Japan Seeks GI tag
The Embassy of Japan, New Delhi has filed an application seeking geographical Indication (GI) tag for nihonshu/Japanese sake, an alcoholic beverage.
It is learnt that this is the first time a product from Japan has filed for a tag at the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai.
According to details provided in the filing, in Japan, nihonshu is regarded as a special and valuable beverage made from formenting rice. People traditionally drink nihonshu on special occasions, such as festivals, weddings or funerals, but it is also consumed on a daily basis. Thus, it is an integral part of the lifestyle and culture in Japan. The sake market (almost all are nihonshu) is the second largest brewed liquor(such as beer) market in Japan.