Japan and cows. The history of dairy farming and meat consumption on one plate | Restaurant Izon in Marutamachi, south of the Kyoto Imperial Palace

November 20, 2025

Japanese people and cows

Cattle are said to have been introduced to Japan from the Korean Peninsula along with rice cultivation before the Common Era.

They are a valuable source of labor for farming, and milk marks the beginning of dairy farming in Japan.

"So," which is made by heating milk for a long time until it is reduced to one-tenth of its original volume, is also known as the cheese of ancient Japan and was such a valuable commodity that it was even paid as tax.

The beginning of meat eating

Meat-eating became common after the Meiji period.

With the advent of modernization, the Japanese began to eat meat, and within 100 years they had created the world-famous brand of "Wagyu beef."

That's amazing.

Turning that story into food

I made Su. It takes a lot of time, so it's hard work.

The pouch in the middle contains a wrapped and grilled beef hamburger steak.

This dish features milk-based soy sauce, which has been eaten by Japanese people since ancient times, and beef, which has only been eaten since the Meiji period.

The essence of Japanese food culture

This special kelp oil comes from Japan's unique seaweed-eating culture.

From the food culture of foraging, autumn mushrooms are sautéed.

Blueberry spice sauce comes from the Native American food culture, which shares its origins with the Jomon people. Mixing in soy sauce gives it a richer flavor.

For added accent, it is garnished with the Japanese spice wasabi.

Beef hamburger with red wine

Innovative spice with a Japanese theme.

We recommend pairing the blueberry spice sauce with the hamburger steak with red wine.

We have carefully selected Italian red wines that are perfect for meals, with the complex aroma of barrel aging, yet neither too heavy nor too light, taking into consideration the compatibility with food.