Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Candidates/Makoto Koike

Makoto Koike (GreatPatent)

GreatPatent (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA • AE)

Candidate details	Portrait of Makoto Koike Personal: Name: Makoto Koike Location: Tokyo, Japan Languages: English, Japanese Editorial: Wikimedian since: around 2018 Active wikis: Japanese wikipedia
Candidate video statement
Total word count for the whole application (required + optional questions) is 2500 words.
Have you read the minimum candidate requirements and verified you meet the minimum qualifications and the candidate eligibility requirements?		Yes
Have you read the candidate guidelines and agree to abide by the guidelines?		Yes
Required questions
These questions are required to consider your application complete. They help the community decide who to vote for. If this section is not complete by 23:59 AoE, July 8 (11:59 UTC, July 9), your application will not be considered. Candidates are required to have experience in the Wikimedia movement or a similar movement. Candidates are required to have experience serving on a collective decision-making body, such as Boards or committees and your application must reflect this experience. Please be as specific as you can with years served and other information.
Why are you running for the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees? What would you contribute? What would you like to learn more about?	I'm running for the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees because I believe the voices and unique needs of countries without established Wikimedia chapters, like Japan, are currently underrepresented within the global movement. In global organizations, communities without formal local chapters often find their perspectives and challenges overlooked at the highest levels of governance. This can manifest in various ways, including a potential oversight of local legal frameworks. For the Wikimedia movement to be truly global and inclusive, we must actively amplify the needs of these regions. My deep experience in the Japanese context allows me to directly address this disconnect. Users in various countries expect compliance with local laws, yet the Foundation often takes a U.S. and Europe-centric approach, as seen with DMCA and GDPR. Examples from Japan, such as court rulings like "Dwango v. FC2" (2025) and "Manga Village" (2021), emphasize the principle of applying local law to internet services targeting local users, regardless of server location. Similarly, amendments in various countries, like Japan's 2020 amendment to its Telecommunications Business Act requiring local contact points for foreign internet service providers serving local users, highlight the growing global expectation for localized compliance. If elected, I would ensure the Wikimedia Foundation proactively addresses these types of legal requirements across different jurisdictions. As a Trustee, I would advocate for stronger adherence to local laws and foster enhanced community engagement. I would pioneer the development of regional legal frameworks, collaborating with chapters and user groups. Furthermore, I would advocate for transparent processes for handling legal requests, aligning with the 2030 Strategy for the Wikimedia movement. I am eager to learn more about global legal strategies, resource allocation, and digital governance to enhance my contributions, ensuring equitable knowledge access for all.
Please describe your Wikimedia experience (such as contributions to the Wikimedia projects, memberships in Wikimedia organizations or affiliates, activities as a Wikimedia movement organizer, or participation with a Wikimedia movement ally organization).	My engagement with the Wikimedia movement began several years ago through my user accounts, "Makoto Koike, Ph.D." and "PatentAttorneyJP". This extensive involvement has given me a deep understanding of our projects' collaborative spirit, editorial complexities, and global impact. While my contributions under my current username may appear more recent, my earlier, substantial participation laid the foundation for my unwavering commitment to free knowledge. In some stages of involvement, I encountered the intricate challenges of our global platform. One pivotal experience involved a significant debate over copyright interpretation on a Japanese Wikipedia page. As a Japanese Patent Attorney with expertise in intellectual property law, my perspective was grounded in Japanese civil law traditions, which differed fundamentally from the U.S. common law principles that seemed to inform the opposing viewpoint. I have also navigated other complex content disputes that highlighted the difficulties of achieving consensus across diverse cultural and linguistic communities, especially when scientific understanding or established beliefs diverge. These experiences have been a crucible for my personal and professional growth. They have taught me invaluable lessons about the importance of respectful dialogue, evidence-based reasoning, and the complexities of applying policies in cross-cultural contexts. Moreover, these experiences have fueled my dedication and inspired my aspiration to serve on the Board of Trustees.
