International Huskies
UW Converge Tokyo
February 28, 2026
Tokyo, Japan
Shinagawa Prince Hotel Annex Tower
4 Chome-10-30 Takanawa, Minato City, Tokyo 108-8611, Japan
Registration is Open for UW Converge Tokyo!
General Admission: $200 USD
Student & Recent Graduates: $150 USD
In 2026, the UW’s premier gathering for our global community of alumni and friends returns to Tokyo. Get ready to experience the vibrant culture and dynamic energy of the first city ever to host Converge twice! At our summit and reception, you’ll enjoy the unrivaled access, education and connection you expect from our annual UW Converge gatherings.
This year’s UW Converge will be hosted in partnership with the Japan Huskies and will include multiple opportunities to connect with them while discovering the city’s culture and traditions.
This annual tradition is an outpost of Husky spirit abroad, not to mention an unmatched opportunity to connect with UW faculty and leadership. All are invited to be a part of UW’s global community and leave equipped with new knowledge and networks.
Need more inspiration? Watch the highlights from UW Converge Hong Kong 2024!
Schedule
Friday, February 27
TMI Associates
UW Law invites its international alumni to socialize with friends and colleagues from around the world. Dean Tamara Lawson will be there to provide remarks and connect with the global UW Law community.
More info & Registration
Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan
Join Nancy Allbritton, the Frank & Julie Jungers Dean of Engineering, at The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan for a special panel discussion and reception. Vice Dean Jihui Yang will moderate the panel featuring case studies of UW Engineering’s high-impact global partnerships.
More info & Registration
Silver 12 @ Shinagawa Prince Hotel
Join Denzil Suite, Vice President for Student Life, and Paul Rucker, Executive Director of the UW Alumni Association for an update on what is happening at the University of Washington. You are invited you to gather, connect with your fellow Huskies and build your UW network in Tokyo. Registration for this event is free and includes a buffet and hosted beverages.
More info & Registration
Saturday, February 28
UW Converge Summit9:30–17:00
Shinagawa Prince Hotel, Main Banquet “Prince Hall”, Annex Tower 5th floor
Join us at our day-long summit as expert speakers and panelists share their knowledge and insight.
UW Converge Reception17:00–21:00
Shinagawa Prince Hotel, Main Banquet “Prince Hall”, Annex Tower 5th floor
After the summit, it’s time to celebrate! Join us for an enchanting evening of food and fun.
Sunday, March 1
UW International Chapter Board Meeting9:00–12:00
Location to be shared
Board members of the UW’s international alumni chapters are invited to gather for a morning session, sharing insight and vision.
Volunteer-Led Tours13:00 – 20:00 (Various Start & End Times)
Start and conclude at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel
Explore Tokyo’s sites with curated small-group tours led by our local UWAA Japan volunteers! Whether it’s your first or fifth time visiting, explore Tokyo’s most iconic destinations through the lens of fellow Huskies who know the city best. Spots are limited!
UW Converge Tokyo Summit & Reception
Attendees at last year’s UW Converge Summit & Reception in Hong Kong
February 28 Schedule
🞇 Summit
9:30 Doors open
10:00 Summit begins
12:30 Lunch
16:00 Summit closes
16:00 – 18:00 Break/open networking
🞇 Reception
18:00 Reception program begins
18:45 Dinner
21:00 Reception ends
Schedule subject to change
Summit
At the Forefront: Insights on Business, Technology and Global Collaboration
At our UW Converge Summit, leading experts and innovators will explore the forces shaping our shared future. Gain insights as University of Washington faculty join esteemed alumni and industry leaders from around the world to examine critical issues at the intersection of global finance, cutting-edge research and cross-Pacific collaboration. This dynamic program will offer a rare chance to learn directly from thought leaders across sectors while celebrating the powerful connections between the UW and Japan.
Together we’ll explore economic trends, the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and semiconductor technology, and the transformative impact of startups on global industries. We’ll also pull back the curtain on exciting UW–Japan partnerships that amplify collective impact through philanthropy, collaboration and innovation. The program will conclude with a deans’ roundtable, offering an inside look at how the UW is addressing challenges and creating opportunities through interdisciplinary leadership on campus.
