Kumamoto Akaushi (Japanese Brown / Red Wagyu)

Kumamoto Akaushi (くまもとあか牛) · Kumamoto Prefecture (Aso highlands), Kyushu — Japanese Brown (Akage Washu) breed
Meat & Seafood Wagyu Frozen Growing export

Akaushi is the Japanese Brown breed, leaner and more umami-rich than marbled Japanese Black, raised on the Aso grasslands of Kumamoto. It is marketed internationally as a healthier, balanced-fat wagyu with strong beef flavor. Akaushi genetics are the foundation of the American Akaushi (HeartBrand) program, giving the breed export name recognition. Japan-origin Kumamoto Akaushi is shipped chilled/frozen to permitted markets.

The supplierKumamoto producer group raising Japanese Brown on Aso grasslands; distinct from Japanese Black brands.
Why it sells abroadLean red-wagyu (Japanese Brown); balanced fat, strong umami; breed recognized via US HeartBrand

Buyer's brief ✓ SOURCES VERIFIED

CertificationsKumamoto Akaushi is a registered Geographical Indication (GI) product (confirmed: GI-protected on 27 Sep 2018; also recognized in the UK GI list). Japanese Brown (Akage Washu) breed, final breeding in Kumamoto (confirmed). Wagyu export requires importing-country-approved abattoir (confirmed framework). NLBC traceability standard.
Pack formatsVacuum primal; steaks; yakiniku slices.
Shelf lifeFrozen ~12-24 months; chilled vacuum ~30-45 days.
StorageFrozen -18C or below; chilled vacuum 0-2C.
Minimum orderTypical: ~1 pallet (200-300 kg)
Lead timeTypical: 3-6 weeks
CapacityTypical: mid-volume regional brand
Container loadTypical: ~18-22 t / 40ft reefer
PricingTypical: $40-100/kg by cut
OEM / private labelPortioning via exporter.
Wholesale & MOQFrozen -18C / chilled 0-2C; MOQ ~1 pallet
Key exporters & distributorsZen-Noh, Kyushu trading houses, Starzen
Export regulationMAFF export-listed abattoirs; MAFF health cert. Permitted to US, HK, SG, TW, TH; BANNED in mainland China/Korea. HS 0201/0202.
Market demandGrowing demand for leaner wagyu in US/Asia
How to source itJA Kumamoto / Kumamoto Akaushi producers -> licensed exporter -> overseas importer.
Verified sourceshttps://pd.jgic.jp/en/register/entry/67.html (Kumamoto Akaushi registered GI, 27 Sep 2018); https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/61bb50728fa8f5037ffaa3b9/10._Kumamoto_Akaushi_tranche_1.pdf (UK GI recognition)
MakerJA Kumamoto / Kumamoto Akaushi producers (Japanese Brown breed)
OriginKumamoto Prefecture (Aso highlands), Kyushu — Japanese Brown (Akage Washu) breed
CategoryMeat & Seafood / Wagyu
Available inUS, HK, SG +2 more
HandlingFrozen
Price tierPremium
ChannelFoodservice
Export readinessGrowing export
HS code0201 / 0202
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Profile maintained by Japonity (japonity.com), May 2026. General sourcing information only — confirm current availability, pricing, MOQ and the destination market's import rules with the maker or exporter before contracting. Japonity is not affiliated with this brand.