From your perspective, what should the Wikimedia Foundation be prioritizing over the next 3-5 years, and why do you see these as the most important priorities?	While there are 39 Wikimedia chapters worldwide, a Japan chapter has not yet been established. As a member of the Japanese language community, its establishment as a legal entity should be an important goal. I trust that my legal knowledge would facilitate a process of the incorporation. Establishing the Japan chapter, however, is not a legal obligation. On the other hand, filing a prescribed notification with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) is a legal obligation. This notification under the Telecommunications Business Act requires foreign corporations to submit details such as the name and Japan-based address of their domestic representative to the MIC. Please note that this legal obligation can be fulfilled independently of establishing the Japan chapter, making it a more immediate and straightforward step. Therefore, the submission of this notification to the MIC is of utmost priority to ensure legal compliance. The legal compliance guarantees the sustainability of Wikimedia projects for millions of Japanese users. This strategic initiative also sets a precedent for addressing similar legal amendments in other countries. It is a significant step that demonstrates the Wikimedia Foundation’s commitment to embodying the values of knowledge and integrity and to responsible global stewardship.
Please describe your experience with governing bodies of organizations (nonprofit or for-profit), mentioning the scope of your responsibilities, as well as the complexity of the organization (in terms of scale of operations, budget, number of people involved, or other meaningful measures) and the size of the board or body.	My experience as one of the members of the Board of Councilor in the Japan Patent Attorneys Association (JPAA) offers a robust background directly applicable to the Board of Trustees in the Wikimedia Foundation. The JPAA, a leading non-profit organization with 12000 members, comprising all of the patent attorneys licensed in Japan, who are located worldwide. Its operational scale includes an annual budget of around 3 billion Japanese Yen (roughly $20 million USD) and a dedicated staff of about 100 employees. The JPAA’s governance structure includes the Board of Councilors with 60 councilors, which functions as the primary decision-making body and approves critical items such as the annual business plan and budget. It also includes the Board of Executive Directors with one President, eight Vice Presidents and up to twenty Executive Directors, responsible for overseeing the daily operations of about 30 committees whose members are patent attorneys, in accordance with the approved business plan and within the approved budget. The committees encompass various aspects of intellectual property law which inherently involves the intersection of laws and technologies, demanding the understanding of diverse legal systems and cross-border implications. While the Wikimedia Foundation operates on a larger scale with a budget and personnel roughly 7 to 8 times that of the JPAA, my proven track record at the JPAA demonstrates my ability to navigate complex structures and significant budgetary responsibilities, complementing my advocacy for legal compliance, as seen in my focus on local entities in regions like Japan.
Questions from the Community (required)
These questions were sourced from the community. These questions are required to consider your application complete. If this section is not complete by 23:59 AoE, July 8 (11:59 UTC, July 9), your application will not be considered.
How do you plan to ensure transparency and accountability in your decision-making processes as a member of the Board of Trustees?	As a candidate for the Board of Trustees, my approach to ensuring transparency and accountability in decision-making would be systematic and proactive. While the decision of the Board results from a vote to approve or reject, the process leading up to that vote is where transparency and accountability are most effectively built. Before any resolution, my approach would include: Asking Incisive Questions: I would probe the scope, implications, and impacts of proposals to ensure alignment with the Foundation’s goals and community needs. Seeking Diverse Perspectives: Engaging with staff, committees, and global community feedback, including regions like Japan, India, or Brazil, ensures informed decisions. Encouraging Robust Debate: Fostering respectful, rigorous discussions within the Board ensures all perspectives are thoroughly evaluated.
What will be the first new issue you would like to bring to the attention of the Board for discussion, and how would you approach it?	The first new issue to the Board's attention centers on the critical necessity of filing a prescribed notification with the Minister of Internal Affairs and Telecommunication in Japan. This notification, required under Section 16 of the Telecommunications Business Act of Japan, must include the name and Japan-based address of the Wikimedia Foundation's Japanese representative to ensure full legal compliance. This imperative entails selecting a Japanese representative with an address in Japan. A dedication to compliance is crucial to mitigate legal risks and foster deeper trust with our Japanese user base and local regulatory bodies.
How should decisions about trade-offs and prioritisation in Wikimedia technology or product areas be approached? Please explain what the trade-off is in your view.	Decisions about Wikimedia's technology and product priorities demand strategic foresight and a clear understanding of our core mission, balanced against practical constraints. In my view, the primary trade-off we face is between technological advancement in artificial intelligence and the inherent constraints of our budget and human resources.