Reception
As the lights of Tokyo come alive, the celebration begins! Connect with UW faculty and leaders, speakers, fellow alumni and VIPs. Experience distinctly Japanese musical performances and join in the celebratory kagami biraki sake barrel opening and toast. This exclusive reception will also feature a special program honoring esteemed alumni and dinner with friends new and old. Don’t miss this annual celebration of the global Husky community.
See who’s already registered by viewing our attendee list.
Summit Speakers & Programming
University of Washington President Robert J. Jones (bio) will open UW Converge Tokyo by welcoming the University’s global community and setting the tone for the summit. President Jones will share his vision for the University’s future, underscoring the importance of affordability, research in service of the public good and global collaboration in addressing complex challenges. His address offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from the UW’s 34th president and to welcome him into the international Husky community. Don’t miss this front-row moment as the University’s next chapter begins on the global stage.
We are honored to announce that Nobel Prize–winning biochemist David Baker (bio), director of the Institute for Protein Design at the University of Washington, will join us live from Seattle and deliver our UW Converge Summit keynote address. He will share insights into the groundbreaking research that earned him the Nobel Prize, exploring its profound implications for health, technology and global collaboration. His virtual keynote will feature an interactive component designed specifically for our UW Converge Tokyo audience, offering a rare opportunity to engage directly with one of the world’s foremost scientific innovators.
Our first panel will examine the forces reshaping commerce around the world, from shifting trade policy and geopolitical risk to rapid advances in AI and the leadership choices required to navigate change. Moderated by Frank Hodge (bio), dean of the Foster School of Business, the panel features Daisuke Aranami, ’97 (bio), managing executive officer for the Financial Services Industry Group at Microsoft Japan, Natsuko Kimura (bio), Japan country director for Expedia and Koji Maruyama (bio), executive officer and general manager at SBI Investment. Come for an on-the-ground view of how leaders are reading today’s economy and leave with practical insights you can apply to your organization, career and investments.
Daisuke Aranami, ’97
Managing Executive Officer, Financial Services Industry Group, Microsoft Japan
Daisuke Aranami is the FSI lead and Managing Executive Officer in Microsoft Japan. He assumed his current position in December 2023, and since then, have strongly promoted and supported transformation in Japanese financial institutions through the use of cutting-edge technologies such as Gen AI and Agent.
Prior to Microsoft, as his first professional career, Daisuke joined the former Ministry of Home Affairs in 1993. Moved to McKinsey & Company in 2000, where they served as a Partner and Leader of the Financial Industry Group from 2006 to 2010. After leaving McKinsey, Daisuke held positions as CSO/CFO at Tokyo Star Bank, and worked at Bain Capital. In 2013, Daisuke joined Apple and led its entire B2B business in Japan. From 2020, Daisuke served as the Japan Country Manager for the US fintech startup Stripe for three years. He holds an MBA from the University of Washington.
Natsuko Kimura
Japan Country Director, Expedia
Natsuko is an accomplished marketing and business leader with extensive experience at global companies including Sony and Amazon. Passionate about travel and global growth, she has lived and worked across 40+ cities worldwide. Joining Expedia Japan in 2007 as a founding member, she led go-to-market strategy and brand launches across four Asian markets, driving strong regional expansion through integrated digital, offline, and PR initiatives.
Appointed Country Manager for HomeAway Japan (now Vrbo) in 2016, she built the vacation rental business from the ground up. Since 2020, Natsuko has served as Country Director for Expedia ,and since 2022, as Representative Director of Expedia Holdings K.K., leading brand and business growth in Japan.
Natsuko holds a Bachelor’s degree from Keio University and studied abroad at the University of Washington as a full-scholarship exchange student, where she expanded her international outlook and leadership foundation.
Koji Maruyama
Executive Officer & General Manager, SBI Investment
Koji Maruyama is a venture capital professional with over 15 years of experience at SBI Investment Co., Ltd., a core subsidiary of SBI Holdings, one of Japan’s leading financial groups. He has been involved in a broad range of investments from seed and early-stage startups to pre-IPO companies, working across diverse sectors and business models.
