What is so Special About Wagyu Beef in Japan?

Wagyu is Japanese beef. The word wagyu (和牛) literally translates into Japanese cattle. But you can think of wagyu as incredibly high-quality beef. Wagyu is world-famous for its marbling, tenderness, and remarkable flavor.



Look here for our recommendations on the best restaurants serving wagyu in Tokyo.

Japanese ranchers take exceptional care of their prized cattle. Striving for the coveted A5 rank. Less than 3% of all wagyu produced in Japan will attain this prestigious quality score.

It’s an indescribable flavor you must experience for yourself.

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Especially yakiniku (Japanese barbecue) restaurants boast menus with a large variety of cuts and dishes. Instead of “kalbi,” the Japanese word for ribs, you’ll often see things like 上カルビ, pronounced jō-kalbi, or 上ロース (jō-rōsu). The 上 character means “up” or “above” and generally indicates that the meat is fattier than usual and of a slightly higher quality. Sharing this meaning is another often-used expression: 特選, read as tokusen and meaning “special selection.” —LiveJapan

Lately wagyu beef—you know, the transcendently tender, fatty, umami-rich steak—has become as synonymous with luxury as caviar or black truffles. But no matter how many Michelin-starred menus this delicacy graces, all of the facts about wagyu steak still tend to elude even the most seasoned diners. —RobbReport

Wagyu beef is popular around the world because of its superior eating quality compared with other breeds of cattle. Not only does wagyu beef have higher levels of intra-muscular fat or marbling but the meat texture is finer, resulting in a more flavorsome eating experience. —SteakSchool

Let’s dive in deeper… way deeper (because wagyu is incredible)

There are four kinds of wagyu cattle:

Kurogewashu – Japanese Black — This is the breed that 95% of wagyu is from. It has exceptional marbling to produce incredible flavor.

— This is the breed that 95% of wagyu is from. It has exceptional marbling to produce incredible flavor. Akagewashi – Japanese Brown — Less marbling than the Japanese Black, but still well marbled, but is leaner.

— Less marbling than the Japanese Black, but still well marbled, but is leaner. Nihon Tankakushu – Japanese Shorthorn

Mukakuwashu – Japanese Polled

Is it important to know the breed of the wagyu cattle? Probably not, since most (almost 95%) top-end wagyu found in Japan is from the Japanese Black cow.

But I want to really understand that Japanese ranchers really, really go the extra mile to raise the absolute highest quality wagyu cattle they possibly can. This video does an excellent job of showcasing this.

Foreign “Wagyu”

You’ll see restaurants outside of Japan using the wagyu name. For the most part, this is not authentic wagyu like you’d find in Japan.

The U.S. to some degree, but mostly China and Australia, are growing cattle bred from Japanese cattle, but the pedigree is lower.

Plus Japanese ranchers don’t cut corners to save money. The gentle care, attention to detail, and inability to settle for anything but the best means you’ll find true, proper wagyu only in Japan (except very rare instances in the U.S. through co-ops).

Wagyu vs. Kobe Beef

If you’ve read up to this point then you know this is actually easy to answer. Kobe beef is wagyu. It’s wagyu bred and raised in Tajima with a very, very strict regimen to ensure nothing but the most perfect beef possible (Kobe is the capital of Tajima).

This means all Kobe beef is wagyu, but not all wagyu is Kobe.

With that out of the way, let’s talk about something more important to know; the grades and ranks of beef in Japan.

Ranks of Beef

You may have heard of the legendary Japanese A5 wagyu. The world’s most perfect, and expensive, beef. But do you know what the A5 stands for?

It’s a combination of the yield grade and quality grade.

Yield Grade

This is a standard measuring cutability; an index that indicates the percentage of meat taken from the carcass.

This scale is A, B, and C; where A is the highest yield.

It’s important to know yield doesn’t really affect the taste but rather cost; as it evaluates the edible portions.

Quality Grade

This is the important part. The quality grade evaluates the marbling, color, gloss, and texture of the meat.

This is on a scale of 1-5, 5 being the best — and it is not easy to attain this grade. Less than 3% of all wagyu produced in Japan will attain this prestigious quality score.

So now you know about the cattle, the rancher’s care, and the quality scale. It’s almost time to discuss the various cuts of beef and what they are in Japan.

Before that though, here’s an excellent video showing the incredible A5 wagyu being prepared teppanyaki style. If you love beef, this is going to make you drool.

Suffice it to say, it’s easy for you to imagine why high-grade wagyu is expensive.

