Delighting Taste Buds: Introducing Hokkaido's Unique Venison Curry

Introducing Hokkaido’s Unique Venison Curry

In a delightful culinary collaboration, JR East Japan Cross Station and JR Hokkaido Fresh Kiosk are set to launch a unique venison curry made from deer meat sourced from Shintoku Town in Hokkaido on December 16, 2025. This initiative not only emphasizes local flavors but also addresses regional wildlife management and sustainability.

The Journey of the Venison

The venison used in this curry comes from a sustainable breeding and processing program conducted by Furukawa Construction Co. at their Dreamhill Tomuraushi facility in Shintoku. This program was established as part of wildlife damage prevention efforts in the region. Shintoku is home to the majestic Tomuraushi, a peak that rises 2,141 meters in the southern part of the Daisetsuzan mountain range. The venison is set to be available at the Shintoku Station Community Exchange Center, with further sales details yet to be announced.

Sales Goals and Plans

The sales target for this unique dish is approximately 15,000 servings, and it will be available until the last portion is sold. This ambitious venture aims to not only provide a delicious meal but also raise awareness around culinary uses of game meat in Japan.

Nutritional Benefits of Venison

One of the standout features of deer meat is its health profile. Venison is notably low in calories, with values significantly lower than those of beef. It contains only about one-fifth the fat content of traditional red meats, yet it is rich in iron—1.7 times that found in beef. This iron is in the form of heme iron, which is more readily absorbed by the body, making venison an excellent choice for those at risk of anemia or seeking to improve their iron levels.

The deer species inhabiting Japan is primarily the Nihon Shika, with the Ezo Shika (or Hokkaido deer) found in the northern regions. Ezo Shika are characterized by their large size and rich nutritional profile, boasting a robust flavor and tender consistency that elevates any dish.