Koji has extensive experience in structuring and managing complex deals, including overseas investments through special purpose vehicles, PIPEs, M&A transactions, and joint venture formations. His current investment focus includes Fintech, SaaS, and Artificial Intelligence, as well as emerging areas such as Healthcare, Deep Tech, and Web3.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the School of International Liberal Studies at Waseda University. During one year program at the University of Washington, he studied at both the Jackson School of International Studies and the Foster School of Business, and gained practical experience through an off-campus internship at a local NGO.
This panel will explore the forces shaping the next era of artificial intelligence, advanced computing and the physical technologies that make it all possible. You’ll hear expert insight into everything from breakthroughs in materials science and semiconductors to real-world AI applications and startup innovation. The discussion will examine how research moves from the lab to global impact and the University of Washington’s role in that path. Moderated by Jihui Yang (bio), vice dean of the UW College of Engineering, the panel features Jungo Kasai, ’23 (bio), co-founder and CTO of Kotoba Technologies, Mitsunobu Koshiba (bio), Co-founder of Cdots LLC, and Seiji Sasaki, ’94 (bio), GTM Leadership at OpenAI Japan. Join this conversation for a rare, cross-sector view of how AI, computing and human expertise are coming together in new and exciting ways.
Jihui Yang
Kyocera Professor in MSE and Vice Dean, UW College of Engineering
Jihui Yang currently serves as the Vice Dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Washington and the principal research administrator for a high-impact portfolio, spearheading strategic initiatives that bridge engineering, medicine, and industry. A Fellow of the American Physical Society and a member of the Washington State Academy of Sciences, Jihui has built a career at the intersection of fundamental materials science and large-scale industrial application.
His research team works on developing next-generation energy storage solutions, making high-performance batteries more stable, sustainable, and manufacturing-ready. By collaborating with national laboratories and industry partners, Jihui’s work ensures that the clean energy technologies of tomorrow are built on a foundation of rigorous engineering and scalable innovation. He has authored over 100 papers and holds 19 US patents, reflecting a career-long commitment to translating academic excellence into global energy solutions.
Jungo Kasai, ’23
Cofounder and CTO, Kotoba Technologies, Inc.
Jungo Kasai is the Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of a Tokyo-based startup, Kotoba Technologies, where he leads real-time speech-to-speech translation and speech generative AI. Previously, he was a Research Assistant Professor at the Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago. He earned a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Washington, focusing on natural language generation, efficiency, and evaluation. His honors include the NAACL 2022 Best Paper Award, IBM PhD Fellowship, Funai Overseas Fellowship, and Masason Foundation Scholarship.
Mitsunobu Koshiba
Co-founder, Cdots LLC; Board Member, Rapidus.; A-Holdings; Fortaegis Technologies
Born in Tokyo in 1955, Mitsunobu Koshiba received his B.S. in Engineering (Printing and Imaging Engineering) from Chiba University in 1978 and completed his M.S. degree at the same university in 1980.
After studying Materials Science at the University of Wisconsin–Madison as a Rotary Foundation Fellow, he joined Japan Synthetic Rubber Co., Ltd. (now JSR Corporation) in 1981. He worked at the Tokyo Research Center, where he was engaged in the development of semiconductor materials.
In 1990, he was assigned to Silicon Valley in the United States and played a key role at JSR Micro Inc. in establishing the company’s position in the U.S. semiconductor materials market. After returning to Japan in 2002, he served as General Manager of the Electronic Materials Division and as an executive officer in charge of the Fine Chemicals business. He was appointed President and CEO in 2009, became Chairman and CEO in 2019, stepped down in June 2021, and served as Honorary Chairman until the end of June 2023.
He founded Cdots LLC, a think tank through which he publishes opinions and gives lectures on advanced technologies, geopolitics, and geoeconomics. Since 2019, he has chaired the Economic Security/Geoeconomics Committee at Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Executives).
