Japanese Black (Kuroge Washu)

The primary wagyu breed, representing 90%+ of Japanese wagyu production.

Japanese Black cattle are renowned for their genetic predisposition to intense marbling. Strains include Tajima (Kobe), Fujiyoshi (Matsusaka), and Kedaka. This is the breed behind virtually all premium wagyu, both in Japan and exports.

Related Terms

A5

The highest grade in the Japanese beef grading system, indicating top yield (A) and quality (5).

BMS (Beef Marbling Score)

A 1-12 scale measuring intramuscular fat distribution in beef.

Fullblood Wagyu

100% genetically pure wagyu cattle with traceable Japanese lineage.

F1 Wagyu

First-generation wagyu crossbreed, typically 50% wagyu and 50% Angus.