The number of Wikimedia affiliates has grown significantly over the past few years, but ensuring adequate resourcing can be a challenge. Given this, how might we rethink the movement ecosystem, including how affiliates are evaluated, engaged, and resourced?	The significant growth of Wikimedia affiliates demands a strategic re-evaluation of our movement ecosystem, particularly regarding resourcing, evaluation, and engagement. While current models often favor regions with higher donations, access, and page views, and aim for equitable knowledge access through resource reallocation, a strategic re-evaluation is needed.
As the Wikimedia Foundation's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position transitions, what qualities do you believe the incoming leader should embody, and how would these contribute to the advancement of the Wikimedia movement?	The incoming CEO of the Wikimedia Foundation should embody Plato’s philosopher-king: wisdom, integrity, and pursuit of truth. This leader must blend intellectual rigor with humility, fostering collaboration across diverse communities while championing Wikipedia’s mission to provide free, reliable knowledge globally. The leader should demonstrate strategic vision to navigate technological and cultural challenges, ensuring the platform’s sustainability and accessibility. A commitment to transparency and inclusivity will strengthen trust and participation in the Wikimedia movement. By leading with foresight and a passion for knowledge, this philosopher-king will advance Wikipedia’s goal of empowering humanity, ensuring it remains a global beacon of free, accessible knowledge in an evolving digital age.
Optional questions - Professional Experience, Skills and Education
These questions are optional. Responses will count towards the total word limit on your application. (Reminder: You will not have other opportunities to provide this information).
Please describe your professional career experience and relevance to board work.	I served as a councilor on the Board of Councilors in the Japan Patent Attorneys Association (JPAA) for three terms. My first term was from April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2021. I then have been serving two consecutive terms from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2027, making that a four-year continuous period. Additionally, I served as one of the members of the Board of Executive Directors for the JPAA Kanto branch from April 1, 2017, to March 31, 2019. The Kanto branch is one of nine branches within the territory of Japan. While some JPAA members reside overseas, no branch is established for those outside Japan. Notably, the Kanto branch comprises approximately 8,000 out of about 12,000 patent attorneys.
Please describe how you handled, or advised others on, a complex problem in an organization. How did you work with others to address the situation? What was the change that resulted from your efforts?	When addressing complex problems in an organization, I find that a fundamental approach, similar to the one proposed by René Descartes, who is historic French philosopher, is highly effective: breaking down a complex issue into smaller, manageable components and then resolving each smaller problem individually. As a patent attorney, I routinely advise clients on intricate matters concerning intellectual property law. These legal issues are often highly complex, requiring a systematic approach to identify the core problems, analyze various legal precedents, and then formulate clear, actionable advice.
Please describe your educational background, including degrees, certificates, and courses of study finished, and their relevance to board work.	My academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (August 1991), following a Bachelor's in Synthetic Chemistry from the University of Tokyo (March 1986). I also studied abroad at Albert Ludwig University in Freiburg, Germany (1988). My engagement with the Japanese Society for Artificial Intelligence and Information Processing Society of Japan demonstrates a commitment to cutting-edge disciplines, relevant to Wikimedia's data-driven technologies. Expertise in intellectual property law with the membership of Japan Association of Industrial Property Law, maintains through continuous professional development, ensures fluency in global copyright and open licensing, critical for content governance. Academic experiences have cultivated a global perspective and cross-cultural competence, invaluable for a globally oriented organization like Wikimedia.
Please add any relevant links describing your professional background, experience, profile (such as LinkedIn, staff page, etc.).	https://www.jpaa.or.jp/about-us/officer/ https://www.jpaa.or.jp/en/about-us/members/ https://x.com/CxQxsa https://www.facebook.com/makoto.koike.399 https://www.linkedin.com/in/makoto-koike-1701794a/ https://ja.everybodywiki.com/%E5%B0%8F%E6%B1%A0%E8%AA%A0
Optional questions - Leadership Experience
These questions are optional. Responses will count towards the total word limit on your application. (Reminder: You will not have other opportunities to provide this information).
