Japan battles to protect its premium fruits- title name for news

In a mountainside farm, Yuki Nakamura, a grape farmer, harvested a variety of highly prized grapes that could fetch over $100 a bunch in Tokyo.

However, this variety had been widely copied without approval in neighboring countries.  The premium grape called "Shine Muscat," developed by a national institute after 33 years of efforts, is sold almost like a jewel in a box at department stores in Japan where a fruit is considered a luxury item. 

According to the Japanese government, some countries took Shine Muscat seedlings out of Japan and grafted them onto local vines to produce fruit that looks and tastes -- almost -- as good. Japan tightened its rules in 2020, prohibiting registered seeds and seedlings from being taken abroad. Violators can face a prison term of up to 10 years or a fine of up to 10 million yen. The country is also making efforts to better protect domestic growers against foreign copycats.