'Reading Japanese Law,' taught in Japanese by Prof. Atsushi Kinami of Kyoto University, is among the courses in comparative and foreign law offered at Michigan. Through its Japanese Legal Studies Program, Michigan offers opportunities that include a Law and Japanese Studies dual degree and a semester abroad program at Waseda University Law School in Tokyo. In addition, approximately one-third of all Michigan Law faculty have participated in the School's exchange program with the University of Tokyo.
– Mark West, Nippon Life Professor of Law
Japanese Legal Studies Program
 |
|
Mark West, Nippon Life Professor of Law and Director of the Japanese Legal Studies Program |
Michigan Law has longstanding ties with Japan. The first two Japanese students graduated in the class of 1878, and two of the first six students to receive the LL.M. degree were Japanese. More than half of our faculty has taught in Japan, many as part of our faculty exchange with the
University of Tokyo. Our library has acquired an outstanding collection of books, serials, and computer databases on Japanese law, while our student body includes Japanese graduate students from government, academia, private law firms, and companies, as well as many U.S. law students who are fluent in Japanese or have spent substantial time in Japan. Our Japanese alumni continue to play an important role in the intellectual and institutional life of the Law School.
Professor Mark West is Director of the Japanase Legal Studies Program.
Video: Prof. Mark West talks about his book, Lovesick Japan, a lively look at the painful reality of love, as seen through the eyes of Japanese judges.