Okukuji Shamo Chicken (Ibaraki): 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

Okukuji Shamo is a jidori (homebred, free range chicken) of the production area. Okukuji Shamo has been crossbred with Nagoya, Rhode Island Red as well as not so aggressive Shamo (Japanese game fowl) . Okukuji Shamo is a line selected chicken by Ibaraki Prefecture. By using unique mixed feed that is low calorie and does not include animal protein, Okukuji Shamo Chicken is firm-textured and juicy. It is low in fat and chewy and has little chicken-specific odor.

Link with the production area

Shamo had been raised in the Northern Ibaraki Prefecture since early times. The mating system of Okukuji Shamo is established around 1970’s.With cooperation from Ibaraki Prefecture and advice from users, producers in the production area have established the unique production method of Okukuji Shamo : raising chicks slowly, taking a long period of time, providing exclusive low-calorie feed and good quality water. Full-scale production and sales of Okukuji Shamo Chicken started in 1985.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s71.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.

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

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FAQ

A jidori chicken raised in Daigo Town and nearby cities in northern Ibaraki Prefecture. It crosses a less aggressive line of shamo gamecock selected in the prefecture with Nagoya and Rhode Island Red breeds, raised over a long period on low-calorie feed. The meat is firm, juicy, low in fat and chewy, with almost no gamey odor.

Okukuji Shamo Chicken is produced in Daigo Town in Kuji County, Hitachiomiya City, Hitachiota City and Takahagi City, Ibaraki Prefecture.

Okukuji 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.

Okukuji Shamo Chicken was registered as a Geographical Indication on December 27, 2018 (Registration No. 71). The registered producer group is Okukuji Shamo Production Association.