Yes, the legendary Wagyu Beef from Kobe Japan are actually from brushed cattle.  As if it’s not enough that they are being fed with beer to increase their appetite during summer, their raisers brush their coat too.  And guess with what?  With no other than the infamously delicious Japanese sake! 

 Many beef producers in Japan believe that the softness of the skin and even the very hair coat of their animals are directly related to the quality of meat they produce.  The shinier their coat, the more tender their meat becomes.  It is said that brushing the hair coat of the cattle with sake dramatically improves their appearance and softness, therefore, it is absolutely of economic importance.  The concept may sound absurd, but unless you can resist the sumptuous taste of Kobe Beef, you better embrace the idea.  After all, you don’t have to do the brushing.

 Now, another interesting thing about this pricey beef is how it played a significant part in the history of Japan.  There was a time in the past when the Japanese were always engaged into battle.  During this time, Japanese soldiers were often fed with beef as part of their gearing up process.  The beef was believed to strengthen them, and as if to testify on its truthfulness, the soldiers always came home victorious.  However, village elders believed that eating beef should be done outside the house because doing otherwise will be a desecration of the house and an utter sacrilege to their ancestors.  As a result, men had to eat beef outside on plow shears.