Seiji Sasaki, ’94
GTM Leadership, OpenAI Japan
Seiji Sasaki is a technology executive with extensive experience in leadership roles at major tech companies. He currently holds the position of GTM Leadership at OpenAI. Prior to this role, Sasaki had a notable career at Salesforce, Slack, and SAP. Throughout his career, Sasaki has been recognized for his leadership in expanding and managing operations for global tech companies in the Japanese and Korean markets.
Sasaki’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business/Trade/Commerce from the University of Washington (1991-1994) and participation in the GSB LEAD Business Program at Stanford University Graduate School of Business (2023-2024).
To close our UW Converge Summit, senior University leaders will bring the day’s themes into focus. From artificial intelligence and global finance to geopolitics and partnerships in Japan, this discussion will highlight how the UW’s innovation ecosystem and cross-disciplinary research shape solutions to global challenges. Moderated by Paul Rucker, ’95, ’02 (bio), executive director of the UW Alumni Association, the panel features Anind Dey (bio) dean of the Information School, Frank Hodge (bio), dean of the Foster School of Business, Nancy Albritton (bio), dean of the College of Engineering, and Tamara Lawson (bio), dean of the School of Law. Don’t miss insights from world-class academic leaders whose schools and colleges are setting the agenda for innovation and impact worldwide.
Anind Dey
Dean and Professor, UW Information School
Anind K. Dey is a Professor and Dean of the Information School and Adjunct Professor in both the Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering and the Department of Human-Centered Design and Engineering. Anind is renowned for his early work in context-aware computing, an important theme in modern computing, where computational processes are aware of the context in which they operate and can adapt appropriately to that context. His research is at the intersection of human-computer interaction, machine learning, and ubiquitous computing. For the past few years, Anind has focused on passively collecting large amounts of data about how people interact with their phones and the bjectts around them, to use for producing detection and classification models for human behaviors of interest. He applies a human-centered and problem-based approach through a collaboration with an amazing collection of domain experts in areas of substance abuse (alcohol, marijuana, opioids), mental health, driving and transportation needs, smart spaces, sustainability, and education. These are all ongoing areas of research for Anind. Anind was inducted into the ACM SIGCHI Academy for his significant contributions to the field of human-computer interaction in 2015 and named an ACM Fellow in 2021.
Notable Guests
UW Leaders and Faculty
Paul Atkins
Professor, Japanese Program Coordinator
Asian Languages & Literature
Steven Brunton
Boeing Professor of AI and Data-Driven Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Steven Brunton
Dr. Steven L. Brunton is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Washington. He is also Adjunct Professor of Applied Mathematics, Computer science, and Aeronautics and Astronautics, and he is a Data Science Fellow at the eScience Institute. He is Director of the NSF AI Institute in Dynamic Systems and the AI Center for Dynamics and Control (ACDC) at UW. Steve received the B.S. in mathematics from Caltech in 2006 and the Ph.D. in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Princeton in 2012. His research combines machine learning with dynamical systems to model and control systems in fluid dynamics, biolocomotion, optics, energy systems, and manufacturing. He received the University of Washington College of Engineering junior faculty and teaching awards, the Army and Air Force Young Investigator Program (YIP) awards, and the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). He has co-authored over 200 scientific publications, mentored over 30 PhD students and over 15 postdocs, and collaborated on funded research exceeding $100M dollars. Steve is also passionate about teaching math to engineers as co-author of four textbooks and through his popular YouTube channel, under the moniker “eigensteve”.
