The 'Phantom Wagyu' with only 0.7% domestic circulation lands in Tokyo! 'Kumamoto Akaushi' to be sold in a limited-day 'guerrilla sale' at supermarkets in Tokyo!

Otsuka Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture; President: Kentaro Ogiwara; hereinafter 'Otsuka'), which engages in meat processing, sales, wholesale, and restaurant operations, will hold a special limited sale of 'Kumamoto Akaushi'—a rare Wagyu with extremely low domestic circulation—at two 'Life' supermarkets in Tokyo on Saturday, April 18, 2026. This is part of the branding strategy 'Spreading the Deliciousness of Kumamoto Nationwide' promoted by its parent company, Manpuku Holdings Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Tomoharu Kato; hereinafter 'Manpuku HD').

Background: Bringing Kumamoto's Proud 'Phantom Wagyu' to the Tokyo Metropolitan Area With a history of 56 years, Otsuka, having inherited the business of the Otsuka Group—one of Japan's largest Akaushi suppliers—is strengthening its branding to spread the excellence of 'Kumamoto Akaushi', locally beloved in Kumamoto, to the Tokyo metropolitan area. Through this sale at the supermarket 'Life', which operates mainly in the capital region, we will directly deliver this 'Phantom Wagyu', which is rarely seen, to consumers in Tokyo.

3 Reasons Why 'Kumamoto Akaushi' is Considered a 'Phantom' 1. Overwhelming Rarity: While about 95% of all Wagyu is Japanese Black (Kuroge Washu), Japanese Brown (Akaushi) accounts for only about 4%. Looking at the domestic circulation of all beef, it is an extremely small proportion of just 0.7%, and because of this rarity, it is called the 'Phantom Wagyu'. (Source: Japan Livestock Products Export Promotion Council, Aso Meat Studio, etc.)

2. Nationally Recognized Brand (GI Certification): Highly evaluated for Kumamoto's rich natural environment and traditional breeding methods, it was registered in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' Geographical Indication (GI) protection system in 2018. Raised by traditional methods in the lush nature of Aso, this is a proof of trust and quality, ranking alongside 'Brands that have received GI certification'.

3. The Golden Balance of Lean Meat: Compared to Japanese Black Wagyu, it has relatively less fat, featuring a refreshing aftertaste. Also, containing free amino acids (such as glutamic acid) which are umami components, you can enjoy the profound taste unique to lean meat. Furthermore, it contains nutrients such as L-carnitine, iron, and B vitamins.