#intellectual-property

4 topics

Jun 17, 2026

Premium Citrus 'Beni Princess' Leaks to China, Reviving the IP Debate

Reports claim 'Beni Princess,' a premium citrus Ehime spent 20 years developing, is being sold in China, echoing the Shine Muscat case. Commenters blamed lax management, the lack of an anti-espionage law, and 'naive trust,' though the specifics of this leak are unverified.

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Jun 16, 2026

China and Mongolia Brand Japan 'Militarist,' and Distrust of Beijing Hardens

After Chinese FM Wang Yi met Mongolia's foreign minister and the two denounced 'fascism and militarism' with Japan in mind, Japanese netizens reacted with shock that 'even pro-Japan Mongolia' had joined in, and with a 'look who's talking' rebuttal at China. Parallel grievances — China's 'our military buildup is for world peace' line and the suspected leak of Ehime's premium 'Beni Princess' citrus to China — fed broader distrust across IP, defense, and diplomacy.

Another Prized Japanese Fruit Allegedly Surfaces in China

Economy

Jun 12, 2026

Another Prized Japanese Fruit Allegedly Surfaces in China

A premium citrus called 'Beni Princess' (Ehime No. 48), which Ehime Prefecture spent about two decades developing, reportedly appeared on a Chinese shopping site — the latest suspected leak after Shine Muscat grapes. The story reignited anger at China and, just as much, frustration at Japan's own weak protection of agricultural intellectual property.

Spy Mayor, EV Stunts, and a Ramen Knockoff — Japan Bundles Its China Distrust

Politics

May 16, 2026

Spy Mayor, EV Stunts, and a Ramen Knockoff — Japan Bundles Its China Distrust

Three unrelated China-linked stories collided in the same news cycle and reinforced each other: a Chinese illegal-agent case against the former mayor of Arcadia, California, a flashy BYD/Yangwang three-wheel driving demo, and a Chinese knockoff of the Ichiran ramen chain. The conversation locked in around 'this is exactly why Japan needs a Spy Prevention Act'.