Try Japan’s Best Beef!
Kagoshima Wagyu
The Japanese Wagyu Branded Beef Competition is a national competition that takes place once every five years and it was held in Kagoshima Prefecture in 2022. At this particular competition, Kagoshima Wagyu were named first place in six of nine categories and even received the Prime Minister's Award. The Kagoshima brand also successfully defended the best carcass award in the beef cattle category, boasting the true winner in ‘taste’. In the history of the Japanese Wagyu Branded Beef Competition, a consecutive victory has only been achieved by Kagoshima Wagyu. In this feature, we will delve into the current state of Kagoshima Wagyu and learn one way to fully enjoy its culinary qualities.
The Japanese Wagyu Branded Beef Competition is a national competition that takes place once every five years and it was held in Kagoshima Prefecture in 2022. At this particular competition, Kagoshima Wagyu were named first place in six of nine categories and even received the Prime Minister's Award. The Kagoshima brand also successfully defended the best carcass award in the beef cattle category, boasting the true winner in ‘taste’. In the history of the Japanese Wagyu Branded Beef Competition, a consecutive victory has only been achieved by Kagoshima Wagyu. In this feature, we will delve into the current state of Kagoshima Wagyu and learn one way to fully enjoy its culinary qualities.
Kagoshima Wagyu were named best in Japan five years ago at the previous competition in Miyagi Prefecture. One could say the victory quickly popularized the brand name nationally and created the opportunity for many people to try it. This time around, at a homecoming event, winning was anticipated by the local public. Despite this pressure, Kagoshima Wagyu once again amassed the highest achievements. The person responsible of the Beef Cattle Business Division at Kagoshima Prefectural Economic Federation of Agricultural Co-operatives tells us that people now evaluate Kagoshima Wagyu on a par with other so called “brand beef”.
“I do feel the clear shift in tone compared to five years ago,” he says. “Media outlets have been covering our stories and we also receive inquiries from major companies. The No.1 status has definitely made it possible to carry out promotion campaigns more sustainably.” He also tells us that as Kagoshima boasts the position of producing the most Japanese Black cattle in Japan, their future mission has to be to ensure a stable production and to reach a bigger audience in educating the public on its delicious taste.
Kagoshima Wagyu were named best in Japan five years ago at the previous competition in Miyagi Prefecture. One could say the victory quickly popularized the brand name nationally and created the opportunity for many people to try it. This time around, at a homecoming event, winning was anticipated by the local public. Despite this pressure, Kagoshima Wagyu once again amassed the highest achievements. The person responsible of the Beef Cattle Business Division at Kagoshima Prefectural Economic Federation of Agricultural Co-operatives tells us that people now evaluate Kagoshima Wagyu on a par with other so called “brand beef”.
“I do feel the clear shift in tone compared to five years ago,” he says. “Media outlets have been covering our stories and we also receive inquiries from major companies. The No.1 status has definitely made it possible to carry out promotion campaigns more sustainably.” He also tells us that as Kagoshima boasts the position of producing the most Japanese Black cattle in Japan, their future mission has to be to ensure a stable production and to reach a bigger audience in educating the public on its delicious taste.
A New Era Has Evolved
Leading the Wagyu Beef Market from Kagoshima
The Tokyo market is crucial to getting delicious Kagoshima Wagyu known to more consumers. Currently, Kagoshima is aggressively increasing shipments to Tokyo, where other top beef brands are already available.
Overseas, the demand has been high especially in the U.S., Europe, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The rebranded ‘Kagoshima Wagyu’ is expected to reach more and more consumers all over the world. “Our unique Wagyu only exist in Japan. So if it is the best in Japan, it means it is the best in the world,” he continues. “People outside Japan might not necessarily be familiar with how best to eat Wagyu beef. So when we export our beef, we also package our food culture. Examples are steamed seiro mushi, shabu shabu hotpot, and simmered shigureni.”
He also tells us that they want to drive the Kagoshima Wagyu market as well as the Wagyu market as a whole. His strong will seems to look ahead to the next Hokkaido competition.
Enjoying Kagoshima
Wagyu in a Delicious
and Beautiful Way
Kagoshima Wagyu is characterized by its deep and rich flavor. But what exactly makes it Japan’s top in delicious taste? One place where you can explore this is Karen. This restaurant is directly operated by Kagoshima Prefectural Economic Federation of Agricultural Co-operatives.
Here, you can try a very rare dish even in Kagoshima: steamed Wagyu beef in seiro mushi style.
The bamboo steamer has two levels. At the top, the shiny meat with fine marbles are beautifully lined up and the base is filled with an abundance of vibrant vegetables of the season.
Kagoshima Wagyu is characterized by its deep and rich flavor. But what exactly makes it Japan’s top in delicious taste? One place where you can explore this is Karen. This restaurant is directly operated by Kagoshima Prefectural Economic Federation of Agricultural Co-operatives.
Here, you can try a very rare dish even in Kagoshima: steamed Wagyu beef in seiro mushi style.
The bamboo steamer has two levels. At the top, the shiny meat with fine marbles are beautifully lined up and the base is filled with an abundance of vibrant vegetables of the season.
The Character of Kagoshima Wagyu that Surprises Chefs
The steaming process takes about 15 minutes. The extra fat from the meat falls onto the vegetable, making the beef softer and healthier, and the vegetable sweeter with the umami from the fat.
The tender, sweet, and juicy flavors spread in your mouth as the steamed beef melts like snow.
A luxurious moment which can only be experienced with the best Japanese Wagyu beef.
“I can tell instantly with my hands if it’s good beef. ‘Moist’ is the perfect word to describe Kagoshima Wagyu,” says Karen's head cook. He says that ever since the title victory more and more customers are ordering Kagoshima Black beef.
Kagoshima Wagyu is popular not only in Japan but also overseas. A5 grade Kagoshima Wagyu is listed among the most popular gifts.
Japan’s best beef will remain unknown until you taste it. We hope you find a chance to try it soon.