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On Monday, March 24, the William S. Richardson School of Law had the honor of hosting Glen S. Fukushima for a day of student engagement, cross-cultural dialogue, and connection with faculty, alumni, and Hawai‘i’s legal and diplomatic communities.
Mr. Fukushima currently serves as Vice Chair of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation and is a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress in Washington, D.C.
He began the day at Richardson Law by joining first-year students for a Professionalism in Practice (PIP) session, organized in partnership with the Pacific-Asian Legal Studies (PALS) Program and the International and Comparative Law Program. Drawing from a distinguished career that has spanned both public service and corporate leadership in the U.S. and Japan, Mr. Fukushima spoke candidly about the intersection of law, business, and diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific region.
His talk emphasized the growing significance of cultural competence in legal work, the dynamic nature of U.S.-Asia economic relations, and the wide range of career opportunities available to law graduates interested in international fields. Students were engaged throughout the session, asking thoughtful questions and gaining real-world perspective on how their legal training can open doors to global leadership roles.
Professor Mark Levin, Director of the Pacific-Asian Legal Studies Program, reflected on the significance of Mr. Fukushima’s visit. “We might now take for granted the so-called ‘gaiben’ system—allowing foreign lawyers and law firms to operate in Japan—but it was Glen S. Fukushima, serving as the United States’ official representative, who played the pivotal role in opening the Japanese legal services market that was still closed when I began my career there in 1983.”
“Looking ahead, Glen Fukushima emphasized the unique ‘Hawai‘i Advantage’—a perspective rooted in our distinct experiences and expertise, which positions our students to thrive in Washington D.C. and other global centers. His visit gave our students a rare opportunity to engage with someone whose career has shaped trade, law, and diplomacy between the U.S. and Japan at the highest levels,” said Professor Levin.
That evening, Dean Camille Nelson welcomed Mr. Fukushima and a select group of alumni, faculty, and special guests to a reception in the Law Library. The event honored his long-standing contributions to international law, education, and diplomacy. Among the attendees were Consul General of Japan in Honolulu Yoshinori Kodama and Hawai‘i Supreme Court Associate Justice Sabrina McKenna, both of whom have played pivotal roles in strengthening Hawai‘i’s ties with Japan.
“It was an absolute honor to welcome Glen Fukushima to Richardson Law. His distinguished career and longstanding commitment to fostering dialogue between the U.S. and Japan exemplify the kind of global engagement we hope to inspire in our students.” Dean Nelson continued, “Mr. Fukushima’s visit reminded us of the power of legal education to serve as a bridge between nations, cultures, and communities—and of Hawai‘i’s unique place in that conversation.”
The reception offered a warm setting for informal conversation, shared insights, and reflections on decades of cross-Pacific partnership. Attendees expressed appreciation for Mr. Fukushima’s continued leadership and advocacy for collaboration across legal, political, and cultural boundaries.
Mr. Fukushima’s visit to the Law School was part of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s first-ever U.S.-Japan Leaders in Residence program, a new initiative of the Center for Japanese Studies.
The Law School extends its deepest thanks to Glen S. Fukushima for generously sharing his time and insight; to the Center for Japanese Studies for organizing the visit; to Consul General Yoshinori Kodama for his meaningful presence; and to Richardson 1L students Hannah Hawley and Wayland Fong for their thoughtful contributions to the PIP session.
The Center for Japanese Studies also shared a story on Mr. Fukushima’s visit—read it here.
