The Wagyu Olympics, also known as Zenkyo, is a unique competition held in Japan every five years. The next event is due to be held 26-30 August 2027 in Hokkaido, one of Japan’s northernmost islands with a UK visit now provisionally in place to include one day at the event itself (Friday 27th). The provisional tour is of 10 days and includes a broad mix of Wagyu dining and farm visits, the Zenkyo itself, plus a number of tourist and city highlights including Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima. Click HERE for the draft programme.

Here are some fascinating details about the Wagyu Olympics:

1. Purpose and History:

   • The Wagyu Olympics was launched in 1966 to encourage high-quality cattle breeding, promote Wagyu beef both within and outside Japan, and boost tourism

   • The competition aims to identify the best beef in the world by evaluating both breeding cows and carcases

2. Competitive Categories:

   • There are two main categories:

     • Breed Improvement: Judges assess cows based on their size, proportions, and other outwardly visible standards

     • Meat Quality: Carcases are judged on fat quality and content

   • Winning breeders get the opportunity to sell their cattle and carcasses to top restaurants and butchers worldwide at premium prices

3. Auction:

   • At the end of the competition, the best breeding cows and carcasses are sold at auction to the highest bidders in Japan

4. 2027 Event:

   • The next Wagyu Olympics is to take place 26-30 August 2027 in Obihiro City, Hokkaido, Japan. We plan to visit on Fri 27th

Working with Field Farm Tours Ltd, this tour will prioritise members of the British Wagyu Association but may be open to other interested parties as space allows. Bookings will be open in due course online at www.fieldfarmtours.co.uk