I am Yasuhiko Oshimoto. Having been elected by my peers to serve as President, I am deeply humbled by the weight of this responsibility. My journey with this association began at its founding in November 1988. Since then, I have had the privilege of supporting successive presidents as Secretary General and contributing to our operations as Vice President. While my professional background is in Industrial engineering and I have handled patents, designs, and trademarks as a patent attorney, my recent focus has been dedicated to the field as a specialist "trademark attorney."
This year coincides with the Year of the "Fire Horse" in the Japanese zodiac-a year traditionally associated with rapid change and the birth of new vitality. Indeed, the trademark system is currently at a major turning point. From the implementation of AI-driven searches and examinations to the protection of assets within the metaverse, the sheer pace of technological innovation demands that we adapt swiftly and strategically to these emerging trends.
To meet these challenges, our Association remains committed to rigorous research and the analysis of case law. Through our 12 Open-to-all Subcommittees, 7 Specialized Committees, and regional branches such as the Kansai Chapter, we foster vibrant intellectual exchange. We are proud to share these insights through the "Japan Trademark Association Letter," the "JTA Bulletin," and our quarterly journal "Trademark," all aimed at supporting the professional excellence of our members. As of May 2026, our membership has grown to 901—including 277 corporate, 149 law firms, and 475 individual members. This growing presence increases our social responsibility, which we fulfill through active international outreach with organizations such as WIPO’s SCT, the China Trademark Association, INTA, and TM5.
As an organization comprising over 900 experts, the Japan Trademark Association will continue to proactively propose amendments to the Trademark Law and contribute to the evolution of a more robust trademark system. I sincerely ask for your continued cooperation, support, and guidance as we embark on this new chapter together.

Yasuhiko Oshimoto
President of Japan Trademark Association