International alumni club spotlight

By Sara Carrier and Natasha Novak

In this edition of the international alumni club spotlight series, we’re heading to Tokyo to connect with the U‑M Alumni Club of Japan as they prepare to host this year’s Pan-Asia Alumni Reunion. For the Japan club, welcoming Wolverines from across the region is an opportunity to share their local community and the kind of in-person connection that turns introductions into lasting friendships. We spoke with President Kazuma Higuchi (LLM ’07) and Vice President Koji Shiono (BSEAero ’16) about what it means to host the reunion in Tokyo, how face-to-face gatherings strengthen alumni ties across Asia, and what keeps them energized to build a community where any Wolverine can show up and feel connected. Along the way, they share what they’re most excited to showcase—from “omotenashi” hospitality and incredible food to the culture, courtesy, and modern marvels that make Japan unforgettable.

Name: Kazuma Higuchi
Title: President  

What role has the alumni club played in your life since graduating from Michigan?

When I obtained the LL.M. degree in 2007, I also obtained the treasure: my classmates from all over the world. But it was just a prologue to my development of personal relationships. Soon after returning to Japan, I was fortunate to be acquainted with the president of the Japan club at that time, who kindly invited me to the board of the club. It opened my door to the U‑M alumni association in Japan, which consists of a huge number of brilliant people from a wide variety of industries. Every time we held an event, I got fresh stimulation from new friends. Since I took over the president’s role in 2017 (which I did not expect), my commitment to the Japan club has been extended (wow, it’s been 10 years!). Although I have an honest feeling that organizing events is sometimes burdensome as a managing partner of a law firm and is not an easy job, I have got something more than I have spent. The alumni club is a place where all Wolverines are kept connected. It is important to maintain such a community that any alumni can get together when they want to. I would like to keep contributing to the club because I would like as many alumni as possible to get what I have got through my experience.

What are you most excited about as the Japan alumni club hosts alumni from across the region?

Although Japan tends to be one of the most attractive destinations, many of our colleagues have not been here. Or, I know many of my friends have traveled to Japan many times, as they just like it. We are proud of our culture, food, courtesy, peacefulness, “omotenashi,” and technology to run the Shinkansen at 300km/h at an interval of every five minutes. You may get your wallet back even if you drop it. I simply want my friends to enjoy this country.

The more attractive the event is, the more alumni it should attract. We hope this event will provide the best opportunity ever to catch up with old friendships and build up new networks for many colleagues from across the globe. 

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Name: Koji Shiono 
Title: Vice President

What does hosting this year’s Pan-Asia Alumni Reunion in Tokyo mean for the U‑M Alumni Club of Japan?

Hosting this year’s Pan-Asia Alumni Reunion in Tokyo means a lot to the Japan alumni club. It’s a special chance for us to welcome fellow alumni to Japan and share our local community with them.

How does this event help strengthen connections between alumni across Asia?

I’m a big believer in meeting in person because there is something special about sharing the same space and time. I think this event is a great chance for alumni from across Asia to build stronger connections. I also hope people will take a few days before or after the reunion to explore Japan with their Michigan friends and enjoy their time here together.

What role has the alumni club played in your life since graduating from Michigan?

I took part in a few volunteer events while I was living in Silicon Valley, but my involvement with the U‑M Alumni Club of Japan has been the biggest part of my alumni experience.

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As Higuchi and Shiono shared, the Pan-Asia Alumni Reunion returns to Tokyo for the first time in 10 years on June 5–6, 2026. Please join us to reconnect with fellow Wolverines, expand your network, and enjoy a memorable few days together. Register now.