In this comprehensive study of the Japanese trademark law system, the author presents the view of trademark rights in Japan as articulated in the relevant statutes and by Japanese courts and commentators. Relying on nearly 200 judicial opinions, nearly 200 books and law review articles, and the author's own translation of the Japanese Trademark Law (as amended to take effect April 1, 1997), the author argues that trademark law as enforced by Japanese courts is a very sophisticated and well-developed field of law - far more advanced than generally given credit outside of Japan.