trademark

Masking tape is incredibly handy for sticking little things or sealing envelopes. Whenever I see cute designs, I just can’t resist buying them.

The masking tape I bought recently had the word “Trademark” printed in very small letters. I looked it up on J PlatPat and found that Nichiban Co., Ltd. had registered the rights for “Petit joie”. (Japanese Trademark Registration No. 5746465)
Of course, just because the printed size is small doesn’t mean the rights are small!

Nichiban, which has a factory in Anjo City, Aichi Prefecture, is famous for “Cello Tape.” It’s so well-known that people often mistake it for a generic term, but “Cello Tape” is also a Nichiban trademark; the generic term is “cellophane tape.” There are several Cello Tape trademarks, with the oldest registered in 1959 (Japanese Trademark Registration No. 546229).

Cellotape is an essential item, and I’d like to buy Petit Joie masking tape again if I find it. (Marron)

Petit Joie Series
https://www.nichiban.com/general/stationery/miscellaneous_goods/petitjoie_masking/
Cellotape (Japanese only)
https://www.nichiban-cellotape.com/

I recently visited Kyoto for some business.
Since I was there, I took the opportunity to do a little sightseeing too.

The North Garden of Ninnaji

The Rock Garden of Ryoanji

Since I was there, I also had some udon noodles typical of Kyoto (Kansai).

Noppei Udon

Kitsune Udon

Since I was there, I also visited my favorite Japanese sweets shop.
It’s “Demachi Futaba,” famous for their Nadai Mamemochi.
Everyone comes here aiming for this sign.

Besides the signature mame mochi, I bought “Fukumame Daifuku” with sweet potato paste, “Yomogi Dango” (mugwort dumplings), and “Shin Kurimochi” (fresh chestnut mochi).

I took these photos after carrying them around for a few hours, so they might not look as appetizing as they were, but everything was delicious and truly impressive. No wonder there’s always a line out the door.

This time was a whirlwind visit, but I hope to return when autumn deepens and enjoy a leisurely Kyoto sightseeing trip while admiring the autumn leaves.

The trademark “Demachi Futaba” is registered as of February 20, 2009 (Japanese Trademark Registration No. 5205944), with the designated services being “the provision of benefits to customers in the retail or wholesale business of mochi and red bean rice.”
(Sakuramochi)

While searching online for a small gift to celebrate a relative’s 60th birthday, I stumbled upon something uniquely funny.

When it comes to Kanreki (60th birthday) celebrations, there’s a custom of wearing a “red chanchanco (Japanese padded vest)”. Red is considered a color that wards off evil spirits and brings good fortune, so I thought “something red to wear” would be perfect. An invisible red belly warmer seemed like something they could easily use.
That’s when I found this belly warmer – the one that made me think, “This is it!”

This belly warmer is an original, customizable product designed, produced, and sold by Shalemon Co., Ltd., located in Yatomi City, Aichi Prefecture.
You can have names or other text printed in the blurred area.
Additionally, it comes with a celebratory “noshi (gift wrapping) paper” attached to the back, making it ready to hand over as a gift.

The phrase “kanreki damono” printed on the belly warmer is a registered trademark of Shalemon Co., Ltd.
The company logo in the lower left corner, though color-inverted, is also a registered trademark.
They hold 17 other registered trademarks and have 5 trademarks pending, firmly protecting their original brand while offering a wide range of uniquely humorous underwear.
If you’re interested, why not take a look at their official online shop?

When we gathered for the Obon dinner, I was able to hand it over safely, and both the recipient and everyone else broke into smiles.
By the way, the gathering was held at “Unagi Kappo Mikawa Sansuitei” in the Mikawa Isshiki area of Aichi Prefecture. It’s a restaurant where you can enjoy delicious eel at a great value, and it’s one of the three shops collectively known as the “Mikawa Isshiki ‘Eel Big Three’”. The logo mark “Mikawa Isshiki／Eel Big Three” is also properly protected as a registered trademark and was part of their brand strategy!♪ (Cacao)

Shalemon website (Japanese only): https://www.shalemon.jp/

August is coming to an end, but according to the weather forecast, it looks like the hot weather will continue for a while longer. With this kind of heat, it’s easy to skip breakfast, so this summer I’ve been making sure to eat cereal every morning.

This cereal was on sale at my regular supermarket. It’s from a well-known snack manufacturer. The back of the package has various information about nutrition and how to eat it. And there it was—the trademark text printed in small letters.

When I searched for “Frugra” on the J-PlatPat patent information platform, I found various registrations, including not just the product name but also the surrounding design elements. They’re protecting their valuable rights.
(Swimmer)

https://www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/c1801/TR/JP-2003-106882/40/en
https://www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/c1801/TR/JP-2022-106782/40/en

One of Nagoya’s classic souvenirs is “Morikuchi-zuke” from Yamatoya Moriguchi-zuke Souhonke, but the other day, I received a colorful small box of “Irodori.”

I received ‘kyuri’ (cucumber) and “uri” (melon) Nara-zuke. Both Moriguchi-zuke and Nara-zuke are pickles made by marinating vegetables in sake kasu (sake lees). However, Moriguchi-zuke is made using “Moriguchi daikon,” a long, slender radish native to Aichi Prefecture, marinated in sake kasu and mirin kasu (sweet rice wine lees). Nara-zuke, on the other hand, is made by marinating various vegetables such as cucumber, melon, and watermelon in sake kasu.

