Wagyu vs. Kobe Beef: What's the Real Difference? Here's Your Guide to Japanese Steak! | LIVE JAPAN travel guide (2024)

Table of Contents

1. What is Wagyu Beef?
2. What is Kobe Beef: The Caviar of Meat
3. Raising Wagyu: The Misconceptions
4. Japanese Beef: A Worldwide Phenomenon
5. Where to eat Wagyu in Japan

Wagyu (和牛), in its most essential definition, signifies Japanese beef, with the term itself being a straightforward portmanteau in the Japanese language where 'wa (和)' denotes 'Japanese' and 'gyu (牛)' implies 'beef.'

Wagyu is derived exclusively from four distinct breeds of Japanese cattle, namely Japanese Black, Japanese Brown, Japanese Polled, and Japanese Shorthorn. Each breed brings its unique characteristics to the table, enhancing the diversity of Wagyu beef.

Nevertheless, when one speaks of Wagyu, the image that often comes to mind is of the exquisite product of the Japanese Black cattle, accounting for over 90% of all Wagyu beef. This breed is lauded for the superior marbling in its meat, resulting in a tender texture and a flavor profile that's a harmonious blend of richness and subtlety.

The high percentage of unsaturated fats in Wagyu contributes to its distinctive marbling, creating a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture that's become the hallmark of this luxurious beef. Its reputation as a gourmet experience, coupled with the meticulous care and time invested in raising these cattle, justifies the premium price tag it often commands. Enthusiasts will attest that indulging in genuine Wagyu is an experience that is, without a doubt, worth every yen.

Though the luscious slices of Wagyu beef may seem timeless, the tradition of raising Wagyu cattle is relatively nascent in the historical context of Japan. For over a millennium, following the ethos of Buddhist teachings, the consumption of meat was considered taboo in Japan.

The winds of change began to stir during the Meiji Restoration, a revolutionary period that saw Japan break from its feudal past to embrace a more westernized future. The leaders of this new era encouraged the adoption of Western dietary habits, including the consumption of beef.

Yet, it wasn't until the ashes of World War II had settled and the Japanese economy began to flourish anew that beef became more than an occasional luxury. As prosperity spread, so did the Japanese people's ability to indulge in beef more frequently.

Among the myriad types of beef, Kobe beef stood out as a culinary gem. Its rise to global acclaim took place in the 1980s and 1990s, a journey spurred by the dedicated efforts of the Kobe Beef Marketing Distribution Promotion Association. Formed in 1983, this organization was instrumental in defining the strict criteria for what could be labeled as Kobe beef, and promoting this exquisite product across the world. As a result, the legend of Kobe beef expanded far beyond Japan's shores, bringing the unique gastronomical experience to discerning diners globally.

Wagyu in Japan is typically referred to by the location where the cows were raised. Some types of wagyu beef you can find in Japan include Tottori, Hyogo, Okayama, Shimane, Kumamoto, and Kochi.

The beef of each of these regions has its own merits. Of course, the most well-known type of wagyu is - indisputably - Kobe beef.

Over time, the term 'Kobe beef' has become an emblem of culinary excellence, a symbol synonymous with the epitome of gourmet indulgence. Yet, as its fame has grown beyond Japan's borders, so has the misuse of its name, causing the true essence of Kobe beef to be somewhat clouded.

Authentic Kobe beef is a product of the black Tajima breed of Wagyu cattle, raised in Japan's Hyogo Prefecture under meticulously stringent protocols set forth by the Kobe Beef Marketing and Distribution Promotion Association. Much like its Wagyu cousins, Kobe beef is celebrated for its intense marbling, which translates into an extraordinarily tender texture and a flavor profile that is nothing short of divine.

Certified Kobe beef is distinguished by an approval mark, stamped in four distinct places on the carcass, serving as a testament to its authenticity and adherence to the association's standards.

In the realm of international exports, the association maintains a regularly updated list of all authorized Kobe beef distributors on its official website. This includes the names of the importing countries and the respective importers. Regrettably, numerous overseas establishments claiming to offer 'Kobe' beef are often serving anything but the genuine article.

Menu items enticingly named 'Wagyu steak' at a bargain or 'Kobe sliders' are often not sourced from Japan at all. Some restaurants, particularly in the USA and Australia, might serve a hybrid of Wagyu and Angus breeds, while others might use 100% Angus beef masquerading under the guise of 'Kobe-style.'

The reality is, genuine Kobe beef is a rare delicacy outside Japan and is usually offered at steep prices reflecting its exclusivity. As such, discerning diners are urged to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of Kobe beef before making a purchase.

As the global appetite for Kobe and Wagyu beef has surged in recent years, so too have the myths and misconceptions surrounding the upbringing of these prized Japanese cattle.

Far beyond the shores of Japan, the narratives about raising these cattle have acquired an almost mythical status, brimming with tales of pampered bovines receiving massages with sake and being treated to refreshing beer. While these stories are not entirely baseless, they often represent a dramatized version of the actual practices employed in Wagyu farming.

Indeed, some Japanese farmers do massage their cattle, but the purpose of this practice is often misunderstood. Contrary to the widespread belief that these massages are designed to enhance the quality of the meat, they are, in fact, a welfare measure. Owing to the limited space in which these cattle are typically housed, massages are performed to promote comfort and wellbeing, ensuring the animals lead a stress-free existence.

Similarly, the anecdote about cattle savoring beer is not entirely unfounded. During the sweltering heat of the summer months, when the cattle's appetite often dwindles, farmers might offer them beer to stimulate their feed intake. However, it's important to note that this is not a standard practice, and certainly not a secret ingredient to the making of premium Wagyu beef, as it is sometimes portrayed. The true secret lies in the careful breeding, dedicated care, and rigorous quality standards adhered to by Japanese farmers.

The reputation and popularity of Kobe beef and wagyu in general only seem to be growing, as word of this fine Japanese meat spreads worldwide.

There seems to be no shortage of curious diners who are eager to try the melt-in-your-mouth, tender wagyu for themselves. While Japanese beef can be difficult to come by, meat-eating gourmands all seem to agree that a bite of savory wagyu is well worth the effort!

Japan, the birthplace of Wagyu, is teeming with top-tier restaurants where you can indulge in this culinary marvel. From the bustling streets of Tokyo's Ginza district to the traditional teppanyaki grills of Osaka, there's a myriad of establishments serving exquisitely prepared Wagyu.

Each establishment below is highly rated, and reservations can be made from the "Details" page.

• (Hyogo) Kobe Beef Kisshokichi Honten in Kobe - Kobe Beef Wagyu Dishes
• (Tokyo) Matuzakagyu Ittouryu Nikubee Honten in Akasaka - Matsusakagyu Wagyu Yakiniku BBQ
• (Tokyo) Sagaya Ginza in Ginza - Deluxe Wagyu BBQ
• (Tokyo) ShabuZen in Ginza - Japanese Hotpot and Sukiyaki
• (Osaka) All you can eat - Yakinikuya Daibokujo Tanimaqi Branch in Osaka
• (Osaka) MANNOYA Japanese Wagyu Yakiniku BBQ Restaurant in Osaka

The World of Wagyu: Everything you wanted to know about Japanese beef

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*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.