A TWO-WEEK trade mission and study tour to Japan leaving at the end of August will provide a unique insight into the country’s Wagyu beef industry, and the rich culture and traditions that have produced it.

Organised by the Australian Wagyu Association in conjunction with ag-tour specialists, Quadrant Australia, the tour will include as its centre-piece the All-Japan National Wagyu show, a five-yearly event which brings together the entire Japanese Wagyu industry.

The tour is ideally suited to established Wagyu breeders who want to learn more about their industry and the opportunities that lie ahead in Japan, and others who are considering business opportunities in the Wagyu sector.

Previous tours have also included other stakeholders with no direct connection with Wagyu, but an interest in the beef industry in general, who wish to visit Australia’s largest beef market.

The tour is open not only to Australians – overseas stakeholders are welcome to join. Previous five-yearly tours have included stakeholders from the US, Mexico, the Philippines, New Zealand and elsewhere, who meet the tour group on arrival in Japan.

The tour’s primary focus, the National Wagyu Show is a colourful combination – part Sydney Royal Show cattle judging; part cultural festival; part trade and genetics show; and part unforgettable foodie event.

This year’s show, being held near Sendai, a bullet train ride from Tokyo, will feature a record 500 head of Wagyu cattle from 39 Japanese prefectures, as well as meat judging, trade show and a host of other activity.

Apart from the Wagyu show, the information-packed tour itinerary is designed to give the tour group a unique experience across the Japanese Wagyu supply chain. Some of its key highlights include:

• A visit with Takeda San, regarded as the forefather of Australian Wagyu, at his Wagyu cattle breeding farm and restaurant on the northern Island of Hokkaido
• Visits with a Japanese lotfeeder feeding imported Australian F1 Wagyu cattle, and other Wagyu cattle breeders and lotfeeders
• Visits to a specialised Wagyu meat processing facility, a central market auctioning Wagyu carcases, and university meat research centre conducting advanced meat science research
• Supermarket and retail visits featuring Wagyu and Australian beef.

Click on map for a larger view

Delegates will also get ample opportunity to soak-up Japan’s unique culture and history, including visits to Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto. Accommodation highlights will include stays in a traditional Japanese Ryokan overlooking Kagoshima Bay, featuring Japanese onsen (hot springs).

An English-speaking guide will accompany the tour group throughout.

MLA’s Japan regional manager Andrew Cox will provide a Japan market briefing to the tour group, before a visit to the impressive Australian Embassy in Tokyo for a cocktail function with ambassador, Richard Court.

Tour details:

15-day escorted trade mission/study tour departing 30 August, returning 13 September.

Numbers are limited, in part due to tight accommodation availability around Sendai during the National Wagyu exhibition. Bookings urged by June 30.

Price: $14,000 +GST pp, twin share.

What’s included:

• Return economy international flights from Sydney to Tokyo and internal flights in Japan
• Airline taxes and surcharges
• All land travel in modern comfortable coaches and bullet trains.
• Professional English speaking tour guide
• Quality four-star accommodation with en-suite
• Most meals
• All entrances fees or special events as detailed.

Contacts:

A tour brochure can be accessed from the Australian Wagyu Association here.

General inquiries: Quadrant AgTours – 1300 301128   bookings@quadrantaustralia.com