Japan hosts official visit by WIPO director general
18 February 2026
Japan welcomed World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Director General Daren Tang for a four-day official visit, underscoring the strong, longstanding partnership between Japan and WIPO and reaffirming Japan’s commitment to advancing intellectual property as a driver of innovation-led growth, dynamic startup ecosystems and regional development.
The visit provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions on the evolving role of IP in today’s innovation-driven economy, particularly as artificial intelligence continues to transform industries and creative sectors worldwide. Japanese officials and WIPO exchanged views on how IP frameworks are adapting to rapid technological change and how they can further promote entrepreneurship, enhance competitiveness and support sustainable growth.
Tang, in his keynote address at the Japan Intellectual Property Association IP Symposium, recognized Japan’s position as a global innovation leader and highlighted the growing importance of intangible assets in an increasingly complex geoeconomic landscape. Discussions emphasized the role of IP in addressing demographic challenges while enabling Japan to seize new opportunities through global engagement and international collaboration.
During his engagements in Tokyo, Tang met with Minister of State for Intellectual Property Strategy Kimi Onoda to discuss WIPO’s initiatives supporting global policy dialogue on IP and AI, as well as the continued promotion and growth potential of Japan’s content industries. In discussions with Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Norikazu Suzuki, he expressed appreciation for Japan’s longstanding contributions to the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), including the signing of a new Fund-in-Trust agreement between the ministry and UPOV.
Tang also met with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Iwao Horii to convey gratitude for Japan’s sustained support to WIPO, Japan Patent Office Commissioner Yasuyuki Kasai to discuss deepening cooperation in global IP services, and Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Masato Shimizu and Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Shunichi Tokura to address international efforts to combat piracy.
- Excel V. Dyquiangco
