From bull book letters to revolutionizing Japan’s dairy industry: How Tommy Araki’s 50-year passion for Holsteins bridged continents and transformed breeding.
Picture this: a young boy growing up surrounded by cows in Japan, who would eventually become one of the most influential bridging Japanese and North American dairy industries. That’s Tommy Araki for you – a visionary whose career spans five decades and has fundamentally transformed how Japanese farmers approach Holstein breeding.
What strikes me most about Tommy’s journey is how it began with such simple, determined curiosity. Back in the late 1970s, when resources for aspiring dairy professionals in Japan were practically non-existent, he would write letters to AI centers asking them to send him bull books! Can you imagine that level of initiative? “That was the beginning of everything,” he says with characteristic humility.
The Making of a Dairy Visionary: How a Childhood Calling Became a Global Impact
A Calling from Above
Tommy’s story begins with a childhood immersed in the world of dairy cattle. Growing up in a household with cows, his connection to these animals developed naturally and profoundly. “I grew up with cows, so I naturally became interested in them. In a way, it felt like a ‘calling’ from above,” he recalls with a laugh. This early affinity would set the foundation for a lifelong dedication to dairy cattle improvement.
The late 1970s marked a time when resources for aspiring dairy professionals in Japan were scarce. Undeterred, young Tommy took extraordinary initiative. “Back then, hardly any resources were available, but I was so eager to learn that I wrote letters to AI centers and asked them to send me bull books. That was the beginning of everything,” he explains. This resourcefulness and determination would become hallmarks of his approach throughout his career.
After graduating with a degree in veterinary medicine from Rakuno Gakuen University in 1977, Tommy reflected on the two mentors who had a profound impact on his life. During his time at university, he was influenced by Dr. Numata, his professor of surgery, whose dedication and passion for animals left a lasting impression. After graduation, he met Mr. Inoshita from the Japan Holstein Breeding Service, who gave him life-changing advice: “You should go study in the U.S.” That suggestion led to a six-month stint at Select Sires in 1979, which Tommy describes as “a major turning point in my life.” That experience gave him an international perspective that would become his signature contribution to Japanese dairy farming.
The American Turning Point
Following this advice, Tommy spent nearly six months at Select Sires in 1979, an experience he describes as “a major turning point in my life.” This immersion in American breeding practices gave him an international perspective at a crucial early stage in his career. The knowledge and connections he developed during this period would later enable him to serve as a critical bridge between the Japanese and North American dairy industries.
His timing couldn’t have been better – he joined Japan Holstein Breeding Service during what he calls “truly a vibrant era for the industry,” when dairy farming in Japan was experiencing significant growth. This period of expansion provided fertile ground for an ambitious young professional with fresh international perspectives.
Building a Legacy: 36 Years of Transforming Japanese Dairy Genetics
From Analyst to Industry Leader
Tommy’s 36-year career with JHBS (which later became the Genetics Hokkaido Association) allowed him to influence the direction of Japan’s dairy breeding from within established institutions. Over his 36-year career with JHBS (later Genetics Hokkaido Association), Tommy worked his way up from sire analyst to heading the semen sales division, positions that allowed him to implement his vision for improved dairy cattle on a national scale.
In 1985, he began focusing on genetic improvement as a sire analyst, applying scientific rigor to the selection process. This role positioned him at the intersection of traditional breeding wisdom and emerging genetic science.
When JHBS merged with the Hokkaido Livestock Improvement Association in 2001, Tommy transitioned to head the semen sales division at the newly formed Genetics Hokkaido. This position gave him direct influence over the genetic resources available to Japanese farmers, allowing him to implement his vision for improved dairy cattle on a broader scale.
Evolutionary Approaches to Genetic Improvement
What I find most impressive is how Tommy dedicated himself to bringing the best genetics from North America to Japanese farms. “One of my most dedicated efforts during my time at Genetics Hokkaido—and earlier at JHBS—was the introduction of superior genetic resources from North America into Japan,” he explains.
His methods evolved brilliantly over time – from importing live animals for progeny testing to a more efficient approach using embryos to produce elite sires and high-quality cows domestically. “In the early stages, we imported live animals from North America and conducted progeny testing in Japan to evaluate their daughters’ performance. However, we later shifted to a more efficient approach: importing embryos to produce elite sires and high-quality cows domestically,” he explains.
With government subsidies supporting the initiative, they imported over 1,000 embryos annually! And with Japan’s artificial insemination rates near 100%, these elite genetics could quickly transform the national herd. “This enabled dairy farmers across Japan to access top-level North American genetics more easily and led to a rapid expansion of genetic exchange between the two regions,” Tommy notes with pride.
