What I know about Kobe beef is there is no such thing...
I had the pleasure of going on an all expense paid trip to Japan last year via Kubota to tour the country and plants. I learned that Kobe beef is what Americans call it. If you ask for Kobe beef in Japan they look at you silly, its simply Japanese beef. What makes it so tasty, is the fact that the fat is integrated into the meat by what process I have no idea, but I got to eat it several times while there and I couldn't stop eating it. We ate at one local restaurant where you sit below floor level and there is a grill in front you. They bring out raw meat, vegetables, rice, etc and you cook your own food. Man that beef would just melt in your mouth even if you tried to burn it. That's all I know about Kobe beef and I have never tasted anything like it here.