Richardson Law Leaders Engage with Alumni and Legal Institutions in Japan

HONOLULU, Hawaiʻi (Jan. 26, 2026) — On November 13, 2025, William S. Richardson School of Law Dean Camille Nelson, Professor Mark Levin, and Professor Charles Booth gathered with alumni and friends in the Tokyo legal community, including retired Justice Katsuya Uga of Japan’s Supreme Court, Glen S. Fukushima, Kenji Hashidate, Dr. Teruo Saito, and Chie Hashimoto. A big mahalo to Ryan Dwyer (’96) for hosting the gathering at K&L Gates’ beautiful Tokyo office, and to everyone who attended and shared news about their exciting careers.

While in Tokyo, Dean Nelson and Professors Levin and Booth were also graciously welcomed by President Reiko Fuchigami, Vice President Nobuko Kawai, and International Affairs Officer Yayoi Hasegawa of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations for a conversation on legal education and the essential qualities of the rule of law.

During the November visit, Professor Mark Levin gave an invited talk titled “Supreme Court Demographics: A data dive into the personnel makeup of Japan’s Supreme Court,” hosted by the Waseda University Institute of Comparative Law and co-sponsored by Waseda University Law School and the Waseda University Faculty of Law.

Professor Levin and Professor Charles Booth also enjoyed productive meetings with senior officials at the Japan Foundation headquarters and at Meiji University, including President Masao Ueno, former visiting scholars Toru Enoki, Fumiyaki Kobayashi, and Junko Sugimoto, as well as attorney Makiko Terahara, lead counsel in Japan’s pending constitutional litigation for marriage equality, and numerous others.

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About William S. Richardson School of Law

The William S. Richardson School of Law is a collaborative, multicultural community preparing students for excellence in the practice of law and related careers that advance justice and the rule of law. We develop highly qualified, ethical professionals through excellence in teaching, scholarship, and public service. We embrace Hawai‘i’s diversity and values and recognize a special responsibility to our state and the Pacific region.

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