Aizu Jidori

"Aizu Jidori" is a jidori (homebred chicken) developed in Fukushima Prefecture by crossing the pure breed of "Aizu Jidori" (hereinafter referred to as "pure Aizu Jidori"), which has lived exclusively in the Aizu ⁽¹⁾ area for more than 450 years, with a high-quality meat breed. The resulting meat is deep red and retains the rich umami taste and springy texture of the "pure Aizu Jidori". The texture is fine and elastic, and the meat contains high levels of arachidonic acid, which is believed to enhance umami and flavor. Thanks to its rich umami and moist texture, it is highly regarded by consumers as a versatile ingredient that suits any dish, including yakitori, hot pots, and donburi.

"Aizu Jidori" is produced by raising chicks supplied by poultry farms designated by the  Aizu Poultry Association in roofed facilities for about 90 to 170 days. The chicks are flat-fed from 28 days of age at a density of no more than 10 birds per square meter.

The "pure Aizu Jidori", the ancestral breed of "Aizu Jidori", was traditionally raised mainly as an ornamental chicken. Its long, black tail feathers were used to decorate the lion's face masks of "Aizu Higan Jishi ⁽²⁾", a folk performing art passed down since the 1570s. In the mountain villages of the Aizu region, its meat was treasured as a special delicacy served during the New Year and other festive occasions.
　By 1987, the breed was on the verge of extinction. The Fukushima Prefecture Poultry Experiment Station (hereinafter referred to as the "Station") received several "pure Aizu Jidori" birds from a local farmer. It began efforts to preserve and propagate the breed.
　Through repeated crossbreeding with superior meat breeds and careful selection for texture and flavor, the Station developed the present "Aizu Jidori" in 1991. Production of "Aizu Jidori" as a recognized jidori brand started in 1992, and today it stands as one of the representative jidori brands of Fukushima Prefecture.

1. Aizu is an area in western Fukushima Prefecture, bordered by the Echigo Mountains to the west and the Ou Mountains to the east. It is an inland region located on the Sea of Japan side.
2. Aizu Higan Jishi is a traditional lion dance passed down in the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture. It is held mainly during the spring equinox (mid-March) as a traditional celebration of spring in the area.