There’s not that much of it to go around, it’s farmed to the highest, ever-improving standards, and it is sought after the world over.

Here’s another awesome video diving into why wagyu is so expensive.

Cuts of Wagyu

Loin/Sirloin (サ―ロイン)

The loin is cut from the large back muscle, but if it’s from the lower back, it’s called sirloin — and is the most popular cut worldwide for its wonderful marbling and flavor.

The finer the marbling and texture, the higher the quality. This cut is amazing when sliced ultra-thin for shabu-shabu, or even in yakiniku. But it really is best when cut thick for steak.

Wagyu sirloin is the cut you imagine when you think of high-end steak houses, or teppanyaki, in Japan.

Ramjiri (ランジリ)

The ramjiri cut is sirloin, but closer to the rump.

It retains the incredible flavor but doesn’t have quite the potential and spectacular appearance of a perfect sirloin.

This is an excellent way to get close to the best flavor without paying full price.

Ramjiri is great as a steak and you’ll find high-end yakiniku restaurants using it too.

Rib Shin (リブ芯)

This is the ribeye cut.

The tender area connected to loin, but lower down over the ribs of the cow. This is often the prize cut at many quality steakhouses and yakiniku restaurants in Japan.

It’s the most expensive cut along with tongue. The marbling, tenderness, flavor, and texture are unmatched. An A5 rib core cut is the stuff of dreams.

Rib Maki (リブ巻き)

Rib maki is the horseshoe-shaped cut surrounding rib core.

It’s another prize cut for yakiniku restaurants and meat lovers looking for the highest quality.

Rib roll tends to yield smaller cuts so it’s not found in steakhouses often. Interestingly, it is sometimes used in beef sashimi.

Filet (ヒレ)

Filet is the thick-side of tenderloin (the thin-side is filet mignon).

It is a lean cut with less marbling, but an exquisite aroma and tenderness.

It is wonderful for teppanyaki, where a thick cut cooked by a specialist is an art form to marvel at.

Sometimes you’ll find this cut used in beef cutlets too, and it’s absolutely amazing.

Chateaubriand (シャトーブリアン)

This is the rarest and most expensive cut of wagyu you can find.

It’s the thickest portion of the tenderloin so there is only a small amount per cow — roughly only 2kg per cow!

The weird name is from a French politician who apparently loved this cut the most.

The marbling and flavor are perfect for a beautiful steak, but some of the most top-end yakiniku restaurants may use it too.

Katashin (肩芯)

Katashin is a particular chuck portion in the center “eye” of the chuck roll, also referred to as chuck eye log.

This particular cut is sought after by yakiniku and steak lovers who are also budget-conscious — as it retains a great deal of flavor at a mid-range price comparatively.

You will see this on yakiniku menus as rosu (ロ―ス).

Interestingly, along with sirloin, it is used to determine the rank of beef.

Zabuton (ザブトン)

Zabuton is the outside of the chuck roll, also known as chuck flap tail.

It’s another prized cut because of the incredible marbling and intense flavor. In fact, zabuton is one of the most marbled cuts you can find. This is the yakiniku cut you’ll hear stories about — or watch travel YouTubers gush over.

It’s the “melt in your mouth” cut that is simply insane at the higher ranks of beef.

Sankakubara (三角バラ)

Sankakubara is a triangular chuck flank cut, also known as chuck rib.

It has gorgeous marbling much like zabuton, but the location means smaller cuts. These are perfect for yakiniku and even in sashimi.

This is one of those cuts that when grilled just melts away as you eat it. Simply amazing.

Brisket (ブリスケ)

Brisket is the “other side” of sankakubara and has very little marbling.

The lean, chewy texture means it’s usually cut into thick chunks and used in stews.

However, some yakiniku shops will cut this super thin to aid in chewing — making it one of the most affordable cuts you’ll find in yakiniku restaurants.

And if it is from a high-grade cow even this cut is delicious.

Togarashi (トウガラシ)

Also known as chuck tender, this cut is named after the togarashi red pepper because of its shape. In some ways, it looks similar to a tenderloin (filet).

It is a lean cut with an elegant flavor that comes from the net-like marbling and is best enjoyed when cooked rare or medium-rare.

It’s also a reasonably priced cut, somewhere mid-range.

Misuji (ミスジ)

Also known as top blade, misuji literally translates to three lines.

This is due to the three lines of sinew running through a cross-section of this cut.

