Okuizumo: The Land of Myth Okuizumo, steeped in the myths of ancient Japan, is where the god of cattle herding, Wakafutsunushi no Mikoto, is said to have taught humans how to use cattle for farming. This long-standing relationship between humans and cattle has been integral to the flourishing of Japan's agricultural culture. In this region, where the connection with cattle has been deep for centuries, the people have passed down their meticulous care, affection, and skills for raising cattle through generations. This has led to the establishment of unique cattle-raising practices in the area and continuous efforts to improve breeding techniques, which have gained nationwide recognition. Wagyu Improvement Wagyu cattle are native to Japan, and while they are now primarily raised for meat, they were originally bred for agricultural purposes. Over 150 years ago, in the Chugoku region, a remarkable improvement project called "Tsuru" was initiated, which was considered a world-leading breeding program at the time. The local "Tsuru" cattle, known as Bokura Tsuru, are said to have been created around 1855 by Jinbei Masaoki Tokura from Toriue, Okuizumo Town, Nita District. From this lineage of "Tsuru" cattle, many superior wagyu were bred, laying the foundation for the improvement of wagyu as a breed. One of the most notable cattle from this line was the renowned "No. 7 Itosakura," born in Okuizumo on December 10, 1970. This famous bull solidified its place in the history of wagyu as a symbol of excellence.