Please describe ways in which you have helped to form a bridge between multiple communities (such as by working on projects outside your home wiki, or working on a collaboration between multiple affiliates).	I actively bridge multiple communities through my patent attorney practice and JPAA involvement. As a patent attorney, I frequently collaborate internationally, assisting Japanese inventors with foreign patent applications via associate attorneys, and vice versa. This requires close coordination to navigate diverse legal systems and communication styles for successful cross-border outcomes. Within the multi-structured JPAA, I've bridged communities between headquarters and its nine regional branches, ensuring consistent goal pursuit and effective operation through active collaborative adjustments. Additionally, I facilitated collaboration with affiliated organizations like the Japan Patent Attorneys Cooperative (JPAC), notably during their relocation to the Patent Attorney Hall, ensuring smooth transition and synergy. My advocacy for law revisions in the National Diet also involved close coordination between the Japan Patent Attorneys Political Federation and JPAA for a unified voice. These experiences demonstrate my ability to foster cooperation across geographically dispersed or structurally distinct groups.
Can you describe a policy, on wiki or off, that you helped to create or change? What did you learn from this experience?	As a councilor of the Japan Patent Attorneys Association (JPAA), I have frequently participated in the Board of Councilors for the discussions and resolutions regarding amendments to the internal regulations of JPAA. My experience has shown that once a bill is submitted for deliberation, amending it on the floor becomes challenging. Typically, the discussion revolves around approving or rejecting the bill as presented. Since a bill is usually brought before the Board only when there are compelling reasons demonstrating the necessity of the proposed amendment, making its rejection difficult and often leading to its approval. From this experience, I learned the critical importance of meticulous preparation and stakeholder engagement before a policy or regulation is formally proposed. In contexts where post-submission amendments are difficult, ensuring that a bill is robust, well-reasoned, and has considered various perspectives from the outset is paramount.
How have you been able to empower people to make their voices heard?	In Japan, statistics concerning patent attorneys show that approximately one in six patent attorneys is female. This ratio generally reflects a broader societal trend in Japan where women's professional advancement tends to be concentrated within certain areas, with many women choosing to focus on household responsibilities and childcare after marriage. While the President and Vice Presidents are elected by the JPAA members, the Executive Directors are appointed by the President and their appointments require the approval of the Board of Councilors. Noting the scarcity of women as the Executive Directors, I have raised questions and pressed for explanations regarding this imbalance during the deliberations in the Board of Councilors.
Can you describe how you have demonstrated the ability to guide others in solving problems, adapting to change or achieving goals, particularly at a leadership or management level?	As an editor for monthly magazine “Patent” of the Japan Patent Attorneys Association, I addressed the organization’s challenge of limited gender diversity. Recognizing my role’s potential, I spearheaded a column series titled "Pioneering Women in Japanese IP" in the publication of "Patent." This initiative highlighted women who achieved historical firsts in Japan’s intellectual property field, sharing their challenges and successes to inspire younger patent attorneys and aspiring IP professionals. I led the project from planning to final review, coordinating with contributors and fostering dialogue within the editorial committee to align diverse perspectives. The column received significant positive feedback, raising awareness of women’s contributions to the IP field and sparking discussions on diverse working styles and career development. This experience taught me the value of clear communication and strategic vision in navigating complex challenges.
Optional questions - Strategic Thinking
These questions are optional. Responses will count towards the total word limit on your application. (Reminder: You will not have other opportunities to provide this information).
Please describe your experience participating in or leading an organization in planning for its future. How did your work contribute to picking the right path for the organization?	When leading or participating in an organization's planning for its future, I trust that it's crucial to consider various directions or options. My approach has been to advocate for the adoption of a middle path, carefully avoiding extreme choices. This philosophy is rooted in ancient Greek thought, particularly the concept of the "golden mean" as espoused by philosophers like Aristotle. Aristotle argued that virtue lies in moderation, striking a balance between two extremes. While Plato also discussed concepts of balance and harmony, Aristotle's ethical framework more directly champions the idea of finding a virtuous intermediate between excess and deficiency in various aspects of life and action. My work contributes to selecting the right path for the organization by emphasizing a thorough evaluation of all available options, recognizing that extreme solutions, while sometimes appearing decisive, often carry unforeseen risks or alienate key stakeholders. By steering discussions towards a balanced approach, I help ensure that decisions are more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient. The resulting decisions are typically more robust and better positioned to guide the organization successfully into the future.
Verification	Identity verification performed by Wikimedia Foundation staff and eligibility verification performed by the Elections Committee
	Eligibility: Candidate not eligible	Identification: