Internal processes of Geographical Indication and their effects: an evaluation framework for geographical indication applicants in Japan

Background: The internal processes of geographical indications (GIs) by the applicants in rural specific regions primarily remain unexplored, although GIs can facilitate retention of long-term accumulated traditional knowledge in ethnic foods. This article sheds light on (1) analysis of phase-wise internal processes of GI registration and (2) examine relationships between the duration of application and perceived effects of GI registration in Northwestern Japan. GI in Japan is a comparatively a new system introduced in 2015. Methods: This article applied thematic analysis. The criteria for evaluating the gap of GI registration effects among the seven GI cases were descriptive and analytical with the information and data coming from official documents, questionnaire survey, and personal communications with key informants of the GI applicants. Qualitative information with quantitative data was also applied to visualize the complex internal GI registration processes and their effects. Results: This article identified that GI applicants who took a relatively long time to complete GI registration tended to perceive the relatively weak registration effects. Alternatively, GI applicants who took a relatively short time to complete their GI registration tended to evaluate the effects of the registration highly. For the preparation process, the most difficult phases for applications were drafting the application documents and long-term communication with a GI regulator. Conclusion: This article provides insights on the methods to uncover the complex, both ex-ante and ex-post, GI registration processes to reorganize current members of GI applicants and to fill the gaps and enhance the effects of GI registration.