Kawamata Shamo Chicken (Fukushima): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

Timing shifts with the weather and conditions in each region.

Official registration details (MAFF)

The registered description as published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Characteristics

High crude fat content and low water content make the meat rich and tasty. The meat is flavorsome due also to the high oleic acid ratio characterizing its fatty acid composition.

Link with the production area

Kawamata Town is ideal for raising chicken, which dislike hot weather, because the local climate is relatively cool even during summer thanks to the town's location 200 m or more above sea level, and the wind blowing down from the Abukuma Mountains.During the Edo period (17C-19C), varieties of shamo were kept for cockfighting by newly wealthy owners of silk-weaving businesses. Raising shamo--some of which were for food--became widespread in the town as a result.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s118.html)

Where to buy

As a rule, only products that meet the registered standard may use a GI name (with exceptions such as prior use). Check for the GI mark and the place of origin to tell it apart from ordinary products with similar names.

Find on furusato nozei (opens in a new tab)Find online (opens in a new tab)

These links go to Japanese-language shops; check whether they ship overseas.

Some shop links on this page are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

It is also offered as a Kawamata Town furusato nozei (hometown tax donation) gift.

FAQ

Shamo gamecock chicken raised in the highlands of Kawamata Town, Fukushima. With high fat and low moisture content, the meat is richly marbled and flavorful, and its high proportion of oleic acid gives it a pleasant taste.

Kawamata Shamo Chicken is produced in Kawamata Town, Date County, Fukushima Prefecture.

Kawamata Shamo Chicken is shipped all year round.

Look for it via furusato nozei (hometown tax donation) and online shops. Check the GI mark and the place of origin before you buy.

Kawamata Shamo Chicken was registered as a Geographical Indication on March 31, 2022 (Registration No. 118). The registered producer group is Kawamata Shamo Promotion Group.