The Secret of the “Three Major Wagyu”: Exploring the Roots of Tajima Beef at Steakhouse 473

When you hear the word “Wagyu,” world-class names like Kobe Beef and Matsusaka Beef likely come to mind. But do you know the hidden secret behind these legendary brands?
The foundation of Japan’s finest beef lies in a single lineage: Tajima Beef (Tajima-ushi) from Hyogo Prefecture. At Steakhouse 473 in Okinawa, we don’t just serve steak; we offer a “Wagyu Summit” where you can experience the profound history of these bloodlines in one sitting.
1. Why Tajima Beef is the “Mother” of All Premium Wagyu
Tajima Beef is the most prestigious bloodline of Japanese Black cattle. For centuries, these cattle were isolated in the mountainous regions of Hyogo, preserving a pure and superior genetic line. Today, over 90% of all branded Wagyu in Japan can trace their DNA back to Tajima ancestors.
The Elite Transformation: From Tajima to Kobe Beef
Kobe Beef is not a separate breed. It is the “elite” tier of Tajima Beef. Only Tajima cattle that meet the most rigorous marbling (BMS), weight, and quality standards are officially crowned as “Kobe Beef.” When you dine at Steakhouse 473, you are tasting the pinnacle of this pure lineage.
The Craftsmanship: Matsusaka Beef
Similarly, Matsusaka Beef often begins with calves born from the Tajima line. These calves are relocated to Mie Prefecture and raised with unparalleled dedication—sometimes even receiving beer massages or specialized diets—to create the “Art of Meat.”
2. Steakhouse 473: The Only “Wagyu Summit” Experience
While most restaurants specialize in only one brand, Steakhouse 473 offers a rare, curated selection that allows you to compare the world’s most elite beef in one location.
- Certified Kobe Beef: The pure, elegant lineage of Tajima.
- Matsusaka Beef: The rich, melt-in-your-mouth “Art of Meat.”
- Ishigaki Beef: Okinawa’s premium Wagyu, known for its clean, savory fat.
Beyond the Brand: The Awamori-Aging Technique
What truly sets us apart is our innovation. We utilize a “Ryukyu Awamori-Aging” process, a unique technique using Okinawa’s traditional 120-year-old distillery legacy to enhance the umami of our Wagyu. This fusion of Hyogo’s history and Okinawa’s tradition is something you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
3. Why This Experience is Better Than Tokyo
Many tourists search for “Best Wagyu in Tokyo,” but they often encounter mass-produced luxury. At Steakhouse 473 in Naha, we provide a private, intimate setting where the history of Tajima Beef meets local Okinawan hospitality.
We are the only officially certified Kobe Beef registration store in Okinawa, ensuring that your journey into the roots of Wagyu is 100% authentic and unprecedented.
Conclusion: Taste the Legend
Understanding the roots of Tajima Beef transforms a meal into a cultural experience. We invite you to skip the crowded tourist traps and join us at the “Wagyu Sanctuary” to taste the true history of Japan.

Information
・ Official Name: OKINAWA ORIGINAL STEAK HOUSE 473 (The Wagyu Sanctuary)
・Concept: Private Dining / “Wagyu Summit” Experience
・Menu Specialties: * Certified Kobe Beef (Hyogo)
・ Matsusaka Beef (Mie)
・Ishigaki Beef (Okinawa Premium Wagyu)
・ Exclusive “Ryukyu Awamori-Aged” Steak
・ Location: Naha, Okinawa, Japan (Near Kokusai-street / Monorail Prefectural Office Station)
・History: 80-year family legacy in Okinawan food culture.
・Direct Reservation (Multilingual): https://res-reserve.com/ja/restaurants/steakhouse473
・Official Website: https://steakhouse473.com/
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