What is a Geographical Indication (GI)?
A Geographical Indication protects, as intellectual property, the name of a product whose quality is tied to the nature and traditional skills of its place of origin.
What is a Geographical Indication (GI)?
A Geographical Indication (GI) is a product name that the government registers and protects as intellectual property because the product's quality or reputation comes from the natural conditions and traditional methods of its place of origin. As a rule, a registered name may only be used for products made in the defined area by the defined method (with exceptions such as prior use of the name before registration).
How many GI products does Japan have?
GI Zukan lists 170 agricultural and food GIs registered by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and 31 liquor GIs designated by the National Tax Agency, 201 in total (checked 2026-10-29; every domestic product MAFF has registered). The most recent agricultural registration was Japanese Tea（July 10, 2026）.
How do agricultural GIs and liquor GIs differ?
Agricultural and food GIs are registered by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries under the GI Act (Act on Protection of the Names of Specific Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Products and Foodstuffs, in force since 2015). GIs for sake, shochu, wine and other liquors are designated by the Commissioner of the National Tax Agency under the liquor tax system. Because the laws and agencies differ, the official lists are separate.
What is the GI mark?
The GI mark is the government's registered symbol showing that a product is a registered agricultural or food GI. It may be displayed together with the registered name, and misuse is prohibited by law. Processed foods made mainly from a GI product may also carry it under conditions, such as showing it together with the registered name of that ingredient. Its design and rules are shown on MAFF's website.
How can I tell a genuine GI product?
Check for the registered name and, for agricultural and food products, the GI mark. A GI name usually covers less than the everyday name: products meeting the area, variety and production conditions are GI products. Because of exceptions such as prior use, the same name may also appear on products that are not GI products. When shopping online or via furusato nozei, look at the stated origin and any GI labelling in the description.
How is a GI different from a regional collective trademark?
A regional collective trademark is registered with the Japan Patent Office; the owning association controls the name and enforces it itself. A GI also registers the product's quality standard (production method and characteristics), the government checks compliance, and the government acts against misuse. Some products hold both.
Are Japanese GIs protected abroad?
Under agreements such as the Japan–EU Economic Partnership Agreement (in force since 2019), some Japanese GIs are also protected in partner countries and regions. MAFF and the National Tax Agency publish which products are covered.
What should I do if I find a fake GI product?
Misuse of an agricultural or food GI can be reported to MAFF's reporting desk. For liquor GIs, contact the National Tax Agency (your local tax office).