Every year on April 26, World Intellectual Property Day is celebrated with events around the globe, each year focusing on a different theme.
On April 24, 2026, the WIPO Japan Office held a commemorative event for World Intellectual Property Day, with 372 participants.
The commemorative event was held in person at Iino Hall, featuring speeches under this year’s theme, “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate”, delivered by various distinguished speakers, including:
- Special Advisor to the Prime Minister
- Commissioner of Japan Patent Office
- Commissioner of Japan Sports Agency
- Assistant Director General of WIPO
- A leading expert in intellectual property litigation
- A rising legal professional transitioning from professional baseball
- An Olympic medalist and Member of the IOC Athletes' Commissionadvancing sports development worldwide
A live musical performance was also delivered by one of Japan’s leading and most prestigious wind ensemble from a Japanese high school.
Furthermore, a special exhibition titled “The Power of Intellectual Property in Sport” was held in the foyer of the venue, featuring product displays by leading Japanese sports-related companies.
Sports extend beyond competition, being closely connected to various industries, including fashion, entertainment, media, health, and gaming.
World Intellectual Property Day 2026 celebrates how creativity and innovation, backed by IP, keep the world of sports thriving, dynamic and accessible for everyone, everywhere.
This year’s World IP Day honors the contributions of the creators, inventors and entrepreneurs working behind the scenes to push the boundaries of athletic performance, improve audience experience and bring sports events to every home.
In order to enhance recognition of IP and sports as an important topic for everyone, this year’s event featured distinguished speakers from diverse fields.
In the guest speeches, keynote speeches and dialogues, topics like below were focused on:
- Mr. Yoshimasa Uno, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, noted that IP and intangible assets—key sources of corporate competitiveness—support the field of sports from multiple perspectives. He also highlighted the importance of policies that return the sustainable value of IP and intangible assets to society.
- Mr. Yasuyuki Kasai, Commissioner of Japan Patent Office, noted that the latest technologies in the field of sports are expanding opportunities for everyday physical activity regardless of age or gender. He also emphasized that investments in the research and development of technologies are supported by IP rights.
- Mr. Junichi Kawai, Commissioner of Japan Sports Agency, noted that sport serves as a platform for creativity and innovation. He also emphasized that IP plays a vital role in supporting the enhancement of athletic performance and the public’s quality of life.
- Kenichiro Natsume, Assistant Director General of WIPO, referred to the career of Mr. Rory Cooper—an Olympic medalist as well as a wheelchair engineer—and stressed that the value of IP lies not only in generating economic benefits, but also in expanding opportunities for people around the world.
- Ms. Makiko Takabe, Of Counsel at Nishimura & Asahi LPC/ Former President of Takamatsu High Court, addressed the current challenges surrounding sports data, its potential for protection as IP rights, and appropriate approaches to safeguarding sports data for the development of Japan’s sports industry.
- Mr. Kohei Miyadai, Legal Apprentice at Supreme Court of Japan/ Former Professional Baseball Player, discussed his career journey and the sports business from an IP perspective. He also shared a heartfelt message for the younger generation.
- Mr. Yuki Ota, Member of the IOC Athletes' Commission/ Executive Director of JOC/ Member of the FIE Executive Committee / CEO of WIN3 Ltd., discussed business model transformation in sports and IP management.
Following last year’s performance, we were also treated to a live performance by the wind ensemble of Narashino High School, renowned nationwide for their exceptional performance skills and dynamic stage presence. Known by their tagline “Bibakuon” (Beautiful Explosive Sound), the ensemble—having also performed at the send-off event for the Japanese delegation to the Milan–Cortina Olympic Games—gave a stunning performance that filled the entire Iino Hall with excitement and emotion.
Their program included:
- Takarajima
- Sekai no Kuni Kara Konnichiwa
- Choral Piece “Story”
- Baseball chant
- Dai Zero Kan
Encore: Let’s Go! × 2, We Love Marine
In the venue’s foyer, an exhibition titled “The Power of Intellectual Property in Sports” showcased products from leading Japanese sports-related companies, with the generous cooperation of ASICS Corporation, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., Bridgestone Cycle Corporation, Bridgestone Sports Corporation, Mizuno Corporatio n, and Wacoal Corp. Alongside actual sports products, the connection between sports and intellectual property rights—such as patents, designs, and trademarks—embedded in these innovations was highlighted.
- Videos of each speech will be made available on the event website (in Japanese) later.
- Find out more about the program of the event and bios of the speakers (in Japanese)