyu cattle raised in Oita Prefecture (owned by Mr. Tsutau Shizuri, Kusu Town) wins the Prime Minister’s Award at the 2nd National Wagyu Competitive Show and is awarded the Emperor’s Cup in the livestock division at the 9th Festival of Agriculture. Later, “Itofuku-go,” known as Oita Prefecture’s leading sire, is born.
1992
The sire “Itohime-go” wins the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award at the 6th National Competitive Exhibition of Wagyu.
2002
Calves of the sire “Suefuku-go” win the Prime Minister’s Award in the beef cattle division at the 8th National Competitive Exhibition of Wagyu.
2007
Oita Prefecture Bungogyu Beef Marketing Council is established by stakeholders in Oita Prefecture to promote Bungogyu beef and make it more available to consumers.
2012
Oita Bungogyu beef wins the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award in two divisions at the 10th National Competitive Exhibition of Wagyu.
2013
“Oita Bungogyu” is established as Oita’s prefecture-wide beef brand.
2017
Oita Bungogyu cattle become Japan’s number one in the sire division at the 11th National Competitive Exhibition of Wagyu, winning the Prime Minister’s Award.
2018
“Oita Wagyu” is publicized as the premium brand of “Oita Bungogyu.” New efforts for the next 100 years begin.
