Wagyu's Journey: From Japanese Heritage to American Ranches
Wagyu cattle have evolved over centuries, shaped by Japan’s geography, culture, and history.
Wagyu’s journey from ancient work animals to a global culinary treasure reflects Japan’s ability to blend tradition with innovation, making it a true icon of Japanese culture and a symbol of excellence among American ranches and others worldwide.
The Wagyu Origin Story: A Tradition of Purpose and Precision
Wagyu’s legacy began long before it became a global icon of indulgence. Here’s how it earned its legendary status:
Bred for Work, Built for Flavor
Over 2,000 years ago, Japanese cattle were used as draft animals. Selective breeding for strength and endurance laid the foundation for the rich marbling we know today.
Marbling That’s in the DNA
That careful breeding created cattle with a unique genetic makeup—one that delivers unmatched tenderness, texture, and flavor.
A Brief Detour, Then a Return to Roots
During the Meiji era, Japan experimented with crossbreeding—but quickly recommitted to preserving and perfecting its native breeds.
The Four Originals
Wagyu today refers to four distinct Japanese breeds:
- Japanese Black
- Japanese Brown
- Japanese Shorthorn
- Japanese Polled
From Tradition to Global Prestige
With strict breeding practices, specialized diets, and an unwavering focus on quality, Wagyu rose from workhorse to world-class—symbolizing the highest standards in beef.
Akaushi Origins in Japan
Akaushi cattle, also known as Japanese Red, were carefully bred in Kumamoto, Japan with one mission: to produce the most consistently tender, flavorful, and healthy beef in the world.
For over a century, Japan’s Akaushi Association collected detailed genetic data—from marbling to fertility—to create a breed that thrives in grass-fed environments and withstands tropical climates.
First Raised at Volcanic Mount Aso
Mount Aso or Aso Volcano is the largest active volcano in Japan and among the largest in the world. It's also where Akaushi cattle were first raised.
Grazing on the grasslands at the base of the volcano, the rich volcanic soil, environment, and an almost sacred-level of care, resulted in a perfectly balanced animal—built for quality, consistency, and longevity.
Today, Akaushi receive the same level of care and respect at HeartBrand Ranch, where the largest herd of Akaushi cattle outside of Japan live today.
The Timeline of Akaushi in America
The Akaushi story in America began with a historic moment in 1994. Only 16 full-blood Akaushi cattle were ever exported from Japan—and HeartBrand owns them all. Nine females and three bulls arrived in Texas after a rigorous quarantine, carefully selected by Japanese experts and American cattle pioneers.
The First Steps West – 1976
The first time Akaushi genetics set foot outside Japan was in 1976. Two bulls—Judo and Rueshaw—were exported to the U.S., marking the first ripple in what would become a wave of change for premium American beef.
Judo and Rueshaw—Akaushi pioneers in the West. These bulls laid the groundwork for purebred Akaushi lines outside Japan.
A Historic Import – 1994
In 1994, a groundbreaking import brought 12 full-blood Akaushi cattle to the U.S.—9 heifers and 3 bulls. This was the only full-blood export ever sanctioned by the Japanese government, making it a pivotal moment in breed history.
These cattle were hand-selected in Kumamoto by Mr. Yikio Kurosawatsu and Dr. King, then imported by Dr. Al and Marie Wood. They would become the foundation of the most carefully preserved Akaushi gene pool outside of Japan.
Heifers
Namiko, Ume, Naomi, Akiko, Haruko, Fuyuko, Dai 3 Namiaki, Dai 9 Koubai 73, Dai 8 Marunami
Bulls
Shigemaru, Tamamaru, Hikari
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These 12 cattle didn’t just mark the start of Akaushi in America—they defined the genetic future of the breed. Their influence continues today in every cut of HeartBrand Certified Akaushi Beef.
Shigemaru, Tamamaru and Hikari: the three bulls from the second and last import of Akaushi catlle done by Dr. Al and Marie Wood in 1994.
Akiko, Fuyuko, Haruko, and Ume - four of the nine heifers from the second and last import of Akaushi cattle done by Dr. Al and Marie Wood in 1994.
First Akaushi Born Outside Japan
Several of the imported heifers were already pregnant from Japan’s most elite bulls—Dai 10 Mitsumaru and Namimaru.
That led to the first Akaushi born outside of Japan on American soil, including the legendary Big Al, Kaedemaru, Momigimaru, 504, and 505.
Big Al - The first full-blood Akaushi calf born in the U.S., out of Akiko and Dai 10 Mitsumaru.
(His legacy is still celebrated today on our ranch.)
Dai 10 Mitsumaru - Champion sire in Japan, and the father of Big Al whose genetics remain central to the HeartBrand lineage.
The HeartBrand Legacy
After the 1994 import, four Akaushi cattle—Naomi, Dai 3 Namiaki, and two U.S.-born calves from artificial insemination, Kaedemaru and Momigimaru—were sent to Canada. Over time, the herd was consolidated back into the United States under HeartBrand®. Kaedemaru, a daughter of Dai 3 Namiaki, is the only one from that group still alive today.
At over 25 years old and still producing, she’s a living relic of the breed’s journey. Eventually, every one of the Red Wagyu/Akaushi cattle from this rare import became part of the HeartBrand® herd, forming the most robust and protected Akaushi gene pool outside Japan.
Kaedemaru, a survivor, and one of the oldest living Akaushi cattle today.
