where does wagyu beef come from

Wagyu beef comes from Japan, where it originated as a breed of cattle used primarily for draft work and bred for physical endurance. The term "Wagyu" literally means "Japanese cow," referring to several specific Japanese cattle breeds, including Japanese Black, Japanese Brown, Japanese Shorthorn, and Japanese Polled. Wagyu was historically protected in Japan and considered a national treasure, with exports of live cattle banned since 1997 to preserve its exclusivity. The beef is valued worldwide for its distinctive marbling and tenderness. Though Wagyu originated in Japan, the breed has since spread globally, including to countries like the United States, Australia, and parts of Europe, where Wagyu cattle have been crossbred or raised purebred under different conditions. But authentic Wagyu beef traditionally refers to beef from these Japanese breeds primarily raised in Japan.