GI Mark

Geographical Indications (GI Mark) Protecting Regional Intellectual Property

  • 2026年01月28日
#Geographical Indication #GI Mark

Upon closer inspection of the individually wrapped “Iburi Gakko” pickles I received as a souvenir, I noticed the label stated “Geographical Indication GI, Registered by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, No. 79” (bottom right of the package in the photo).

Iburi Gakko

The Geographical Indication Protection System protects the names of products that possess characteristics such as quality and social reputation cultivated within the unique natural, cultural, and social factors of a specific region, treating them as the region’s intellectual property. (Geographical Indication (GI) Protection System: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries)

According to the public notice for the registration of the GI “Iburi Gakko,” it states: “‘Iburi Gakko’ is a type of takuan pickle made using Akita Prefecture’s unique method, where the drying process of the daikon radish is done by smoking. The raw material is domestically produced daikon radish. Food additives used in preparation are primarily naturally derived. As sweeteners, saccharin and its salts, food yellow No. 4 and food yellow No. 4 aluminum lake as colorants, and sorbic acid and its salts as preservatives.” (Iburigakko｜Product Introduction｜Geographical Indication Product Information Site)
For consumers, the GI mark is helpful when choosing higher-quality products from similar items. Clear regulations on ingredients and additives mean you can eat with confidence.

As mentioned in the previous article on “Iwate Kirizumi,” under the Geographical Indication (GI) protection system, only products meeting the registered criteria can use the “Geographical Indication (GI Mark).” This ensures only quality-protected products (goods) circulate in the market.
Geographical Indications serve as the government’s seal of approval that a product meets certain quality standards. By differentiating it from other goods, it helps protect producers and brand value.

Incidentally, among Aichi Prefecture products, “Hatcho Miso,” “Toyohashi Nanbutougan,” and “Toyohashi Hanao” are registered as GI products. (Syszo)
Top Page｜Information Website on Japan Geographical Indication Products

Iwate Kirizumi

  • 2022年07月20日
#Geographical Indication #GI Mark #trademark

Hello, this is Hiro.
The other day, we had grilled chicken on a barbecue stove. On the bag of charcoal “Iwate Kirizumi” that we used at that time, there was a trademark registration number (No.1665789) and a GI Mark/Geographical Indication registration number (No.66) in Japan.

Iwate Kirizumi

Iwate Kirizumi Iwate Kirizumi

According to the public notice of the registration of the Geographical Indication “Iwate Kirizumi” (No.66), “”Iwate Charcoal (Iwate Kirizumi)” is black charcoal produced in Iwate Prefecture using logs grown in the prefecture. While the carbonization temperature of common domestic black charcoal is 400 to 700 ℃, “Iwate Charcoal” is produced at a higher temperature (approximately 800 ℃).” Iwate Charcoal” has a high carbon content of approximately 90%, which minimizes smoke, flames, and odor during combustion, and leaves little ash after burning.”.

Indeed, the smoke, flame, and odor from the charcoal after it is lit are less than those of other charcoals we have used in the past, and thanks to this, we were able to enjoy our yakitori in comfort. The yakitori grilled over charcoal was well cooked inside and the slightly charred sauce was very savory and tasty.

Iwate Kirizumi Iwate Kirizumi

Under the Geographical Indications (GI) protection system, only products that meet the registration requirements are allowed to use the “Geographical Indications (GI Mark)”, which means that only products (goods) that protect quality can be distributed in the market. Consumers who are concerned about the quality of products can rest assured that they can choose products that bear the “Geographical Indications (GI Mark)” label.

Reference(Japanese):Geographical Indication (GI) Protection System –Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan–