Introducing Motonari, Pedigree Wagyu from Hiroshima

In 1566, Motonari Mori, a small feudal lord of Aki Province, defeated the Amago clan and gained control of the Chugoku region's iron-producing areas. The “Tatara” iron manufacturing method, which was strategically important, required large quantities of wood. In order to transport the wood across the rugged mountainous terrain of the Chugoku region, cattle, which have stronger legs than horses, were actively used. In addition, cattle were actively herded into the land where forests had been cleared, and this laid the foundation for the breeding of “Tsuru cattle*.”

　　　　　　　

Wagyu cattle production in Japan began in earnest in the late Edo period. At a time when the genetic system was still unknown, Rokuemon Iwakura, a cattle farmer in Hiwa Village (present Hiwa Town, Shobara City), is said to have been one of the first to begin improving the breed. Since then, many people have worked to further improve the breed, and from the Meiji through the Showa eras, Hiroshima cattle were known as “Hiba cattle” and “Jinseki cattle” throughout all of Japan.

　　　　　　　

When Emperor Yoshihito (posthumously known as Emperor Taisho) passed away, and a grand funeral ceremony was held, Hiroshima Wagyu cattle were specially chosen to pull the hearse or “Jisha” due to their warm and gentle disposition, strength and endurance, and beautiful appearance. Hiroshima Wagyu cattle have also won two consecutive championships at the National Wagyu Competition, known as the “Olympics of Wagyu.”

　　　

　　　　　　　

Hiroshima Wagyu cattle are regarded as the origin of modern Wagyu beef, dating back to Lord Motonari's conquest of the Chugoku region. “Motonari” is a brand that has strongly inherited the venerable “Hiroshima pedigree.

Hiroshima Wagyu Motonari Certification Definition