Categories: Miscellaneous

Geographical Indication tag sought for nihonshu from Japan

This is the first time a product from Japan has filed for a tag at the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai. The Embassy of Japan, New Delhi, has filed an application seeking a 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 here.

Bank Maha Pack includes Live Batches, Test Series, Video Lectures & eBooks

According to details provided in the filing, in Japan:

  • Nihonshu 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. For making nihonshu three main raw materials – rice, koji-kin (a type of fungal spore) and water – are required.
  • The production of nihonshu follows an alcoholic fermentation method called parallel multiple fermentation and involves raw material treatment, koji making, starter culture making, mash making, pressing, heat sterilisation and bottling. The rice and koji used should originate in Japan.

Other points:

  • The Embassy of Japan, in the filing, also mentioned that in the past, the economy of Japan was based around rice, which was used as a sort of quasi-money before the establishment of a monetary economy in the Meiji period (1869- 1912).
  • As a result, nihonshu production was thoroughly under the government’s control. As nihonshu’s production became more industrialised in the Edo period (1603-1868), those who had special licences began hiring many farmers in the agricultural off-season.
  • They gradually won a reputation as craftsmen, which resulted in the establishment of the hierarchical Toii system ( Toii is the person responsible for sake brewing), likened to an apprenticeship or guild system. The Toii has full authority for the production of nihonshu at breweries and leads all the workers.
  • In addition, the Toii plays an important role in training young apprentices by imparting upon them their techniques and experience. Through this system, the techniques of making nihonshu are being passed on to the present day. A GI is a label that is applied to products that have a specific geographical origin and have characteristics that are
    related to that particular location.

Find More Miscellaneous News Here

Sumit Arora

As a team lead and current affairs writer at Adda247, I am responsible for researching and producing engaging, informative content designed to assist candidates in preparing for national and state-level competitive government exams. I specialize in crafting insightful articles that keep aspirants updated on the latest trends and developments in current affairs. With a strong emphasis on educational excellence, my goal is to equip readers with the knowledge and confidence needed to excel in their exams. Through well-researched and thoughtfully written content, I strive to guide and support candidates on their journey to success.

Recent Posts

Which is the Oldest District of Uttar Pradesh? Know the Name

Uttar Pradesh is a large and important state in northern India. It has many districts,…

6 hours ago

Birsa Munda Punyatithi 2025, 125th Death Anniversary of Birsa Munda

Birsa Munda Punyatithi is observed every year on June 9 to remember and honour Birsa…

8 hours ago

Eminent Scholar Daji Panshikar Passes Away at 92

Renowned scholar, author, and literary commentator Daji Panshikar, also known as Narahari Vishnu Shastri, passed…

9 hours ago

GK Quiz on the Chenab Rail Bridge, Questions and Answers

The Chenab Rail Bridge is a world-famous railway bridge built in Jammu and Kashmir, India.…

9 hours ago

Chenab Rail Bridge: Team Behind the Construction of the Bridge

The Chenab Rail Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir is the world's highest railway arch bridge.…

11 hours ago

Rohini Gram Panchayat Wins Gold in National e-Governance Awards 2025

In a momentous achievement for rural digital transformation, Rohini Gram Panchayat in Shirpur taluka, Dhule…

11 hours ago