The marbling is less net-like and more streaked helping to form a very tender cut. Some yakiniku restaurants will cut this extra thin to accent just how tender it can be.

Grill lightly to just start melting the fat and you’re in for a real treat.

Rump (ランプ)

Moving back on the cow, the rump is hindquarters cut connected to sirloin.

It’s very lean meat but does retain some marbling. This makes for a wonderfully rich flavor and is actually more tender than it appears — compared to non-wagyu cattle.

This cut is best for thick-cut steaks but you’ll find it in use in sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and yakiniku as well.

Ichibo (イチボ)

Located slightly further back than rump, ichibo is a rare cut with superior marbling considering the area of the cow it is from.

The name comes from the “H” bone shape of the area is it cut from — the hip bone.

This cut is phenomenal as steak or yakiniku, but you’ll sometimes find it in tataki dishes as well.

Uchimomo (ウチモモ)

Uchimomo, also known as top round is a cut from the inside of the thigh muscle of the hind legs.

Notably, this cut is also considered when determining the rank of the beef from a particular cow.

High grades can have decent marbling, but this tends to be a leaner cut with some texture. Avoid overcooking as this toughens the meat and exposes a rough texture.

Great in yakiniku where you can easily control the grill time.

Sotomomo (ソトモモ)

Sotomomo, also known as outside round (or bottom round), is a cut from the outside portion of the hind legs.

Generally, cuts from this area are tougher, leaner, and have a rough texture.

This makes them perfect for stews, but some yakiniku restaurants will slice this really thin — and the deep, rich, flavor is excellent when grilled carefully.

This is another way to save some money but still say you’ve eaten proper wagyu in Japan — since it is relatively affordable compared to the other cuts.

Shinshin (シンシン)

Shinshin is a cut from the middle hindquarters area of the inward thigh.

It appears to be tough, but it’s actually quite tender — though it does have a rough appearance. High-grade cuts will have some good marbling.

The flavor is light and is a welcome change of pace during yakiniku courses, or if you don’t want to feel heavy after a big steak.

The price is reasonable, mid-range comparatively with the other cuts.

Tomosankaku (トモサンカク)

Tomosankaku, also known as tri-tip, is cut from the hind thighs, but specially picked to increase marbling.

The fat marbling in this cut melts at a low temperature, much like other highly marbled cuts — making it not only a fantastic yakiniku meat but amazing in sashimi (or tataki).

Tatebara (タテバラ)

Tatebara, also known as short rib, is from the inner side of the ribs near forelegs.

It is probably one of the most popular cuts at yakiniku restaurants throughout Japan — you’ll find it called karubi on the menu.

This cut also shows how immense the difference is between each grade of beef. The marbling in an A5 tatebara cut is extraordinary.

The buttery-rich flavor, the melt in your mouth experience, is what the legends of yakiniku are born from.

Higher grades of this cut increase in price very quickly and the top-notch grades are very, very expensive.

Nakaochi (中落ち)

Nakaochi, also known as rib finger, is the meat between the rib bones.

It’s a tad tougher than tatebara but incredibly rich in flavor. When used in stews it toughens a bit more.

But when lightly grilled, to let a crisp form but remain medium-rare, the flavor is amplified and it becomes quite tender.

This is another staple at yakiniku restaurants where you’ll sometimes see it listed as nakaochi-jou-karubi.

Harami (ハラ三)

Harami, also known as outside skirt, is a cut from the inner rib side part of the diaphragm.

Since the cut is a “resting meat” taken from a location not connected to the bone, it’s often considered horomon (the innards) — though it is muscle rather than the intestine.

The flavor is deep, bloody, and has a slightly chewy texture. It is especially popular on yakiniku menus of all ranks.

Sagari (サガリ)

Sagari is another cut from the diaphragm area. The texture and taste are even similar to harami.

However, it has less marbling and a lighter flavor. Freshness is more important for this cut — sagari can’t rest long before it develops a smell.

You probably won’t see this cut on yakiniku restaurant menus because it’s often lumped together with harami. So keep in mind that when you order harami, it may be sagari.

Tanmoto (タン元)

Tanmoto is the root portion of the cow’s tongue — the base, furthest back in the throat.

This really is the prize jewel of Japanese yakiniku restaurants and it always tops the list as the most popular cut.

This portion of the tongue doesn’t move much so it is very tender and surprisingly well-marbled too.

Good yakiniku restaurants will serve this in a nice, thick-cut so you can grill the outside crisp and leave the inside medium-rare.

