ESEAP Conference 2026: Japanese Contributor Experiences (Part 2)

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What we have learned and experienced

Eugene Ormandy：I felt encouraged to see that, in 2026, efforts to archive culture and host editing events (edit-a-thons) for Wikimedia projects across the ESEAP region were proceeding smoothly.
　I also gave two presentations this time: the first was a lightning talk on the Wikimedia movement among Japanese GLAM sector, and the second was a panel discussion on the Wikimedia in education: a look at Wiki Clubs. I hope both sessions served as an opportunity for an international audience to learn about the situation in Japan. For the latter session, I appeared alongside young people from Japan; they were all highly capable, which gave me great peace of mind.
　It was also a pleasure to reunite with friends from abroad. I was especially happy to see Alan Ang again after such a long time; we caught up on each other’s recent news and exchanged views on topics such as the significance of Wikidata in the age of AI and MCP integration.

saebou：I held an experimental workshop (focused on cultural gaps between different Wikipedia communities) for the first time, and it went surprisingly well; I would like to organize similar workshops at future events to foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding among Wikimedians. I contributed an article about this experience to Hakusuisha’s public relations magazine.

Nakayama：I was once again struck by the rich diversity of the ESEAP region. This diversity spans not only distinct cultural spheres—such as East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific—but also the various Wikipedia language communities themselves; they range from long-established editions like the English and Japanese Wikipedia to those still in their infancy, such as the Hiligaynon Wikipedia, which is currently being nurtured in the Wikimedia Incubator without yet having its own dedicated domain. This experience reaffirmed the vital importance of gathering in a forum like this to exchange ideas and share experiences. I look forward to exploring ways to deepen this dialogue further with all of you, extending well beyond the scope of the conference itself.

Norimaki：Witnessing the impressive array of talented Wikimedians from abroad made me realize that the Japanese community also possesses a wealth of excellent talent; I felt a strong desire to foster individuals who can make their mark beyond the confines of Japan.

Ezokomachi：On the first day, Room 2 hosted the “Wiki Women Summit,” a series of sessions focusing primarily on the activities of women. The presentation by “WikiWomen Taiwan” was particularly fascinating. Their project, “A Room of WikiWomen’s Own”—named after Virginia Woolf‘s A Room of One’s Own—addressed initiatives to increase the number of female Wikipedians in Taiwan and highlighted the importance of creating safe spaces for editing; I felt this offered a crucial perspective for the Japanese-language edition as well. I was also struck by the confidence radiating from the women contributing in the Room 2 sessions—across all language editions, they exuded a brilliance that was truly impressive (unlike me!). It was a great experience to use my limited English vocabulary to join a social media challenge with a female contributor from the Philippines and to chat with the person sitting next to me about the types of articles we usually write.

Enoki：There was an initiative allowing people to listen to simultaneous interpretation online, and I tuned in for part of it. It was a bit confusing to figure out how to use the system, so I struggled with it a little. For my presentation, I used English slides but intentionally delivered the talk in Japanese; however, since no one was actually listening to the interpretation, I ended up switching to English partway through.
　It was interesting not only to listen to the sessions but also to have small gatherings where we could discuss Wikidata-related activities. I went to one such discussion because I was considering holding an event in Japan. As for the first Wikidata study session in Japan, I actually decided on the details after consulting with Eugene Ormandy following one of those gatherings, rather than by consulting with other members of ESEAP.
　It was interesting to have the kind of interactions unique to such gatherings—such as consulting on collaborative projects with other affiliates within ESEAP, or chatting over breakfast at the hotel once the conference had wrapped up and things had settled down.

VZP10224：I held a discussion session in Japanese centered on the topic of “why Wikimedia community activities failed to take root in Japan“. However, to accommodate non-Japanese speakers, I utilized tools for transcription and English translation, enabling them to follow the discussion in English. Overall, I feel this initiative was successful. While I recognize that English serves as the common language for the majority of contributors, I want to continue working to ensure that a lack of English proficiency does not become a barrier to contributing in such conferences.

Lin Xiangru：Hearing about examples from abroad, I realized that while my own approach tends to be rather haphazard, others are thinking strategically—or rather, they are putting so much thought into things that I find myself thinking, “You go that far?” I also heard about science-related events, which has really motivated me to try organizing a Japanese-language version. I plan to write about the various other topics discussed in a personal article on Diff.

Ga2by：I was reminded once again that the Wikimedia movement is sustained by activities spanning a wide range of fields, including technology, gender, and international collaboration. Each community operates with its own unique values ​​and challenges, and I felt that by learning from one another, they might pave the way for new initiatives.
　Also impressive was a session that applied ideas such as agile development and threat modeling, which are originally widely used in the fields of software development and information security, to the Wikimedia movement. I learned that by applying existing frameworks to different fields, I can organize issues from a new perspective and improve activities, and I felt that it could be applied to my own research and community activities. I was able to come into contact with technologies and case studies that I don’t have many opportunities to come into contact with in Japan, such as AI and open data-related tools that are used overseas, and I feel that I was able to learn something that only an international conference can provide

Narumi.SBT：I quietly presented a poster session. Designing a poster was a first for me; it was a valuable learning experience as I experimented with how to convey information through design, rather than relying solely on text. Although this was a personal research project, the diverse feedback I received provided great insights.

Wadakuramon： I wrote about my on-site experiences on “Diff,” but after returning home, I also volunteered as a “Commons Angel.” This role involved splitting a full day’s worth of conference video footage into individual sessions. Although I struggled at times—as it was my first experience with video editing—I managed to see the task through to completion. It was a valuable opportunity to try out tools I had never used before.

In preparation for Osaka Summit 2027

VZP10224：As the person responsible for the summit’s program, I aim to develop content that holds genuine significance for being hosted in Japan. I look forward to working with all of you.

Narumi.SBT：We look forward to welcoming ESEAP Wikimedians to Osaka, Japan. I intend to do my very best in my role as a staff member.

Enoki：As the person in charge of logistics, I may need to consult with you or ask for your cooperation from time to time. I look forward to working with you.

saebou：I will be working as a staff member, so I plan to consult and cooperate with the others and do my best to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Ezokomachi：I hope the Summit serves as an opportunity to further strengthen ties within the ESEAP region. Also, while I am not yet sure to what extent I can help, I would like to volunteer in some capacity—perhaps by running around with a microphone?

Lin Xiangru：My university coursework is getting busy, so I am not sure to what extent I will be able to be involved, but I would like to help out however I can. The event is being held in Osaka, but if contributors can find the time, I highly encourage you to visit Kyoto as well.

Ga2by：Having learned so much this time around, I would like to help with the organizing side of things next year—though I am not yet sure to what extent I would be able to contribute. I certainly hope to remain involved in international exchange within the Wikimedia movement in the future.

Miya.m：I always enjoy these events, so if there is anything I can do to help, I would be happy to do so.

Eugene Ormandy：I hope that next year’s Summit will serve as an opportunity for people from abroad to learn about the Japanese Wikimedia movement. I also quietly hope that people in Japan will share information in English. While it is currently unclear to what extent I can assist with preparations—or even if I will be able to attend on the day itself—I intend to help out if my schedule allows.

Nakayama：I aim to support the event by working closely with the organizing team—who are dedicating themselves to the preparations—while keeping in mind the long-term impact this first-ever regional conference in Japan can deliver for the ESEAP region and the host country.