Entrepreneurial Vision: Revolutionizing Japanese Breeding Strategies
Creating New Genetic Pathways
But Tommy wasn’t done innovating. When he retired from Genetics Hokkaido in 2013 at age 59, he immediately launched Tommy Hill International Ltd., focusing on importing and distributing embryos from North America. This entrepreneurial venture allowed him to continue his life’s work with even greater focus and independence.
In 2015, he established ST Japan Co., Ltd. and signed an agency agreement with STgenetics. The following year, the company began importing and selling bovine semen from North America. These initiatives created new channels for genetic material to flow from North America to Japanese farms, bypassing traditional institutional gatekeepers.
The Sexed Semen Revolution in Japan
Perhaps Tommy’s most revolutionary contribution was introducing sexed semen technology to Japanese farmers. “At that time, sexed semen was still relatively unknown and uncommon in Japan. Promoting it was a major challenge,” he recalls. However, this technology, which allows farmers to produce primarily female calves for herd replacements, completely transformed breeding efficiency in Japan.
The launch of ST Japan proved to be “a turning point for the Japanese dairy industry,” according to Tommy. By promoting a breeding strategy focused on “ensuring the production of replacement heifers,” he introduced a more systematic approach to herd management that gradually became “the new standard across the country.”
This innovation addressed a critical efficiency gap in Japanese dairy operations. By using sexed semen to produce replacement heifers from the best cows and beef semen (typically Wagyu) on the remainder, farmers could optimize both their dairy genetic progress and their income from beef cross calves. “In Japan, detailed reproductive strategies, including the widespread use of sexed semen to secure replacement heifers and Wagyu semen to produce F1 calves…have become well established and reflect Japan’s focus on precision breeding,” Tommy explains.
The Araki Philosophy: Function Over Fashion in Holstein Excellence
Evolution of the Ideal Cow
What I appreciate about Tommy’s philosophy is his focus on functionality over mere appearances. When judging Holsteins, he prefers “cows with strong, well-attached udders and sound skeletal structure—cows that can consistently produce large volumes of milk over a long period.” He doesn’t place much importance on size, which is refreshing in a world that prioritizes visual appeal over practical performance.
He started judging Holsteins at just 25 years old when the prevailing belief was that “bigger is better.” “Back then, the general belief was that ‘bigger is better,’ and visual appeal was often prioritized over functionality,” he recalls. But Tommy held firm to his conviction that truly valuable cows “can outperform the average in a typical barn—producing more milk efficiently.”
With satisfaction, he notes how the industry has evolved toward his longstanding position: “Now, cows that can outperform the average in a typical barn—producing more milk efficiently—are seen as the most valuable.” This shift from prioritizing appearance to emphasizing performance represents a maturation of the industry that Tommy witnessed—and helped guide—over his five-decade career.
The Overlooked Indicators of Excellence
When asked about underappreciated indicators of a cow’s longevity or productivity, Tommy emphasizes the functional traits that might not capture attention in the show ring but prove their value in everyday production environments.
“In dairy cattle reproduction, what truly matters is not the size or short-term milk yield, but whether a cow can remain healthy and productive over a long period. Traits like udder quality, strong skeletal structure, resistance to disease, and healthy feet and legs are directly linked to long-term productivity and ease of management,” he explains.
This focus on practical, functional traits reflects Tommy’s pragmatic approach to breeding. “These functional traits may not always stand out visually, but they are essential for building profitable and sustainable herds,” he notes. His emphasis on selecting cows that “can thrive in real-world conditions over multiple lactations—not just those that look impressive for a short time” represents a philosophy grounded in economic reality rather than show ring aesthetics.
Bridging Global Standards
Tommy’s international perspective gives him unique insights into the differences between Japanese and North American dairy approaches. At the 50th Central Japan Holstein Show, he remarked on Quebec’s “more aggressive” approach to Holstein improvement. When asked to elaborate on comparisons between Japanese and North American approaches, he acknowledges: “At this point, Japan’s genetic improvement in dairy cattle still hasn’t fully caught up with countries like the United States and Canada. However, the gap is steadily narrowing.”
He points to Japan’s increasing utilization of elite North American genetics as a key factor in this progress: “In recent years, Japan has made significant progress by actively importing and utilizing elite genetic resources from North America, such as high-quality semen and embryos.” This genetic importation strategy—which Tommy himself championed—has yielded tangible results in Japanese herds.
“As a result of these efforts, we’re now seeing more high-performing replacement heifers in Japan, and the overall productivity and functionality of our herds are improving,” he observes with evident satisfaction. This assessment reflects professional pride in the improvements achieved and awareness of continuing opportunities for further advancement.
Cultural Transformation: How Dairy Evolved in Japanese Society
From Children’s Drink to Culinary Staple
Beyond genetics and breeding, Tommy has witnessed profound shifts in how Japanese society relates to dairy products. “When I began my career, dairy products in Japan were largely viewed as something for children, the elderly, or the sick,” he recalls. This limited perception reflected dairy’s initial positioning in Japanese culture as primarily a nutritional supplement rather than a mainstream food category.
