Though both have illustrious Japanese pedigrees and beautiful marbling, a key price point separates Kobe beef from Wagyu.

Wagyu, also known as Kobe beef, is an expensive cut renowned ... Many stories claim that the Wagyu cattle are treated like royalty by their Japanese breeders; fed beer and given daily massages ...

Matsusaka cattle are raised so their fat achieves the lowest melting point possible. The finest cuts of Matsusaka wagyu have a melting point of 12 degrees Celsius, 8 degrees lower than Kobe.

Currently, 23 farmers in Sanda, as well as Kobe's Kita Ward and the city of Takarazuka are involved in its production. They face challenges such as a decrease in the number of cattle shipped due ...