Amaou, a premium strawberry variety developed and grown in Fukuoka Prefecture, remains one of Japan's most sought-after fruits, consistently fetching top prices. In January, however, the plant breeder's right for Amaou, granting exclusive control over the production and sale of seeds and seedlings, expired after its 20-year term. The lapse has heightened concerns that seedlings could be taken out of the southwestern prefecture without authorization. To safeguard the brand, the Fukuoka