From November 23, 2016 also European Union registered the trademark of "Japan Geographical Indication" (GI).

Entered into force in June 2016 under a law enacted by the Japan Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the trademark will be applied on Japanese foodstuffs to develop and support economic activity in the local regions. The brand aims to add value to traditional products and wants to protect intellectual properties of Japanese foods.

So far the Japanese Ministry has applied to register this trademark in the main importing countries. The European Union is the 10th country that have recorded it.

Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website