Japan's wagyu beef looks to conquer the world Consumption of wagyu beef -- known for its melt-in-the-mouth tenderness -- is on the decline in Japan, prompting producers to look overseas to boost sales. The Hida brand might not yet have the recognition of famed Kobe beef, but overall the international profile of wagyu is on the rise. The value of exports has risen more than 200 percent in the last five years. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES of cattle and officials