Meet our Students: Kenryo Mizutani, JD'20

Originally from Tokyo, Japan, Kenryo has lived and studied abroad extensively throughout his life. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (summa cum laude) in Economics and International Relations from Boston University, and a Master of Public Administration with distinction in International Development from the London School of Economics. Through his work with Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC), Kenryo has been able to use his education and international experience to work as an international petroleum negotiator.

In the field of international petroleum transactions, a strong understanding of the law and the legal language is critical to understand contracts and regulations. Kenryo and JOGMEC chose UCalgary Law because he could learn law in an English-speaking commonwealth country and gain specific instruction in the natural resources and energy industry. When Kenryo describes his motivation to study law, he says: "I've worked with a lot of lawyers, but to be more effective in my work, I needed to know the law itself."

Kenryo chose UCalgary Law because "the faculty's expertise in natural resources and energy has no other competition in Canada or elsewhere in the world." In choosing a law school, Kenryo also considered the international aspect of the available curriculum. The City of Calgary's status as a global leader in natural resources and energy development was also critical to this decision, as Kenryo wanted to have the ability to meet and learn from the Canadian industry leaders and the legal community. According to Kenryo, the reputation of UCalgary Law as being well-connected to the legal community has "far exceeded my expectations." At UCalgary Law, Kenryo has already enjoyed many opportunities to meet with lawyers, policy makers, scholars, and industry leaders from Calgary and around the world, who are engaged in the field of natural resources and energy.

Another merit of studying at UCalgary Law, in Kenryo's opinion, is the accessibility to the Canadian Rockies. He greatly enjoys outdoor activities like snowshoeing, skiing, and hiking.

After completing his studies at UCalgary Law, Kenryo looks forward to returning to JOGMEC to use his knowledge of law for the benefit of his country.