Kouza Pork Handmade Ham

The history of Kouza pork goes back to the Meiji era. In Ayase village, former Kouza district, Kanagawa Prefecture — against the background of national strengthening — livestock industry was encouraged, and pig farming using crops like sweet potato and wheat as feed became prosperous. In early Showa, by actively introducing Middle Yorkshire breed pigs that produce quality meat from England — those pigs grew into "Kouza pork," a branded pig alongside Satsuma kurobuta.

However, as pig farming efficiency advanced during high economic growth — the pure Middle Yorkshire breed, difficult to raise, disappeared, and Kouza pork became known as a "phantom pig." In the mid-1980s, aspiring local pig farmers stood up for the revival of Kouza pork. Through re-introducing Yorkshire breed, developing in-house blended feed, reviewing raising environments, and improving breeding sows — as a result of repeated trial and error — the "new Kouza pork" was born by crossing Landrace, Large Yorkshire, and Duroc breeds.

Kouza Pork Handmade Ham is a ham and sausage manufacturer founded in 1985 to maximize the value of the revived Kouza pork. With the motto "From feed-making to fattening to processing, by our own hands" — building an integrated system where pig farming, processing, and direct sales unite — maintaining authentic manufacturing without using extender, coloring, or preservatives as much as possible. While told at founding that "farmers can't succeed in business" — through uncompromising manufacturing, establishing position as a Kanagawa specialty — growing into a brand long loved by local people.

Currently, the lineup is diverse — not only ham and sausage but also raw ham, salami, miso-pickled items, fried deli items, and the Natural Series. External evaluations are also rising — consecutive wins at the German Agricultural Society DLG Contest, and selection for Kanagawa Brand and Kanagawa Top 100 Famous Products. Furthermore, actively engaging in social contribution activities — disaster area support through charity parties and SDGs initiatives — clearly putting forward the stance "contributing to community and society through delicious pork."

Aiming to be a brand chosen unchanged even at the dining table 100 years from now — Kouza Pork Handmade Ham continues facing Kouza pork today at the pig farms, workshops, and directly-managed stores.

Authentic ham and sausages from pig farmers who revived the phantom branded pig "Kouza pork"

The origin of Kouza Pork Handmade Ham lies in the revival of "Kouza pork" — once nationally famous in the former Kouza area of Kanagawa Prefecture but disappeared in the wave of efficiency during the high-growth period. In the 1980s, aspiring pig farmers went to England to purchase Yorkshire breed pigs, and through developing in-house blended feed, rationalizing breeding management, and improving breeding sows — they revived it as the new Kouza pork. Using that Kouza pork as ingredient, the pig farmers themselves challenge authentic ham and sausage making — that is Kouza Pork Handmade Ham.

An integrated system from pig farming to processing to direct sales — producing "super fresh" pork and handmade products

A major characteristic of Kouza Pork Handmade Ham is performing everything from pig farming to ham and sausage manufacturing in integrated fashion within the group. Kouza pork raised with original blended feed and natural water is processed at the freshness of about 4 days after farm shipment. Without using extender, coloring, or preservatives as much as possible — making products that leverage the original umami of meat. At directly-managed stores, you can enjoy ultra-fresh meat, fresh offal, and freshly fried deli items — truly "a brand connecting pig farming and direct sales."

Many Gold Prizes at the German Agricultural Society DLG Contest — quality recognized even by the home country

At the ham and sausage quality competition hosted by the German Agricultural Society (DLG), continuing since 1887 — winning numerous medals starting with Gold Prizes since 2005. In 2020, all 8 entries won medals — quality highly evaluated even by professionals in Europe, the home of ham. This is the result of maximizing the potential of Kouza pork — with fine-grained meat quality, quality fat, and juicy flavor — through craftsman techniques.

"Shizenha Ouka" Natural Series and commitment to peace of mind and safety

For those concerned about additives in processed meat, the "Natural Series" committed to being additive-free was developed. Using only Kouza pork within 5 days of shipment from designated farms — lineup of products that let you honestly feel the sweetness, aroma, and crisp fat of the ingredients. Using brown sugar for sugar and rock salt for salt — not compromising on seasoning either — pursuing quality chosen as a gift while being safe and reassuring.

Enjoy a table with Kouza pork through 3 stores in Ayase, Shonan Mutsuai, and Sagamihara — plus subscription

At the 3 directly-managed stores — Ayase Main Store, Shonan Mutsuai Store, and Sagamihara Store — fresh meat, ham and sausages, freshly fried deli items, and local vegetables are available — familiar as "food bases" rooted in the area. The online shop also develops gift sets and subscriptions (membership) — with a mechanism where carefully selected Kouza pork flavors arrive at home seasonally. The Kouza pork flavor — selected for Kanagawa Brand and Kanagawa Top 100 Famous Products — can be enjoyed as everyday dining and as a gift.