Meat Image Japan (MIJ) camera technology rewards Wagyu’s distinctive marbling and eating quality
September 7th 2026 saw three Norfolk-based British Wagyu producers come together to launch the Meat Image Japan (MIJ) carcase camera at Blakes of Norwich. Working in partnership with the British Wagyu Association (BWA), Wagyu farmers Sam Frost, Sarah Juggins and Chris Wilkinson have introduced state-of-the-art MIJ technology to independently assess economically important traits like eye muscle area, marble fineness and digital marbling percentage. Their aim is to highlight the quality of their home-produced Wagyu beef which is renowned the world over for its distinctive marbling, tenderness and eating quality.
MIJ camera in action
Said BWA Secretary, Richard Saunders: “There are already a number of MIJ units in the UK but this is the first British Wagyu ‘cluster’ where breeders have come together to work collaboratively to introduce the technology and share cost. Having this invaluable data on each carcase not only helps farmers with their feeding, management and breeding decisions but also assists in their marketing - knowing the Marble Score (MS) of each animal is part of the conversation with the customer to help them achieve a premium for their fantastically-marbled Wagyu beef.”
The MIJ camera measures eye muscle area, marbling and marbling fineness of the ribeye
All three producers already use their local abattoir, Blakes of Norwich, so it made perfect sense to base the new camera there. HG Blake Ltd is an independent, family-owned multi-species abattoir based just outside Norwich which supplies meat wholesalers, retail butcher shops, and offers contract meat-processing to livestock farmers and smallholders. They work with East Anglian farmers to maintain the highest standards of animal husbandry and animal welfare.
The MIJ camera is an independent, accurate measuring tool in real-time
Commenting, Wagyu breeder and one of the cluster farmers, Sam Frost, said: “The camera is very user-friendly and is a great tool for communicating with potential customers who want to know all about the quality of the Wagyu beef they are buying. All three of us have a mix of Fullblood, purebred and crossbred Wagyu animals and we will be using the MIJ across all our herd.”
A picture as well as information about marble score, marble fineness and ribeye area can be shared with potential buyers
Grateful thanks are extended to Andrew Clarke, Damian Layt and Pete Tubby of HG Blake Ltd for their ongoing support in getting this project off the ground.
Notes
MIJ (Meat Image Japan) technology was developed in Japan, home of the Wagyu breed, to measure and ultimately reward marbling. It consists of hardware comprising a Google Pixel 11 phone (known for its high-quality camera imaging), light source and metal hood; as well as software and a database to analyse and record the results. Using algorithms, the MIJ camera produces an independent assessment of marbling with data points such as digital marbling percentage, marble fineness and eye muscle area. These are combined to give an overall DMs (Digital Marble Score) for each body of beef.
L-R Wagyu breeders Sarah Juggins, Sam Frost and Chris Wilkinson pictured with Damian Layt of HG Blakes
Once the carcase is chilled (typically 2-3 days post-kill) and quartered (usually between the 5th and 6th rib), the trained operator takes a picture of the ribeye. The image is analysed and the result, including a picture, is uploaded in real-time to the database. To ensure accuracy and traceability, the barcode number and/or UK number of the animal is also recorded. The image and results can then be shared with potential customers via a web link. Analysis or data reports can also be uploaded to on-farm apps or databases.
Simple and easy-to-use, the MIJ camera kit and hardware fits neatly into a carry box
The British Wagyu Association has a Services Agreement with the Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) to supply herdbook registration services alongside MIJ carcase camera technology to its members. With the breeder’s permission, MIJ carcase data can be uploaded to the AWA database and contribute to genetic evaluations worldwide.
The Norfolk Cluster comprises: Sam Frost, Norfolk Wagyu Beef Ltd, Besthorpe, Norfolk; Chris Wilkinson, Wildfell Wagyu, Somerton, Norfolk; and Sarah Juggins, Norfolk Wagyu, East Winch, Kings Lynn, Norfolk.