I know it may seem strange to be eating cow tongue, but if you’re going to try it, this is the cut to sample.

Tansaki (タン先)

Tansaki is the front, or end, of the tongue. Since it moves more this part is lean, less marbled, and chewy.

Normally a yakiniku restaurant will cut this extremely thin and pile green onion and sesame oil on top.

This cleanses the flavor and draws out a more savory flavor from this cut.

Despite being less popular than tanmoto, this is still incredibly popular. You may want to arrive early in the dinner hours to ensure you can get some before they sell out.

Top 3 Brands of Japanese Wagyu Beef

In Japan, there are brands of cattle. Primarily, farmers who have spent ages perfecting the art of raising the perfect cattle that will result in the highest quality wagyu.

While all the brands are amazing, the top three really set the bar exceptionally high. And if you’re coming to Japan to try the best, here are the top three you’ll want to look out for.

Tajima 但馬牛

Tajima beef is special. It’s one of the only brands with purebred cattle. The Hyogo district strictly controls the pedigree.

Tajima is also said to be the origin of the Japanese black cattle; other brands use Tajima cattle as a source to breed their cattle with when they want to improve the pedigree.

Kobe 神戸ビーフ

The world-famous Kobe beef. But did you know Kobe beef starts out as Tajima beef?

Yep, the best of the best calves from Tajima are selected and are then fed and cared for to become Kobe beef.

The marbling found in Kobe beef is something special. It has one of the lowest melting points of all the beef and the meat has a sort of savory sweetness to it.

Matsusaka 松阪牛

Matsusaka beef is among the best available in Japan due to the nutrient-rich water in the Mie prefecture.

Cattle are brought to the region before 12 months old to benefit the most from this exceptional feeding area.

On a fun note, this brand is also famous for sometimes feeding beer to select cattle who do not have the appetite to feed enough — apparently this helps them eat more.

Incidentally, the very best of the Matsusaka beef also get sprayed with shochu (rice wine) and massaged to soften muscle tissue. They live the good life!

There’s also a “Special Matsusaka beef” where the cow is fed for 900 days.

Wagyu Q&A

Are wagyu cows healthy?

Oh, yea. Probably the most healthy in the world. Both from the perspective of the cows themselves are exceptionally cared for.

But also there is a special gene in Japanese cows that changes the fat to unsaturated — and also decreases the melting point to where you can feel it melt just by touching it.

Are wagyu cows massaged and fed beer?

So this is an interesting question. It’s easy to imagine the lengths a Japanese rancher would go to raise the absolute highest quality beef possible.

Here’s what I could find. No, it isn’t typical for wagyu to be fed beer — though some ranchers have tried it to increase appetite and thus, increase fat — and the famous Matsusaka beef does use beer when necessary.

But the massage part is true, especially in the winter. Now, this isn’t for all wagyu, but some ranchers with smaller farms will massage their cows to keep them from cramping — which toughens the meat.

Can you buy wagyu in the U.S?

Yes! You actually can! Costco sells a 12lbs A5 wagyu ribeye for $999.99. They’re an authorized distributor of Kobe beef directly from Japan. It’s frozen and vacuum-sealed to preserve quality — and is the top-rated wagyu on Amazon.

This wasn’t always the case, and it is still somewhat rare. But in 2012 restrictions were lifted and shipping methods approved by Japanese wagyu producers to allow import into foreign countries.

The wagyu import industry is a highly-controlled area where Japanese exporters ensure only the best customers receive their prized wagyu beef.

How do you pronounce wagyu?

Pronouncing wagyu 和牛 (わぎゅう) is actually quite easy. The wagyu phonetic sounds like: wah-gyou. You can hear it pronounced in native Japanese here.

Which is better, wagyu vs angus?

This is a strange question. Better is in the eye of the beholder.

Some would believe the black Angus is from Texas. Nope. It has origins in Scotland. Obviously, pure, traditional wagyu is only found in Japan.

Angus is a leaner meat. It has marbling, but nowhere near the same amount as high-grade wagyu — but of course this is reflected in the price.

Also, wagyu fats are unsaturated and have a very low melting point — which gives it that melt in your mouth feel.

But some people don’t like that and believe wagyu to be too oily — therefore preferring Angus to wagyu (even though there are lean cuts of wagyu available).

Either way, there isn’t real competition here. Angus for some, wagyu for others. Angus is definitely cheaper, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t also delicious.

Sources: Wikipedia, Yamayu Beef Ikkan, SALT Magazine, and The Wagyu