The transformation in Japanese dairy consumption patterns paralleled broader cultural changes. “As Japanese dietary habits rapidly Westernized, dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and fresh cream gradually became part of everyday life across all age groups,” Tommy explains. This dietary evolution represented changing tastes and a fundamental shift in cultural food preferences.
Cheese consumption exemplifies this transformation: “One major shift was in cheese consumption—domestic production increased, and locally made cheeses gained wide acceptance as everyday ingredients.” This trend created a virtuous cycle for the dairy industry, as it “helped raise awareness about the flavor and nutritional components of milk itself, such as fat and protein content.”
The Rise of Premium Dairy Products
The elevation of dairy from purely nutritional consideration to culinary appreciation represents a significant cultural shift that Tommy has witnessed throughout his career. “Dairy has evolved from being seen as a drink for children to being appreciated as a gourmet food and health product for all generations,” he notes. This transformation reflects broader social trends toward “growing interest in food education and health-conscious living.”
Contemporary Japanese consumers increasingly seek premium dairy attributes: “Today, rich, high-fat, high-protein milk is increasingly preferred, and there is growing attention toward products with added health value, such as A2 milk.” This preference for higher milk solids contrasts with Western trends toward reduced-fat dairy products and reflects distinct cultural preferences that influence breeding objectives.
Looking forward, Tommy anticipates continuing diversification of consumer preferences. He believes “the demand for high-quality raw milk will only continue to grow as dairy continues to solidify its place in Japanese food culture.” This evolution from a marginal dietary supplement to an integral culinary component represents a profound cultural shift within Tommy’s career.
Hokkaido: The Quebec of the East in Dairy Excellence
Natural Advantages and Operational Similarities
Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island, has developed into the country’s dairy powerhouse, with production systems that invite comparisons to other temperate dairy regions. “Hokkaido is often compared to Quebec because both regions share similarities in climate, natural environment, and a strong foundation of family-run dairy farms,” Tommy explains. This parallel extends beyond geography to similar management approaches and operational scales.
One distinctive feature of Hokkaido’s dairy model is its emphasis on feed self-sufficiency: “One of Hokkaido’s defining features is its feed self-sufficiency model, built on the cultivation of homegrown forage and corn, taking full advantage of the region’s expansive farmland.” This approach contrasts with more intensive dairy regions in Japan and parts of North America that rely heavily on purchased feeds.
Innovative Solutions to Demographic Challenges
While Hokkaido shares similarities with Quebec, it also faces unique challenges that have driven innovative adaptations. “Hokkaido also faces unique local challenges—most notably, a serious labor shortage,” Tommy notes. This workforce deficit reflects broader Japanese demographic trends, including an aging rural population and a declining birthrate.
The response to this challenge demonstrates Hokkaido farmers’ pragmatic innovation: “In response, there has been a rapid adoption of robotic milking systems and automation technologies.” This embrace of labor-saving technology allows farms to “maintain productivity with fewer workers and help build more sustainable management systems.”
Hokkaido’s relatively abundant land resources—unusual in land-constrained Japan—create distinct operational advantages. “Unlike other regions of Japan, Hokkaido’s abundance of land allows for easier expansion and scaling up operations,” Tommy observes. This environmental advantage “encourages a focus on building herds that are efficient to manage and resilient to disease, emphasizing labor efficiency and profitability.”
Bridging Continents: Comparing Japanese and North American Dairy Systems
Technology Adoption Driven by Demographics
Having worked extensively with Japanese and North American dairy systems, Tommy offers nuanced observations of these regions’ subtle differences. “In recent years, especially in Hokkaido, many Japanese dairy farmers have proven themselves to be competent and hardworking individuals who have overcome difficult periods in the past,” he notes with evident respect. These producers are now “actively working to expand their operations and improve productivity.”
The demographic challenges facing Japanese agriculture have accelerated certain technological adoptions. “In Japan, labor shortages have become a serious issue in recent years. As a result, the adoption of automation technologies—such as robotic milking systems—is progressing rapidly,” Tommy explains. This trend reflects broader social adaptations to workforce limitations in an aging society.
The robotics revolution in Japanese dairy farming represents “Japan’s unique efforts to address its social challenges, including a shrinking workforce and an aging population.” This adaptation illustrates how agricultural practices evolve in response to specific regional demographic and social contexts.
Consumer Preferences Shaping Breeding Goals
Distinct consumer preferences in each market create divergent breeding objectives. “In Japan, consumers tend to prefer milk with higher fat and protein content, unlike in Western countries where low-fat milk is more common,” Tommy observes. This preference for richer milk influences breeding decisions and selection emphasis.
