05/11/2026
Commencement Week kicks off with our USC Gould School of Law , Takashi Matsuno, who will be graduating with his Master of Laws in Media and Entertainment Law (LLM in MEL) this Friday. Fight On!
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I am going to go to Disneyland! Career-wise, I am determined to build my path within the media and sports entertainment space. At the same time, I am committed to continuing my pro bono work at the Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law. As a lawyer, I am passionate about advocating for low-income and vulnerable individuals, and I look forward to giving back to the community here in Los Angeles.
Q: How is your master's degree going to help with your future plans?
A: Relationships are the key. During this intensive program, I have gained direct access to leaders, including professors from major studios, law firms, and sports agencies. This network is the most critical asset my master’s degree provides, empowering me to succeed in the LA media and entertainment space.
Q: Is there a class, professor, or experience you had at USC Gould School of Law that stands out as the most memorable or influential during your time here?
A: I attended the 2025 Institute on Entertainment Law and Business, hosted by USC Gould Continuing Legal Education and the Beverly Hills Bar Association, where Michael De Luca from Warner Bros was the keynote speaker. A few months later, while watching the Golden Globes, I saw him and Leonardo DiCaprio sitting at the same table. In that moment, I realized that I am living and breathing in Hollywood.
Q: Is there anything else you want people to know about you?
A: One of my favorite memories includes catching the Dodgers' championship parade before class in downtown Los Angeles. Since USC is perfectly situated between Downtown and Koreatown—and with the beautiful USC Village right on campus—you’re guaranteed to have the best student life in the United States. Fight On!
