Why in news?  

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

Highlights

• 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 fling, 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.
• 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

What is a GI tag?

• A geographical indication (GI) is a name or sign used on certain products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin (e.g., a town, region, or country).
• India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
• The GI tag ensures that none other than those registered as authorised users (or at least those residing inside the geographic territory) are allowed to use the popular product name.
• Darjeeling tea became the first GI tagged product in India