But why is wagyu so expensive? ... Among the most prized wagyu is Kobe beef, as it is made exclusively from steers or castrated bulls. There are a lot of tariffs and quotas on Japanese imports so it can be difficult to source the beef. While wagyu grows in popularity globally, it is slumping in Japan.

What is so special about Kobe beef?

Kobe beef is renowned for its superior flavor, tenderness and high amount of intramuscular fat, giving the meat a marbled appearance. It is often cited as being healthier than commercial beef because of its high concentration of monounsaturated fats and omega-3s.

Why is Kobe beef banned in the US?

The U.S. banned Kobe beef, along with all other Japanese beef imports, over concerns about mad cow disease in 2001. ... While some of these restaurants did serve American-style Kobe beef (the result of crossbreeding Japanese cattle with American cattle), the ban ensured that authentic Kobe beef never made it onto menus.