In late February, Tokyo had the honor of becoming the first global city to ever host a UW Converge event for the second time. The very first UW Converge Tokyo was held in Tokyo in 2018, and the second continued its legacy in 2026. Nearly 300 alumni, friends and partners gathered for the University of Washington’s premier international gathering. Participants from Japan and around the world came together to connect across borders, hear from world-class experts and celebrate Husky spirit in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
The UW Converge Tokyo Summit opened with remarks from University of Washington President Robert J. Jones, who shared his vision for the UW. Reflecting on his own journey as a first-generation college student and scientist, Jones outlined three priorities shaping the University’s future: expanding access to a world-class education, advancing discovery through global collaboration and strengthening connections between the University and the communities it serves. He highlighted the vital role international students and global learning experiences play in preparing UW graduates to succeed in an interconnected world, and pointed to growing partnerships with Japanese institutions such as Tohoku University and the University of Tsukuba as examples of the UW’s commitment to international collaboration. Later at the evening reception, Jones thanked the UW Alumni Association Japan and the volunteers who helped organize UW Converge Tokyo, emphasizing that the University’s global alumni community plays a critical role in extending the UW’s impact around the world.
A keynote address from Nobel Prize–winning biochemist David Baker, director of the UW Institute for Protein Design, offered attendees a window into one of the most exciting frontiers in modern science. Baker shared insights into breakthroughs in protein design and computational biology, highlighting how UW researchers are pioneering discoveries that could transform medicine, biotechnology and materials science.
The summit featured a full day of discussions exploring the forces shaping the future of technology, business and global collaboration. Panels brought together UW faculty, alumni and industry leaders to examine topics including artificial intelligence, advanced computing, entrepreneurship and the evolving global economy.
The excitement continued at the UW Converge Tokyo reception, where attendees gathered for an evening of connection and fun. The event featured cultural celebrations of the host country including Taiko drumming and a Kagami Biraki (sake barrel opening). It offered guests the chance to reconnect with friends, expand professional networks and honor their shared ties to the UW.
Beyond the summit and reception, UW Converge Tokyo offered events and outings that allowed attendees to forge even deeper ties with the UW and each other. On Friday, the UW School of Law and College of Engineering both hosted events for their alumni and friends, while the UW Alumni Association and Student Life hosted a welcome happy hour. On Sunday morning, leaders of our global alumni chapters gathered to learn and inspire each other. In the afternoon, volunteers from the Japan Huskies hosted small tours for guest who had traveled to Converge giving them a special, insider’s experience of Tokyo.
UW Converge Tokyo photo gallery
Click the images to expand and see more photos. Visit our Google Photos album for even more photos including professional photos from the UW Converge Tokyo “Purple Carpet” backdrop.
Guiding tours is only one example of the leadership and dedication shown by the Japan Huskies alumni community. Without their insights and countless volunteer hours, UW Converge Tokyo would not have been possible. Their work reflects the deep and enduring connection between Japan and the University of Washington.
We are also grateful to the sponsors whose generous support helped enhance UW Converge Tokyo. Their partnership remains critical to sustaining the event series and strengthening the University’s international reach. If you are interested in learning about ways you or your organization can partner with the UW on future UW Converge events, research, teaching, innovation and global engagement, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
For more than a decade, UW Converge has served as a cornerstone of the University of Washington’s global engagement. Since the inaugural gathering in Shanghai in 2015, the event series has brought together the UW’s international community. UW Converge Tokyo built on that proud tradition offering opportunities for meaningful dialogue, collaboration and connection among Huskies worldwide. We are thrilled to announce that the tradition will continue with UW Converge Taipei in spring of 2027. We hope you will join us there to learn, connect and celebrate the impact of the University of Washington.
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Interested in getting your brand in front of a truly global community of innovators, leaders and thinkers? Consider becoming a UW Converge Taipei 2027 sponsor and supporting the University of Washington’s international impact. For more information, contact UW Assistant Vice President for International Advancement, Ray Li at rayli@uw.edu.