Yonezawa Beef (Yamagata): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

Available year-round.

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

YONEZAWAGYU is a beef of nulliparous Japanese Black cattle (“Kuroge Washu”). Due to its high quality and the taste, it has been highly appreciated from the old times, and many tourists visit Yonezawa for YONEZAWAGYU dishes. The market price of YONEZAWAGYU is about 20% higher than the average price of Japanese beef carcasses.

Link with the production area

The beef production around Yonezawa area flourished in the Meiji Period, establishing the area as the major beef production site. Producers in the geographical area have studied and improved their techniques for fattening the cattle.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s26.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

Yonezawa Beef is raised in eight municipalities of the Okitama area of Yamagata Prefecture, including Yonezawa City. Long valued for its quality and flavor, it draws many visitors who come to Yonezawa specifically to eat it, and the Yonezawa beef ekiben (station lunch box) has been sold for 120 years.

Yonezawa Beef is produced in Okitama area, Yamagata Prefecture (Yonezawa City, Nan'yo City, Nagai City, Takahata Town, Kawanishi Town, Iide Town, Shirataka Town and Oguni Town).

Yonezawa Beef is shipped all year round. Available 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.

Yonezawa Beef was registered as a Geographical Indication on March 3, 2017 (Registration No. 26). The registered producer group is Yonezawagyu Brand Promotion Association.