yes, its a long story but the Japanese were never able to trademark Kobe because they lacked a trade treaty with the US that recognized places of significance similar to our treaty with Europe recognizing Champagne, Bordeaux, Barolo, Permesan Reggiano etc. I actually worked with the Japanese embassy for years trying to get them to get the treaty done and trademark protect the term but they seemed otherwise occupied with other trade issues and it never got done. They really didn’t give a shit at the end of the day it was explained to me by the US trade delegate.
So, do I agree with having Kobe on the package? Nope, we use and market the genetic line of Tajima.