In late February, Tokyo had the honor of becoming the first global city to ever host a 91探花Converge event for the second time. The very first 91探花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 91探花鈥檚 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鈥檚 most dynamic cities.
The 91探花Converge Tokyo Summit opened with remarks from 91探花 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鈥檚 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 91探花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鈥檚 commitment to international collaboration. Later at the evening reception, Jones thanked the 91探花Alumni Association Japan and the volunteers who helped organize 91探花Converge Tokyo, emphasizing that the University鈥檚 global alumni community plays a critical role in extending the UW鈥檚 impact around the world.
A keynote address from Nobel Prize鈥搘inning biochemist David Baker, director of the 91探花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 91探花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 91探花faculty, alumni and industry leaders to examine topics including artificial intelligence, advanced computing, entrepreneurship and the evolving global economy.
The excitement continued at the 91探花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, 91探花Converge Tokyo offered events and outings that allowed attendees to forge even deeper ties with the 91探花and each other. On Friday, the 91探花School of Law and College of Engineering both hosted events for their alumni and friends, while the 91探花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.
91探花Converge Tokyo photo gallery
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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, 91探花Converge Tokyo would not have been possible. Their work reflects the deep and enduring connection between Japan and the 91探花.
We are also grateful to the sponsors whose generous support helped enhance 91探花Converge Tokyo. Their partnership remains critical to sustaining the event series and strengthening the University鈥檚 international reach. If you are interested in learning about ways you or your organization can partner with the 91探花on future 91探花Converge events, research, teaching, innovation and global engagement, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
For more than a decade, 91探花Converge has served as a cornerstone of the 91探花鈥檚 global engagement. Since the inaugural gathering in Shanghai in 2015, the event series has brought together the UW鈥檚 international community. 91探花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 91探花Converge Taipei in spring of 2027. We hope you will join us there to learn, connect and celebrate the impact of the 91探花.
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Interested in getting your brand in front of a truly global community of innovators, leaders and thinkers? Consider becoming a 91探花Converge Taipei 2027 sponsor and supporting the 91探花鈥檚 international impact. For more information, contact 91探花Assistant Vice President for International Advancement, Ray Li at rayli@uw.edu.