Contrary to popular belief, the magnificent marbling and exceptional taste of Kobe Beef comes mainly from its unique genetics — the Tajima bloodline subset of the Kuroge Washu breed, native to Japan and raised in Hyogo prefecture. Although each farm’s practices vary, maintaining each animal’s well-being and nutrition is an essential part of every Kobe Beef farmer’s core focus. However, massages or feeding the animals beer or sake is most certainly not a part of any farmer’s routine.