Given this project’s considerable scale and the interconnectedness between sub-functions, adopting a phased methodology was the safest and most practical approach. Each stage was implemented with clear criteria, and each stage was designed to serve as the foundation for the next. The initial phase focused on building the integration foundation. As the existing systems operated differently, all functions had to be reorganized from the ground up, establishing a well-defined structure.

With hundreds of requirements to address, removing redundancies and reorganizing them to support future expansion was crucial. Subsequently, the overall UI standards, data model, and terminology were unified to ensure consistent screen structures and data flow across the integrated platform. Although this phase did not result in significant changes for actual users, it was the core task that would serve as the foundation for all subsequent feature development.

The next stage marked the commencement of actual feature development. Systems that were previously independent, including monitoring, deliberation, reception/action, and overseas collection (ICOP-G), were restructured and integrated into a single workflow. Monitoring efficiency was enhanced by expanding the scope of automatic collection and establishing a stable collection engine aligned with the site structure. This phase also introduced new features, such as the initial distribution tracking function and advanced profiling. Additional features, such as heavy uploader tracking and automatic evidence report generation, significantly reduced the burden on practitioners.

Moreover, enhancements were made to features that improve action processes, such as account suspension/access blocking requests and recommendation/compliance management. The deliberation system underwent systematic reorganization of various workflows, including agenda separation/compilation, deliberation schedule management, and survey functionality, resulting in a significantly more stable and manageable structure.

During the final stage, the advancement of the integrated portal and big data analysis capabilities was carried out. The portal was upgraded to provide reporting services, information provision services, campaign and promotion services, and voucher support functions in a consistent structure. Portal operational efficiency increased significantly through the establishment of a CMS-based content management function. The big data analysis platform introduced more sophisticated analytical capabilities, including site association analysis, similar site search, and distribution channel analysis, alongside an enhanced visualization interface and a structure to facilitate internal data-driven decision making.

This step-by-step approach of establishing the foundation, developing essential functions, and subsequently enhancing analysis and public services allowed the entire system to be completed in a stable and unified manner.

Q4. Please outline the major achievements resulting from the establishment of this comprehensive copyright infringement response system.

The greatest achievement of this project lies not merely in enhanced functionality or screen improvements but in establishing fundamental continuity and completeness of work. Previously, there were many disconnects across various systems, which disrupted the natural flow of information. Currently, a virtuous cycle has been established as collected information is delivered to the necessary locations without loss, the review process results are seamlessly transferred to the action stage, and the action results are consolidated for statistical and analytical purposes.

Another important achievement is the significantly increased level of automation. Features, such as the automatic generation of evidence reports and batch processing of account suspension and access blocking requests, have significantly reduced the workload of field workers. Previously manual tasks involving profiling information and site structure-based analysis have been significantly systematized, resulting in improved speed and accuracy.

Major changes have also been made to the portal and public services. Reporting and information provision services have been streamlined, alongside the introduction of a voucher support system that allows users to access the agency’s functions more systematically. With CMS-based content management capabilities, operators can now manage content more proactively, providing a basis for stable promotion and campaign operations.

Another achievement is the expansion of big data analytics capabilities. This project goes beyond simple statistics and queries by incorporating analytical functions that can directly support the development of breach response strategies, including the analysis of site association structure, similar sites, and inflow channels. This is a significant advancement, elevating data-driven strategic responses well beyond simple collection-based responses.

Q5. We understand that the U.S. Copyright Office report gathered input from multiple stakeholders through a questionnaire. Could you please describe, with actual examples, the methods and processes used to gather opinions and align viewpoints within the subcommittee in Japan's discussion of the key issues?

This “approach” originated from a meeting of the Cultural Council's Copyright Subcommittee on Legal Systems and was published under that name. While earlier reports were published under the name of the Agency for Cultural Affairs (ACA) Copyright Division (Basic Approach to Flexible Rights Limitations in Response to Advances in Digitization and Networking [October 24, 2019] by ACA Copyright Division), this one is different.

This subcommittee held a total of seven meetings. In addition to holding intellectual hearings during the second and third meetings, following the sixth meeting, it conducted a public opinion collection from January 23, 2024, to February 12, 2024, which yielded 24,938 opinions. (The contents are available at [https://www.bunka.go.jp/seisaku/bunkashingikai/chosakuken/hoseido/r05_07/].)

However, intense debate persists over the Information Interpretation Regulation (Article 30-4, Paragraph 2). In Japan, newspapers, particularly The Yomiuri Shimbun, along with some creators, especially illustrators, criticize the current information interpretation regulations and advocate revising them to mandate permission from rights holders (The Japan Newspaper Publishers & Editors Association, “Statement on the Protection of News Content Generated by AI” [June 4, 2025] [https://www.pressnet.or.jp/statement/broadcasting/250604_15900.html]).

Q6. Korea recently enacted the Framework Act on the Development of Artificial Intelligence and Establishment of Trust (AI Act), which is poised to take effect. Could you please share with us whether there are ongoing discussions in Japan about enacting basic laws or policies related to AI, as well as the current situation, key issues, and future directions?

On May 28, 2025, the National Assembly passed and declared the “Act on the Promotion of Research, Development, and Utilization of AI-related Technologies” (AI Act) (https://laws.e-gov.go.jp/law/507AC0000000053). This Act does not impose direct regulations or penalties on businesses; instead, it promotes AI use through methods, such as research on technological trends and guidance for businesses. It is regarded as a more lenient regulation compared to the EU's AI Act.

Q7. As this is your first interview with KCOPA, what words of advice would you offer to Korean copyright experts and practitioners, or what expectations do you have for the future?

I know there are several organizations related to copyright law in Korea, including the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Korea Copyright Commission, and KCOPA, each actively engaged in important activities with sufficient budgets and staffing. I am very envious of your efforts. I also understand that bold legal revisions are being actively discussed in Korea. I believe Korean copyright law has much for Japan to learn from, including the aforementioned points, which is why I often discuss this topic at Japanese academic conferences and government meetings.

Thanks to your frequent invitations to Korea, I have developed friendships with many Korean copyright law experts and officials. I was able to revisit Seoul this time, where I reconnected with many friends and solidified those ties. I sincerely hope that future exchanges on copyright law will deepen between governments and the private sector.