Dr. Toshiko Takenaka, Of Counsel at Seed IP Law Group and Professor at University of Washington School of Law, was recently awarded the Japanese Foreign Minister's Commendation for her years of promoting the rule of law in the international community including educating and engaging with Japanese IP practitioners from the United States. The Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, in order to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries and areas. The Commendations also aim to promote the understanding and support of the Japanese public for the activities of the recipients.

On October 1, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will hold the awarding ceremony of the Foreign Minister’s Commendations for 2026. This year, the Commendations will be awarded to 159 individuals and 67 groups (21 individuals and 9 groups reside in Japan, and 138 individuals and 58 groups reside overseas). Those who attend the ceremony will be presented with an award certificate and a commemorative gift (FUROSHIKI). For those residing abroad, the certificate and commemorative gift will be awarded through respective Embassy/Consulate - General of Japan at a later date.

Seed IP proudly congratulates Dr. Takenaka on receiving this honor.

Read more about Dr. Toshiko Takenaka.