Japan seeks GI tag for nihonshu

In News 

The Embassy of Japan, New Delhi, has filed an application seeking a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for nihonshu/Japanese sake, an alcoholic beverage.

• This is the first time a product from Japan has filed for a tag at the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai

About Nihonshu 

• It is regarded as a special and valuable beverage made from fermenting 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.

About GI Tag

• It is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. 
• In order to function as a GI, a sign must identify a product as originating in a given place.
• In addition, the qualities, characteristics or reputation of the product should be essentially due to the place of origin. 
• Since the qualities depend on the geographical place of production, there is a clear link between the product and its original place of production.

Source:TH