Jean Choy
Associate Dean of Executive Education and International Initiatives
Foster School of Business
Gayle Christensen
Associate Vice Provost
UW Global
Miriam Chusid
Assistant Professor, Art History
School of Art + Art History + Design
Ahmad Ezzeddine
Vice Provost
UW Office of Global Affairs
Jenq-Neng Hwang
Co-Director of Cross-Pacific AI Initiative
UW College of Engineering
Jody Li
Senior Director, International Initiatives
UW Medicine
Ray Li
Assistant Vice President
UW International Advancement
Xuan-Thao Nguyen
Pendleton Miller Chair in Law, Director
Asian Law Center
Ted Mack
Director, Professor
Center for Japanese Studies
Iman Majd
Director, Professor
UW Medicine Osher Center for Integrative Health
Iman Majd
Dr. Iman Majd is a distinguished healthcare professional with a multifaceted career spanning diverse areas of medicine, education, and research. His journey began at Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in 1996. Subsequently, he pursued a Master of Science in Acupuncture at Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA, USA, graduating in 2005. Dr. Majd’s commitment to advancing his expertise led him to complete a Residency in Acupuncture at Bastyr University’s Department of Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine from 2005 to 2007. Dr. Majd sought further specialization in family medicine, completing the University of Washington Affiliated Hospitals Family Medicine Residency in 2012. Throughout his career, he has held various faculty positions, showcasing his dedication to education. Notably, he served as Clinical Adjunct Faculty at Bastyr University from 2005 to 2021 and as a Clinical Instructor and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Washingtons Department of Family Medicine from 2012 to 2021. Dr. Majd has made significant contributions to patient care as an Attending Physician at the University of Washington Neighborhood Clinics – Factoria since 2012 and at the University of Washington Medical Center since 2018. In 2021, Dr. Majd assumed the role of Interim Director at the Osher Center for Integrative Health at the University of Washington, later becoming the Director in 2022. He also serves as the Clinic Director at the Osher Center for Integrative Health at the University of Washington in Ballard. His exceptional achievements have been acknowledged through numerous awards, including the prestigious Bastyr Mission Honor award in 2018 and the Gold Circle Award from the American Society of Association Executives in 2020. Dr. Majds leadership roles extend to his involvement in various professional organizations, including the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, where he served as the Chair of the Board of Commissioners and Chair of the Executive Committee. In addition to his clinical and administrative roles, Dr. Majd is actively engaged in research, having secured grants such as the Osher Foundation Grant in 2021 and the RapSDI Grant from the American Academy of Family Physicians in the same year. Dr. Majd is an accomplished author with publications in peer-reviewed journals and contributions to educational curricula. He has also delivered invited talks and presentations on acupuncture, integrative medicine, and healthcare practices at national, regional, and local levels. With an unwavering commitment to integrative health and a distinguished career marked by excellence, Dr. Iman Majd continues to impact the field of medicine through his leadership, education, and patient-centered care.
Anita Ramasastry
Associate Dean for Global and Graduate Programs
UW School of Law
Tueng T. Shen
Associate Dean, Medical Technology Innovation
UW Medicine | College of Engineering
Yanfang Su
Assistant Professor
Global Health
Yanfang Su
Dr. Yanfang Su is a health economist with more than ten years of work experience in health systems and policy. Dr. Su holds an MA in Public Management from Tsinghua University and an ScD in Global Health and Population within Health Systems track from Harvard University. During her postdoctoral training at the University of Washington, Dr. Su applied econometric methods to health financing and published papers in The Lancet as co-first author and The Lancet Infectious Diseases as first author. Her publications focus on three areas: 1) economic evaluation of healthcare systems, including analysis of equity, supply, demand, costs, and quality; 2) public policy evaluation; and 3) global health and population measures. Dr. Su is the cofounder and the co-director of a new initiative, Learning for Action in Policy Implementation and Health Systems (LAPIS), in the Department of Global Health at University of Washington. Dr. Su is the founder and Board Chair of a non-profit organization, the East West Alliance for Education and Health, which delivered equitable community services and conducted digital health randomized controlled trials in low-resource settings. Dr. Su worked at Tsinghua University and the Hong Kong Policy and Research Institute in China. Dr. Su has consulted for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Bank, and Results for Development on primary health care systems strengthening. Dr. Su is a guest editor for a special issue on policy implementation science in Frontiers in Health Services. Dr. Su is an NIH-funded Implementation Science Scholar (IS-2) and an NIH career development awardee (K01).
Denzil Suite
Vice President
UW Student Life
Denzil Suite
As Vice President for Student Life, Denzil Suite provides leadership for a wide-range of programs and services that support students in their transition to the university and deepen their out-of-class experiences. These programs and services include: Housing and Food Services, Student Activities, Union Facilities, Student Publications, Recreational Sports, Counseling Center, Disability Resources, Career Center, Ceremonies, Greek Relations, Community Standards and Student Conduct and Health and Wellness.