Moriguchi daikon is a traditional vegetable of Aichi Prefecture, with Fuso Town in Aichi Prefecture accounting for about 70% of national production. It is a variety of radish with a diameter of 3–4 cm, a length of 120–130 cm, and some reaching up to 180 cm, and is registered in the Guinness World Records as the longest radish in the world.

I had always found the unique alcoholic flavor of Moriguchi-zuke and Nara-zuke off-putting, but I was drawn in by the vibrant packaging and decided to give them a try. To my surprise, they were surprisingly easy to eat and delicious. I wondered if my taste buds had matured (laughs), but apparently honey is added. They are cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating and packaged in airtight containers to maintain freshness, which I also appreciated.

I was impressed by how traditional Japanese pickles have successfully adapted to the times and changing needs. I highly recommend giving them a try. The “Irodori” series also includes Moriguchi daikon, ginger, and bamboo shoots.

The distinctive design on the packaging, featuring the long, slender Moriguchi radish, is a registered trademark.
For inquiries regarding trademark registration, please contact Hattori & Partners here. (Syszo)

On July 28, 2025, “Chiikawa Park” opened in Ikebukuro, Tokyo.
Chiikawa Park is an amusement facility themed around Chiikawa.

The information about this facility was made public about three months before the opening (at the end of April), but rumors had been circulating on social media since early April among fans.
Curious about how this information was discovered, I traced various posts and found that it was due to a trademark registration.

“Trademark?!” I was a bit surprised, but it made sense.
It seems that someone discovered the trademark “Chiikawa Park” (Japanese Trademark Registration No. 6948243) on J-Plat Pat and speculated about it. Additionally, on the same day, a trademark application with Chiikawa’s illustration was filed, confirming that it is indeed Chiikawa. (Japanese Trademark Registration No. 6948244)
While the designated goods or services do not specify an amusement facility, the name “Park” suggests it could be a park or amusement park.

Tickets for Chiikawa Park were distributed by lottery, so I applied, but unfortunately I was not selected. I plan to apply again if I get another chance.
Additionally, there was a lottery for a limited-time mobile Suica skin design to commemorate the opening, and I applied and won! It’s so cute! ♡

Chikawa Park Official Website : https://chiikawapark-tokyo.jp/en/

(Rabbit)

I got some McDonald’s to go. On the paper bag, there was a picture of Ronald throwing trash in the trash can with an R mark next to it.

I looked it up on J-PlatPat and found that this illustration itself was trademarked. (Japanese Trademark Registration No. 5625449, Rights Holder: McDonald’s International Property Company Limited, Registered in 2013)

The first trademark for Ronald’s illustration was filed in 1980 and is still in effect (Japanese Trademark Registration No. 1677689). Multiple trademarks have been registered for Ronald alone, with different poses.

Incidentally, the original English name of this mascot is Ronald McDonald, so it would be pronounced “Ronald McDonald” in English. However, since “Ronald” is difficult for Japanese people to pronounce, “Donald McDonald” was adopted. Japan McDonald’s recognizes both ‘Donald’ and “Ronald” as correct names. (Marron)

Reference URL (Japanese only): https://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/cservice/list.ronald/ “About Donald”

It’s been really hot every day, hasn’t it?
For a summer snack, nothing beats a refreshingly chilled water yōkan.
The water yōkan from “Murasakiya,” a renowned Japanese confectionery shop in Nagoya, has a moist texture and just the right sweetness, making it easy to eat even when you’re not hungry.
Before you know it, the whole stick is gone.

I want to get through the hot summer by treating myself to something special.

The trademark “Murasakiya” is registered for “confectionery and bread” under Japanese Trademark Registration number 0527162, dated September 16, 1958.
(Sakuramochi)

In June, I attended the firm’s interaction session at the Toba International Hotel in Mie Prefecture. At Pearl Ocean Terrace, I was soothed by the view of the sea stretching out before me, the pleasant sea breeze, and the sound of the waves.

Among the attractive souvenirs in the hotel shop, I was captivated by the collaboration products featuring the Pokémon “Mijumaru (Oshawott).”
I vaguely knew that certain Pokémon collaborate with specific prefectures, but I didn’t realize that Mijumaru (Oshawott) (Japanese Registered Trademarks: No.5351424, No.5839685) had been appointed as the “Mie Support Pokémon” for Mie Prefecture. This is part of the “Pokémon Local Acts” initiative, where a “favorite Pokémon” is selected for each region to promote its charm both domestically and internationally. Through this initiative, the goal is to encourage more people to visit the region, thereby increasing the number of fans of both the region and Pokémon.

Additionally, the use of Pokémon in this initiative is free of charge, allowing many collaboration products to be sold as souvenirs, which likely contributes to the promotion of local specialty products. The ability to purchase region-exclusive Pokémon merchandise is also a major attraction.

These are souvenirs I purchased as mementos at hotels and shops in Toba City.

The “Isenomon Hand Towel” on the left is made from “Ise Momen,” a traditional craft designated by Mie Prefecture, and is manufactured by Usui Orimono. The company also holds the registered trademark rights (Japanese Trademark No.4971739) for Ise Momen.
I hope that such traditional crafts will continue to be cherished and preserved in the future.

By the way, the Toba International Hotel has a special “Mijumaru (Oshawott) Room” available in only one room! One of the perks is a “hidden Monster Ball search and gift service,” which is sure to get Pokémon fans excited! (Cacao)

※ “Pokémon” and “Mijumaru” are registered trademarks of Nintendo, Creatures, and Game Freak.