Student Voice

How did you find out about the LLM program, and what attracted you to pursue it?

Having lived in Asia for several years, I had the pleasure of meeting many Keio students and was always struck by their global perspective. Through them, I learned of Keio's reputation as one of Japan's leading universities, so when it came time to apply for an LLM, it was already at the top of my list. When I looked closer at the program, I knew it was the right fit. The sheer breadth of the curriculum was impressive--it ranged from international business law to niche topics like AI regulation. I was also drawn to its comparative law approach, which incorporates Japanese Law, Common Law and other Asian legal systems. A major attraction for me was the opportunity to earn a Certificate in Japanese Law. This specialization allowed me to dive deep into various aspects of the Japanese legal system--from civil and corporate law to emerging topics like economic security law--and even conduct academic research under the supervision of an expert in the field. Finally, another huge draw was the faculty; learning from a mix of renowned academics and practicing lawyers provided a balanced and practical view of the law. In my view, the program truly offers everything a student might need to fully immerse in the Tokyo legal community, from rigorous coursework to internships at top-tier firms and companies, along with invaluable opportunities to network with local academics and practitioners.

 

Please tell us about your most memorable class, along with the reason why.

While many classes were memorable, two in particular stand out. First, Professor Watai's course on Japanese Law (Economic Security Legislation) was a true highlight. I took it as a part of my Certificate in Japanese Law, and it covered a topic that is incredibly timely but rarely offered in other programs. The discussions were fascinating, as Professor Watai guided us in discussing and exploring complex issues that went far beyond the purely legal realm. The course also provided the perfect foundation for the research paper I later developed under her supervision, which was subsequently awarded the Gerald P. McAlinn Prize in International and Comparative Law. Another favorite was Law, Finance and Taxation of Corporate Acquisitions. As an M&A lawyer with prior experience, I was eager to learn from Professors Tanigawa and Lecturer Nishikori, who are both highly respected practitioners. The course did not disappoint; it deepened my understanding of the intricate financial and taxation aspects of Japanese M&A and was directly relevant to my career. It was a fantastic opportunity to gain insights from two absolute leaders in their respective fields in Japan.

 

What do you enjoy about life at Keio?

The Mita Campus is perfectly located in the heart of Tokyo, surrounded by the vibrancy of the city, yet the campus itself maintains a wonderfully calm atmosphere. The Law School is a modern building with excellent facilities for both individual study and collaborative work with classmates. Keio students are very proud of their school, and that atmosphere becomes very clear once you're part of the community--especially during the legendary Keio-Waseda baseball game. However, the true highlight for me was the people. The opportunity to connect with my classmates from all over the world, learn from leading professors, and engage with members of the broader Tokyo legal community was incredible.

 

What are your plans after you finish your studies at Keio? What do you think you will take with you from this experience?

Upon completing my studies, I will be joining a leading Japanese law firm as a foreign lawyer. This position is a direct result of the Keio LLM's internship program, which provided me with the invaluable opportunity to work within the firm and apply the knowledge I had gained in my classes. The experience was the perfect bridge from my academic studies to my professional goals.

 

 

Any advice for prospective LLM students? How would you recommend the Keio LLM program to the students?

My main advice is to arrive ready to engage with every opportunity. The program gives you all the tools needed for a smooth transition to Japan and for full immersion into the study and practice of law in Tokyo. Keio LLM program offers the best of all worlds. You will forge lifelong friendships with colleagues who will become your global network. You will have near-total freedom to pursue the subjects that interest you most within one of Japan's best academic settings. And, of course, you will have the incredible opportunity to explore and learn from the rich culture of Japan.

 

(This interview is from September 2025.)