Prized Japanese fruit, vegetable varieties get stronger legal protections

AgricultureRevised law comes as losses from seedling theft growLosses to Japan from unauthorized overseas Shine Muscat grape plant exports have been estimated at over $100 million annually. (Photo by Maiko Sugiyama)HAJIME TSUKADAJuly 18, 2026 03:23 JSTTOKYO -- Japan passed revised legislation Friday to prevent unauthorized exports of seeds and seedlings of locally developed crop varieties like Shine Muscat grapes, as well as expand the rights of their creators, in a bid to protect Japanese brands.