Three New Products Registered as Geographical Indications
Overview
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries newly registered Hamanako eel, Kaga lotus root, and Japanese tea as geographical indications (GIs). The registration date was July 10, 2026, bringing the number of GI-registered products in Japan to 170. Registered products may use the geographical indication and the GI Mark. The GI Protection System protects, as regional intellectual property, the names of agricultural, forestry, fishery, and food products whose quality or social reputation has been developed through regional natural, human, and social factors.
Key points
- Hamanako eel, Kaga lotus root, and Japanese tea were newly registered as GIs.
- The number of GI-registered products in Japan reached 170 products.
- Registered products may use the geographical indication and the GI Mark.
Overview
The Geographical Indication (GI) Protection System protects, as regional intellectual property, the names of agricultural, forestry, fishery, and food products whose quality or social reputation has been developed through the region's distinctive natural, human, and social factors. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries completed the registration under the Geographical Indication Act after hearing opinions from academic experts.
This registration was carried out on July 10, 2026.
Impact
The three registered products may use the geographical indication. They may also use the GI Mark together with the geographical indication, serving as proof that they are GI products.
Details
The registered producer organization for Hamanako eel is the Hamanako Fish Farming Fisheries Cooperative, and its production area is Shizuoka Prefecture.
The registered producer organization for Kaga lotus root is the JA Kanazawa Kaga Lotus Root Section, and its production area is Ishikawa Prefecture.
The registered producer organization for Japanese tea is the Central Association of Japanese Tea Industry, and its production area is Japan.
The registration was carried out under the Geographical Indication Act.
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