A Naha native thriving at a Washington D.C. law firm

A Naha native thriving at a Washington D.C. law firm

Naha-native Yoshina Kishimoto poses for a picture in her Washington, D.C. patent law office.


February 17, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo
By Tamiko Suzuki

Yoshina Kishimoto, 39, a Naha City native, works at a Washington, D.C. patent law firm where she files patent applications for trademarks and designs.

Unlike Japan, the U.S. employs a unique patent agent system.

Owning design patents and trademarks are beneficial to companies conducting business in the world’s largest economy, and filing applications to the United States Patent and Trademark Office is essential to protect intellectual property rights.

At Kishimoto’s law firm, Japanese-American lawyers and patent attorneys strategically file patent applications for their clients, many of which are major Japanese corporations including auto manufacturers and sole proprietors.

In order to prepare these documents, business-level English fluency and excellent Japanese language skills are required.

Kishimoto said, “I learned in the six years since joining the firm; my business English writing skills have greatly improved.

This job requires speed and accuracy—focus is important since the work involves meticulous tasks.”

Kishimoto said she is “proud to contribute” to the global success of the firm’s Japanese clients.

Her office is located near the White House, and she says she often catches glimpses of President Trump and the first lady, the Vice President’s impressive motorcade, and dignitaries from around the world.

“The best part of being in Washington D.C. is being reminded everyday that we’re at the center of politics,” Kishimoto commented with a smile. She dreams to one day “spread the beautiful yet practical traditional cultures of Japan and Okinawa, like the traditional furoshiki wrapping cloth.”

(English translation by T&CT and Monica Shingaki)

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