LYNNWOOD—Lynnwood Municipal Court recently welcomed Judge Ryohei Kawamoto of Japan for an international judicial exchange focused on court operations, legal procedure, and the administration of justice.
Judge Kawamoto, a sitting judge appointed by the Supreme Court of Japan to the Tokyo District Court, visited the court on June 6, 2026, to observe court proceedings and learn more about the practices and procedures used in Washington’s municipal court system.
Currently serving in the Civil Affairs Department of the Tokyo District Court, Judge Kawamoto regularly presides over civil litigation and public lawsuits. His distinguished legal and academic career also includes service as a Visiting International Professional Scholar at the University of Washington School of Law. His research has focused on civil litigation practices, intellectual property law—particularly publicity rights in the United States—and the role of gender in marriage equality litigation.
Judge Kawamoto first met Lynnwood’s Judge Bouffiou and Commissioner Grant during Washington State’s Judicial College earlier this year. Judge Bouffiou serves as an instructor for the Judicial College, while Commissioner Grant attended as a participant. Following their meeting, both extended an invitation to Judge Kawamoto to visit Lynnwood Municipal Court.
Judge Kawamoto spent the morning observing criminal hearings, enjoyed an impromptu birthday lunch with the Lynnwood bench and court staff, and concluded his visit by donning a borrowed black robe and joining Commissioner Grant on the bench to hear photo enforcement cases.
“It is an amazing experience to exchange ideas on an international level with members of the judiciary from other countries,” said Judge Bouffiou. “While our legal systems may differ, we share a common commitment to fairness, public trust, and improving access to justice. Opportunities like this strengthen our understanding of the law and the people we serve.”
Judge Kawamoto described meeting his Lynnwood counterparts as an absolute pleasure and said the visit would remain one of his happiest memories. He shared that, upon his return to Japan, he will assume a new assignment at the District Court in Okinawa, a highly respected position within the Japanese judiciary. Before departing, Judge Kawamoto extended an invitation to the Lynnwood judges and court staff to visit his court in the future. He expressed his hope that the professional relationships established during his visit will continue to grow into a lasting friendship.
Source: Lynnwood Municipal Court
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
