In a landmark announcement, WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg revealed that the 2024 State of the Word will be hosted in Tokyo, Japan, on December 16. This event marks only the second time the annual address will take place outside North America, following last year’s event in Madrid, Spain. The choice of location highlights the global reach and influence of WordPress in the international tech community.
The Importance of the State of the Word
The State of the Word is a highly anticipated event for the WordPress community, offering a chance to reflect on past achievements and look ahead to future innovations.
Matt Mullenweg uses this platform to:
- Discuss WordPress’s accomplishments over the past year.
- Share his vision for the platform’s future.
- Introduce upcoming features and developments.
- Unite WordPress enthusiasts through live streaming and community celebration.
Why Japan? A Significant Choice
Japan holds a special place in the history of WordPress. Matt Mullenweg explained his choice of Japan for this event, highlighting its significance:
- The first translation of WordPress was in Japanese, setting the stage for its global expansion.
- Japan was instrumental in transforming WordPress from a niche blogging tool into a worldwide platform.
- The Japanese WordPress community is vibrant and innovative, with numerous publications and events showcasing its growth.
A Rich History of WordPress in Japan
Japan’s connection to WordPress dates back nearly two decades. The country was one of the pioneers in internationalizing WordPress, with significant milestones including:
- The launch of a Japanese WordPress site in December 2003, just six months after WordPress’s initial release.
- The creation of “WordPress ME” (Multilingual Edition) by a user named Otsukare, which played a crucial role in WordPress’s localization efforts.
WordCamps and Community Spirit
WordCamp events in Japan have a storied history, beginning with the inaugural WordCamp Tokyo in 2008. These events have consistently attracted large crowds and contributed to the community’s dynamism:
- The beloved WordPress mascot, Wapuu, was born at the 2009 WordCamp Tokyo after-party.
- Designed by Kazuko Kaneuchi, Wapuu was later gifted to the global WordPress community in 2011, symbolizing the spirit of collaboration and creativity.
Why Hosting in Tokyo Matters
Tokyo’s selection as the host city underscores the region’s significant role in the WordPress ecosystem. The event not only recognizes Japan’s robust user base but also celebrates the broader Asian community’s contributions:
- Japan boasts a massive and active WordPress user base, with 82.3% of Japanese websites powered by the platform.
- The event will highlight the importance of WordPress to local web developers, bloggers, and digital creatives.
- Hosting the State of the Word in Tokyo emphasizes WordPress’s pivotal role in shaping Japan’s digital landscape.
Reflections from the Organizers
Shusei Toda, a Communication Designer and organizer of WordCamp Asia 2024, expressed excitement over hosting the event:
- Japan is one of the oldest and most dedicated global WordPress communities.
- Being the second global host city after Madrid highlights Japan’s significant position within the WordPress ecosystem.
- The event symbolizes a celebration of WordPress’s impact on Japan and Asia, showcasing its essential role in digital innovation.