The growth of domestic cheese production has further reinforced this focus on milk components: “With the growing demand for domestically produced cheese, the quality of milk components—rather than just volume—has become increasingly important.” This market evolution has practical breeding implications, as “there is a strong tendency among breeders to select cows and sires with superior milk solids.”
Despite these differences, Tommy identifies parallels in reproductive strategies between regions. “In Japan, it has been common practice for about 30 years to use Wagyu semen on dairy cows to produce F1 crossbred calves as an additional source of income,” he explains. “Today, a similar approach is widely adopted in North America, where Angus semen is commonly used on dairy cows to produce value-added crossbred calves.” These parallel adaptations highlight how economic logic drives similar breeding strategies across different dairy industries.
The Future of Japanese Dairy: Economic Cows for a Changing World
Efficiency Imperatives in an Aging Society
Looking toward the future, Tommy identifies a clear direction for Japanese dairy farming: “Japanese dairy farming is moving toward managing more cows with fewer people.” This efficiency imperative demands specific animal attributes: “To make this possible, we need cows that are healthy, efficient, and productive—with minimal management and maximum return. In other words, truly ‘economic cows.'”
Despite regional differences, Tommy emphasizes the universal fundamentals that unite dairy farming globally: “The fundamentals of dairy farming are the same worldwide. That’s why I believe it’s so important to learn from one another and build strong international partnerships.” This perspective reflects his lifelong role as a bridge between dairy cultures and his commitment to continuous improvement through global knowledge exchange.
A Legacy of Connection and Continuous Learning
After 50 years in the industry, Tommy maintains the enthusiastic curiosity of a perpetual student. “I continue to see change every day. And I hope to keep learning and evolving for many years,” he reflects. This commitment to continuous learning exemplifies the mindset that has allowed him to remain relevant and influential through decades of industry transformation.
Tommy Araki’s legacy lives on in the improved genetics of Japanese dairy herds, the strengthened connections between international dairy communities, and the modern breeding strategies now standard across Japan. His story shows how one passionate, dedicated person can shape an entire industry through persistence, innovation, and unwavering focus on fundamentals.
If you ever get the chance to meet him, I think you two would have so much to talk about. His perspective on what makes a truly functional, profitable cow would be right up your alley!
Tommy’s career traces the arc of a rapidly advancing industry, from handwritten letters requesting bull books to pioneering embryo imports and introducing revolutionary breeding technologies. Perhaps his greatest contribution has been serving as a bridge between Japanese and North American dairy cultures, facilitating genetic exchange and knowledge transfer that has benefited both regions. His ability to adapt international best practices to Japan’s unique circumstances while respecting cultural preferences demonstrates the careful balance required for successful cross-cultural agricultural development.
Tommy Araki’s five-decade journey through the dairy industry represents more than personal accomplishment—it embodies the evolution of modern dairy farming itself. His story illustrates how one dedicated individual, driven by passion and practical wisdom, can shape an entire industry’s trajectory through persistence, innovation, and unwavering focus on fundamentals.
Key Takeaways:
- Genetic Bridgebuilder: Araki’s embryo/semen imports from North America closed Japan’s breeding gap, leveraging Japan’s 100% AI rates for rapid herd improvement.
- Function Over Form: Championed cows with strong udders/skeletons over size-a philosophy now industry standard.
- Cultural Catalyst: Drove Japan’s shift from seeing dairy as medicinal to gourmet, boosting demand for high-fat/protein milk.
- Hokkaido Innovations: Combined Quebec-like scale with robotic milking/Wagyu crossbreeding to solve labor shortages.
- Legacy of Learning: At 50+ years in dairy, still advocates global knowledge-sharing to breed resilient “economic cows.”
Executive Summary:
Tommy Araki’s 50-year career reshaped Japan’s dairy industry through relentless innovation and transatlantic collaboration. Starting with handwritten requests for bull books, he pioneered North American genetic imports, introduced sexed semen technology, and championed functional traits over show-ring aesthetics. His work in Hokkaido-Japan’s dairy heartland-fueled feed self-sufficiency and robotic milking adoption to address labor shortages. Araki witnessed and accelerated Japan’s cultural shift from viewing dairy as a children’s supplement to embracing artisanal cheeses and premium milk. A bridge between Japanese precision and North American genetics, his legacy lies in breeding “economic cows” that prioritize longevity, efficiency, and profitability.
Learn more:
- Dairy Farming Crisis in Japan: Understanding the Decline
Explore the economic and demographic challenges threatening the future of Japanese dairy farming and what’s needed for industry resilience. - The Great Holstein Shakeup: How 16 Years Rewrote Breeding Rules
Discover how Holstein breeding has shifted from show-ring beauty to farm profitability, and what this means for the future of dairy genetics. - Dairy Farming in Japan
Get an overview of the scale, structure, and unique characteristics of Japan’s dairy industry compared to North America.
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