Yen-Chu Weng
Assistant Teaching Professor
Program on the Environment
Yen-Chu Weng
Yen-Chu Weng is an assistant teaching professor in the College’s Program on the Environment. As a geographer, she has always been interested in exploring the connections between human societies and the environment. She received broad training in both the biophysical sciences and the social sciences, and has integrated quantitative, qualitative and GIS methods into her research projects. Her research focuses on the politics of participation in environmental volunteering programs. By comparing perspectives of multiple stakeholders, she examines the role of science, nature and participation in ecological restoration.
Weng enjoys teaching and experimenting with innovative pedagogy in her courses. Through the UW’s Center for Teaching and Learning and the National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center, she has been contributing to evidence-based teaching strategies and case study pedagogy. As an affiliate faculty at the UW’s Taiwan Studies Program, Weng also teaches a course on Environmental Issues in East Asia and leads a study abroad program in Taiwan. Weng advises students on various capstone projects on the topics of environmental education, sustainability design, community outreach, and many others.
This year, Weng is serving as a Fulbright Visiting Scholar in Japan. Through her project, she will share the American experience in environmental conservation, movements, and governance with students and scholars in Japan and to foster opportunities for mutual learning and advancement in these areas.
Jihui Yang
Vice Dean
UW College of Engineering
Jihui Yang
Jihui Yang currently serves as the Vice Dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Washington and the principal research administrator for a high-impact portfolio, spearheading strategic initiatives that bridge engineering, medicine, and industry. A Fellow of the American Physical Society and a member of the Washington State Academy of Sciences, Jihui has built a career at the intersection of fundamental materials science and large-scale industrial application.
His research team works on developing next-generation energy storage solutions, making high-performance batteries more stable, sustainable, and manufacturing-ready. By collaborating with national laboratories and industry partners, Jihui’s work ensures that the clean energy technologies of tomorrow are built on a foundation of rigorous engineering and scalable innovation. He has authored over 100 papers and holds 19 US patents, reflecting a career-long commitment to translating academic excellence into global energy solutions.
Best regards,
UW Converge Tokyo Executive Committee Members
We want to extend a special thanks to our UW Converge Tokyo Executive Committee members. Without their hospitality and expertise, this event wouldn’t be possible.
Kenji Hashidate, ’75
Senior Partner
Hashidate Law Office
Akio Hirao, ’65
Director
Hirao Associates
Yoshihiko Miyauchi, ’60
Senior Chairman
ORIX Corporation
Eugene Saburi, ’93
Chairman
HRBrain
International Trustee
UWAA Board of Trustees
Makoto Sakashita, ’12
Director, Global Environmental Affairs Office
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan
Shuhei Tajima, ’01
Managing Director, Business Management Department
TUSIC
President
UWAA Japan
Toshiko Takenaka, ’92
Prof. of Technology Law
WA Research Foundation
Planning Committee
UW Converge Tokyo wouldn’t happen without the tireless work of host country volunteers who give generously of their time and expertise.
Stan Aoyama, ’83
Row Imamura, ’98
Noriyuki Katayama, ’95
Shu Kuroishi, ’12
Naoki Momma, ’90
Satoru Nagasaka, ’01
Mika Noguchi,’02
Kaori Shindo, ’85
Travel & Accommodations
Hotel
UW Converge guests can enjoy a special room rate at the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa, an elegant retreat in the heart of Tokyo. It is located just a 10-minute walk or short shuttle ride from the Shinagawa Prince Hotel, the site of the UW Converge Summit and Reception. The property offers convenience and modern comfort surrounded by serene Japanese gardens.
Through the UW Converge registration process, attendees may book a two-night package (Feb. 27–March 1) at the exclusive rate of ¥42,433 (single occupancy) per night, including breakfast. This discounted rate is only available when bundled with summit and reception registration. Guests wishing to extend their stay or book outside these dates should contact the hotel directly.
