Japan has successfully connected its national online plant variety protection (PVP) system to UPOV PRISMA, the global platform for filing PVP and national listing applications. Effective October 14, 2025, applicants will now be able to file for protection across all genera and species in Japan through the unified online tool.
The connection is expected to streamline processes for breeders and authorities by reducing communication delays, supporting multiple languages, and enabling more efficient application management.
Celebrating the development, Mr. Toru Yoshimatsu, Director, Intellectual Property Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) said:
"Japan is pleased to join UPOV PRISMA and to make our national PVP system accessible through this international platform. This step reflects our long-standing commitment to supporting innovation in plant breeding and strengthening global cooperation under UPOV. By connecting our system with UPOV PRISMA, we aim to make the application process more efficient and user-friendly for both Japanese and foreign applicants. We believe this milestone will further enhance transparency and encourage the development of new plant varieties that benefit agriculture and society."
UPOV Vice Secretary-General Yolanda Huerta also welcomed the news, sharing:
“We warmly welcome Japan to UPOV PRISMA. The contribution of Japan has been key in the development of the UPOV e-PVP system, and this milestone reflects the shared commitment between Japan and UPOV in making PVP systems more efficient, inclusive and accessible worldwide. We are confident that this step will deliver tangible benefits for both Japanese breeders and breeders from other UPOV members wishing to make applications in Japan.”
In 2024, Japan received almost 600 PVP applications and granted more than 700 titles, underscoring the country’s active role in supporting plant breeding and enhancing international cooperation.
About UPOV PRISMA
UPOV PRISMA is an online tool that simplifies the filing of plant variety protection and national listing applications with participating authorities worldwide.
The platform allows breeders to prepare applications in one interface, automatically generates forms in the required languages, and enables data re-use across multiple jurisdictions. The system also reduces delays and provides applicants with full visibility of their submissions, helping breeders meet time-sensitive requirements such as novelty.