Exploring Wagyu Origins and Markets – a Trade Mission to Japan

wagyu origins trade mission

Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) in conjunction with Quadrant Australia is pleased to offer you the chance to join the Wagyu Trade Mission to Japan. Departing Australia late August, the trade mission includes not only the 2017 Wagyu Show at Sendai, but also the highlights of Tokyo, Japan’s capital, and the cultural centre of Kyoto.

The program provides opportunities to meet breeders, speak to officials and experience the Wagyu product throughout the Japanese food chain. The itinerary includes a stay in a traditional Ryokan (Japanese Inn), together with farm and technical visits where you can meet and learn from the local people.

In Tokyo, Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) will provide a briefing and overview of the beef supply chain with an opportunity to visit a local supermarket to see how the Wagyu product is presented in the retail market.

The 15-day escorted itinerary includes Hokkaido, Japan’s northern island, where agriculture is serious business; the cultivated land area per farm household is 15 times greater than any other prefecture in Japan.

From Hokkaido it’s a short flight to Kyoto where participants will experience the cultural centre of Japan, with ancient temples, sublime gardens and colourful geishas. During this time, there will also be visits to the Kakogawa Meat Centre and local farms.

A trip to Japan is not complete without a bullet-train experience, where speeds of up to 320km per hour are the norm and so participants will board a bullet-train (Shinkansen) bound for Sendai for the Wagyu Feature Show. Every five years this Wagyu show is held in a different location in Japan.

Attendance at this event is a great opportunity to see Wagyu cattle and to participate in all the associated activities of the show and trade exhibits. AWA, in conjunction with Quadrant Australia, has had delegations attend in 2007 and in 2012.

Accommodation in Sendai is at a premium this year and delegation numbers must be limited. Anyone interested is encouraged to book early to hold a place.

The Wagyu Trade Mission to Japan is a unique opportunity to travel with like-minded people and experience the wonder of Japan, where Wagyu is considered a national treasure. Book early to avoid disappointment – accommodation at the key event in Sendai is limited with no possibility of securing more so don’t miss out, register your interest.

Check out our tour highlights here