SHIMANE
WAGYU
2x Japanese Wagyu Olympic Winner
Miyazaki is the most famous wagyu brand for its flavor and meat quality, but Shimane Wagyu closely rivals it in the same categories. Shimane’s exclusivity and limited availability make it our premier alternative to Miyazaki
Every five years, prefectures across Japan compete in the Japanese Wagyu Olympics to determine the finest beef. Like Miyazaki, Shimane won 1st place in two events. Shimane consistently achieves top-three finishes in the fat quality division at the Olympics, essential for its rich flavor profile, which is enriched by high oleic acid levels. In a standout year, Shimane Wagyu also won the Japanese Carcass Contest, a first in history.
What is Shimane Wagyu Beef?
Rare Wagyu Genetics: Itozakura
There are three famous bloodlines: Tajima (Hyogo Prefecture), Kedaka (Tottori) Prefecture, and Itozakura (Shimane Prefecture). Most of the wagyu imported into the U.S. are from the Tajima bloodline. Itozakura cattle are calm and undergo less stress, which is integral to creating highly marbled beef. Written records called Kokugyujyuzu from 1310 and Sungyuzu from 1319 state that Shimane is one of Japan's best places to produce cattle.
Shimane Wagyu refers to Kuroge Washu (Japanese Black) cattle born and raised in Shimane Prefecture, Japan. The region hosts numerous farms adhering to stringent brand guidelines covering the entire lifecycle from calf production to raising and fattening. A significant portion of Shimane Wagyu exported to the U.S. is A5 grade, the highest quality designation in Japanese beef grading. This grade is renowned globally for its exceptionally tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality.