JETRO to host Japanese Wagyu Tour of Japan

Are you a meat distributor, butcher, or restaurant owner interested in exploring premium Japanese Wagyu beef? This is your chance to experience the world of Wagyu directly in Japan! Hosted by Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Chicago (an AAMP Allied Member) and Japan Livestock Products Export Promotion Council (J-LEC), the tour will last for approximately one week in January 2026.

The tour will travel to several locations in Japan, including:

• Certified Wagyu processing facility (approved for U.S. export)
• Federal Meat Academy
• Wagyu cattle farm
• Traditional Japanese restaurants for Wagyu tasting

Who Should Apply
JETRO is looking for:

• U.S.-based meat distributors, butchers, and restaurants not currently handling Japanese Wagyu
• Businesses considering future import and distribution of Japanese Wagyu
• Wholesalers will be given priority in the selection process

JETRO will recommend candidates to J-LEC, and the final selection will be made by J-LEC based on business scale, current operations, and future potential. Round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations will be covered by J-LEC. There will be a limit of one participant per company, and the registration deadline will be August 31, 2025. All participants will be required to answer a questionnaire after the tour.

If you are interested, please contact JETRO Chicago by email: jetrochicago3@jetro.go.jp; kaori_hoshino@jetro.go.jp; masato_kawaike@jetro.go.jp: katsuhiro_nakajima@jetro.go.jp.

JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) is a government-affiliated organization promoting Japanese food and beverages in the U.S. J-LEC is a council of Japanese Wagyu producers and exporters dedicated to promoting Japanese livestock products internationally.

Related News Article
AAMP Partner Ms. Kari Underly from Range Meat Academy participated in the last year’s project.