Please note: There are several, similarly named hotels in the nearby area. Our UW Converge hotel block is at the Grand Price Hotel Shin Takanawa and NOT the Grand Price Hotel Takanawa. The UW Converge Summit and Reception take place at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel Annex Tower
Volunteer-Led Tours
March 1, 2026
Wrap up your UW Converge Tokyo experience with a casual, small-group outing led by local volunteers. These tours will offer a chance to explore Tokyo through the eyes of those who know it best, with stops at their favorite neighborhoods, shops and eateries. All tours will begin and end at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel. It will be a great way to connect with fellow Huskies, experience Japanese culture, and enjoy a relaxed, local perspective on the city.
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- Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting and observation tower in Tokyo. Standing at 634 meters, it is one of the tallest towers in the world. Visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of Tokyo and, on clear days, even see Mount Fuji. The tower also features shopping, dining, and entertainment facilities, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
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- A yakatabune is a traditional Japanese boat where guests can enjoy a cruise while dining. Onboard, you can savor freshly prepared tempura and other Japanese dishes as you float along the river, enjoying beautiful views of the city, especially in the evening. There are several yakatabune operators in Tokyo bay, but we are going to use a specific boat called “Arakawamaru” which our group can use exclusively.
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- Tokyo Whisky Library, located in the stylish Omotesando district of Tokyo, is a sophisticated restaurant and bar dedicated to the art of whisky. The venue features an impressive collection of more than 1,200 bottles from around the world, beautifully displayed in a library-style setting with tall wooden shelves and warm lighting. Guests can explore rare Japanese whiskies as well as premium Scotch, Irish, American, and other international labels. Expert bartenders provide recommendations and create elegant cocktails, making it welcoming both for whisky connoisseurs and beginners. The food menu is designed to pair harmoniously with drinks, offering refined dishes with a modern twist. With its luxurious yet comfortable atmosphere, Tokyo Whisky Library is not only a place to enjoy outstanding whisky but also to experience Tokyo’s contemporary dining culture. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in fine spirits and stylish nightlife.
Sponsors
UW Converge is made possible by the generosity of our sponsors.
Gold Sponsors
Yuka Shimizu
Founder Bellevue Children’s Academy
Founder Willows Preparatory School
CEO of Spark and Step Inc.
Purple Sponsors
Become a UW Converge Sponsor
Interested in getting your brand in front of a truly global community of innovators, leaders and thinkers? Consider becoming a UW Converge Tokyo 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.
About UW Converge
UW Converge is the University of Washington’s signature event for international alumni and friends. Each year it is hosted in a global city by one of our international alumni communities and UW’s International Advancement team. It offers direct connection to the UW, its faculty and leadership, and its global alumni network. It is an outpost of Husky Spirit, a place to gain cutting-edge knowledge from experts, and a link to the University’s work and initiatives.
Conference Policies
Registration and refunds
Registrations canceled before 12/5/2025 are eligible for a full refund. Registrations canceled before 1/28/2026 are eligible for a 50-percent refund. Registrations canceled on or after 1/28/2026 will not be refunded.
Data and Privacy Policies
By registering for this event, you acknowledge that your personal information will be collected and processed by the University of Washington in the United States for purposes related to event management, communications, payment processing and engagement. Your contact information may be shared with the University of Washington Alumni Association of Japan. To learn more about how your information is used, stored and protected, please review our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Additionally, you grant the University of Washington and its representatives permission to record, photograph, and use your image, name and voice for purposes including education, promotion, and outreach, in any media now known or later developed, worldwide and in perpetuity, without compensation. You waive any rights to inspect or approve such use and release the University from any claims related to these uses.
International Advancement
UW Converge is organized by the University of Washington’s International Advancement team, headed by Ray Li, Assistant Vice President for International Advancement. Each year, we collaborate closely with our host chapter to plan UW Converge. Our team is dedicated to fostering meaningful engagement for international alumni and friends while nurturing a spirit of philanthropy aligned with the University’s mission to create positive impact for Washington and for the world.
Learn More About Past UW Converge Events
- UW Converge Hong Kong 2024
- UW Converge Jakarta 2023
- UW Converge Seattle 2022
- UW Converge Virtual 2021
- UW Converge Virtual 2020
- UW Converge Taipei 2019
- UW Converge Tokyo 2018
