The Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA) announced the adoption of a new logo to reinforce their “Standards for Labeling Japanese Whisky” (industry standards), established in February 2021. By having JSLMA members apply this logo to their products that comply with the industry standards, the association hopes to raise awareness of Japanese whisky both in Japan and abroad while also making it easier for consumers to distinguish it from other types of whisky. This action represents a critical phase in the JSLMA’s ongoing efforts to make their industry standards into a legally binding definition, as they begin preparation for Geographical Indication (GI) status application and establishment of “Labeling Standards for the Manufacturing Process and Quality of Japanese Whisky”.

The new logo features the letters “JW” in the middle, surrounded by “JAPANESE WHISKY” and “JSLMA”, representing the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association, inscribed on the head of a whisky cask. In Japan, the trademark registration application has been submitted to the Japan Patent Office, with plans to file similar applications in international markets.

JSLMA has also started taking steps aimed at the legal codification of its industry standards. To achieve this, the association will aim for the registration of “Japanese Whisky” for GI status, and consult with the Japan National Tax Agency on the establishment of “Labeling Standards for the Manufacturing Process and Quality of Japanese Whisky”, both under the Liquor Industry Association Act.

ABOUT JAPAN SPIRITS & LIQUEURS MAKERS ASSOCIATION (JSLMA)
Established in 1953, JSLMA is the only organization of Western liquor manufacturers in Japan authorized under the Liquor Industry Association Act. It currently has 104 members (as of March 27, 2025) and plays an important role in the healthy development of the Western liquor industry in Japan.

ABOUT STANDARDS FOR LABELING JAPANESE WHISKY
“Standards for Labeling Japanese Whisky” is an industry standard on Japanese Whisky established by JSLMA in February 2021 which later came into full effect in April 2024. Products must comply with the industry standards on ingredients and manufacturing methods to be labeled as Japanese Whisky.

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