About Me
Name
Kosuke Terauchi
Prior Education
Hitotsubashi University (JD, 2009); Keio University (LLB, 2007)
Before Ann Arbor
I grew up in Tokyo, Japan.
Before My LLM Year
I worked as a private practice lawyer focusing on entertainment law. Before that, I worked as a judge in Japan, mainly handling civil cases.
What Makes Me Different From My Classmates
My wife is also an LLM student at Michigan Law, and we have two elementary school-aged children.
My Time at Michigan Law
What Makes Michigan Law Special
The people! The LLM program has a small cohort, allowing us to become very close with classmates from diverse backgrounds. Professors always welcome questions and coffee chats. My entertainment law professor helped me with my personal career plans.
JD students are also very open and friendly. My JD student mentor (my “Michigan Law Ambassador”) kindly supported me throughout the semesters, giving advice on all my questions. We jointly worked on a final project in a course we both took.
My Favorite Class
Copyright Law with Professor Jessica Litman
Entertainment Law with Professor Susan Kornfield
What Surprised Me Most About Michigan Law
I can’t pick just one thing, so here’s a list.
- Professors quickly remember students’ faces and names.
- My professor in my legal research class gave me a bunch of feedback on my paper, which was very helpful.
- When my daughter’s elementary school classes were suddenly canceled, my constitutional law professor suggested bringing her to class. (This was my daughter’s debut at the Law School.)
- I attended a mini-seminar about Bollywood films in the evenings. Our professor served dinner for each class, and his young son explained the food that was offered.
- Valograms (Valentine’s Day serenades from the Headnotes, the Law School’s a cappella group) were a fun break from class.
- In my Civil Procedure class, the professor often emphasized the importance of helping classmates, not just focusing on getting good grades.
The Most Difficult Thing About the LLM Year
A lot of reading and writing assignments. However, the depth of the work caused me to see great improvement during the year, and professors always took note of our workload.
The Best Things About Ann Arbor
Residents’ love and pride for the town. I saw University of Michigan hoodies everywhere I traveled in the United States, and I would exchange “Go Blue!” cheers.
Fun Stuff
When I’m Not Studying
I’m playing catch with my son.
My Favorite Way to De-stress
Watching squirrels and rabbits, and listening to birds singing. I can hear woodpeckers pecking and cardinals singing from my backyard!
Favorite Book
Canvas of Paradise by Maha Harada. A novel filled with love for Henri Rousseau and those involved in the arts.
Favorite Movie
Rent, which inspired me to visit New York City to see the musical on Broadway. This experience had a huge impact on my life and career as an entertainment lawyer.
Favorite Beverage
Sparkling water (lime LaCroix is my study buddy)
Favorite Food From Home
Dumplings. My neighbor told me my daughter’s name, Momo, means “dumpling” in Nepali.
Favorite Food in the United States
Costco’s ribeye steak. I always keep it in the freezer.