In 2005, it was defined as "the longest-bred Japanese Black species in Shiga prefecture, which is blessed with abundant natural environment and water."
History and tradition It has a history since the Edo period, and is a pioneer as a brand beef, such as the establishment of the "Omi Beef Association", the first organization in Japan to promote brand beef.
Good quality production by craftsmen has been continued.
Omi beef has a long history, dating back to the Edo period, about 400 years ago. At the time when eating beef was forbidden, only the Hikone domain was allowed to produce beef, and miso-zuke beef was given to the shogunate for medicinal purposes.
A thank-you note from the Shogun family to the Hikone domain remains.