Photo/Illutration Yoshitaka Nakao and his cow named Tomomi 7, which was crowned “queen” at a prestigious Matsusaka beef competition in Mie Prefecture. Photo taken Nov. 24 (Hiroto Motoi)

MATSUSAKA, Mie Prefecture--A 688-kilogram cow touted as having curves in all the right places was crowned “queen” at a prestigious Matsusaka beef competition here and sold for 30.32 million yen ($200,000).

Named Tomomi 7, the animal was raised by 63-year-old Noriaki Nakao of Meiwa, Mie Prefecture.

It was purchased by butcher shop Asahiya in Tsu, fetching a higher price tag than last year’s 30.04 million yen.

The 73rd contest was held at the Matsusaka Nogyo Koen Bell Farm in Matsusaka on Nov. 24. The annual event provides breeders with an opportunity to show off the exceptional quality of their specially designated Tokusan Matsusaka cows.

Tokusan Matsusaka cows are raised longer than standard Matsusaka beef cattle to enhance meat quality.

Tomomi 7 measures 235 centimeters around the chest and stands 129 cm tall.

A judge from Mie Prefecture’s animal husbandry research institute praised the cow for “her wide body and perfectly balanced figure.”

Nakao is president of a stock farm called Nakao Chikusan. Working with his eldest son, Yoshitaka, 39, who serves as senior managing director, Nakao currently has 50 Tokusan Matsusaka cows.

It was the first time in Nakao’s 15-year competitive career to win the top award.

“Though placing third last year, our long-cherished dream has finally come true,” Nakao said. “Tomomi 7 is such a tough cow that she did not lose her appetite even during the hot summer.”

Asahiya has purchased the crowned cow 31 times in a row.

“We wanted to reward the producer for his dedicated effort into raising such a fine specimen,” explained Yoshinaga Koda, 64, president of Asahiya.

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