Anderson Mori & Tomotsune, one of the largest and most diversified law firms in Japan, consistently impresses clients with its outstanding practices across almost all categories including banking and finance, capital markets, energy, disputes, funds, employment, regulatory and tax. As one of the ‘Big Four’ firms, it is a go-to firm for high-profile mandates, with a remarkable wealth of industry-specific expertise. Prominent figures in the firm include IP-focused Yasufumi Shiroyama and tax specialist Koji Fujita.
Client feedback
"Accurate and reliable output and advice." – Banking and finance
"Provides advice which is well balanced between robust logic, economics and practicality, based on deep experience of the market/product as well as a commercial mindset." – Banking and finance
"They gave us advice for structuring and helped with documentation. Their work is very constructive and appropriate." – Banking and finance
"Quick and helpful legal advisory for our overseas business." – Banking and finance
"Anderson Mori & Tomotsune is renowned for its excellence in legal services, and several attributes contribute to its strong reputation: expertise and breadth of practice, client-centric approach, international reach, strong corporate and M&A practice, client trust and longevity." – Banking and finance
"Anderson Mori & Tomotsune excels in corporate transactions, advising on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and restructuring. Their track record with major clients speaks to their capabilities." – Banking and finance
"Careful scoping, experience with regulatory submissions and regulatory work more broadly, diligence, precise work, advice, and smooth communications are very much appreciated when working with Anderson Mori & Tomotsune." – Banking and finance
"High quality and timely performance. Good understanding of market practice." – Capital markets
"Client-focused team working with flexibility." – Capital markets
" Anderson Mori & Tomotsune has in-depth knowledge of the market and provides guidance based on extensive legal expertise in competition law." – Competition/antitrust
"They are always responsive and cooperative, which makes it easy for us to consult with them." – Competition/antitrust
"They were professional, responsive, to the point, and efficient." – Corporate and M&A
"Planning good lawsuit strategy." – Corporate and M&A
"Fully understanding the characteristics of the airline industry, especially in the cargo field, and properly applying it to Japan Fair Trade Commission." – Corporate and M&A
"Anderson Mori & Tomotsune's understanding of the legal framework and theory is underpinned by its practice and know-how on actual cases from start to finish. They differentiate themselves from other law firms that have focused on documentation work and have less 'field work' experience." – Corporate and M&A
"Reasonable approach and excellent communication with non-Japanese people." – Dispute resolution
"Their team provides clients with speedy services and advice." – Dispute resolution
"Partner gives strategic but practical advice on overall litigation strategy, while managing a huge volume of individual cases consistently." – Dispute resolution
"Experienced in corporate and M&A fields, capable of providing highly insightful advice on transaction structures for clients." – Energy
"They helped us to interpret appropriately the terms of the agreements and enabled us to identify and prepare for risks involved therein." – Intellectual property
"Anderson Mori & Tomotsune is among the largest and most diversified law firms in Japan offering full corporate services. They have a flexible operational structure, and they are effective and efficient, providing solutions to legal issues of any kind." – Investment funds
"Provides reliable legal advice on complex employment law issues. They are always responsive and provide deliverables in a timely manner. Good at supporting clients taking smart risks." – Labour and employment
"Responses are quick and accurate. Excellent understanding of customer situations. Extensive experience in advising on dispute resolution." – Labour and employment
"Because they have lawyers specialised in a wide range of fields, we can consult them on a wide range of issues and receive appropriate solutions." – Labour and employment
"One-stop support including overseas regions (with local offices and local partner offices)." – Media and entertainment
"They have nourished their understanding of our company's business through long relationships and gave us appropriate advice based on such understanding." – Privacy and data protection
"Responsive and value for money." – Real estate
"Good balance between legal and business needs." – Real estate
"Full-service firm. Charges are reasonable. Responsive and quick turnaround time." – Real estate
"Anderson are very expert on securities laws, tax issues, and in understanding how incentive plans operate in Japan. They are also excellent in English, timely in their work delivery, and good value. They are also highly respected in the Japanese market." – Regulatory
Osamu Adachi
"I appreciate the careful scoping, quality of the reviews and advice provided, diligence and responsiveness to queries and requests from myself and my stakeholders, and smooth communications overall by Osamu Adachi and his associate partners and team."
Kei Akagawa
"Strategic planning of the lawsuit."
"Kei Akagawa is good at handling a number of litigations and associated legal issues in a timely manner."
"Kei provides critical key comments in summary, leads his big team effectively, and is flexible with budgets and assignments."
"Litigation and negotiations."
"Deep understanding and immediate response to client requests."
Yoshinori Aoyagi
"Deep insight and good knowledge of industry."
Taro Awataguchi
"Taro's strongest point is that he can put theory into practice by undertaking actual cases where legal interpretations/framework have been challenged. He communicates well. He listens to the client's needs, considers a variety of options for clients to consider, articulates legal nuances and grey zone matters, and communicates quite effectively with legal counsel on the other side of the table."
"Extensive knowledge and experience."
Yukiko Imazu
"Extensive business knowledge. Excellent understanding of customer situations. Provides clear answers. Has the ability to solve problems."
Hiroshi Ishihara
"He has an extensive international network, which helps us resolve any issues arising in overseas jurisdictions."
Naoyuki Kabata
"Technically very sound. Very experienced real estate partner. Responsive to clients' instructions."
Ken Kobayashi
"Expert in real estate financing. He not only has extensive knowledge of the related laws and practices in the market but understands the business needs very well and provides practical solutions. Leverages the knowledge and resources within the firm to effectively achieve a balanced outcome."
"His advice with regard to our business is very practical and constructive. He is also approachable and reliable for finance transactions."
"He has wide and deep knowledge and experience, especially in real estate transaction and financing markets. Business sense is also one of his strengths, which may have been acquired through his experience working on the business side in a global investment bank."
Junichi Kondo
"He always gives us helpful legal advice in a concise manner."
"Very client-oriented and excellent communicator."
Nobuyuki Maeyama
"Extensive legal practice, M&A transactions and compliance advice, trustee in bankruptcy, educational background and international exposure."
Mariko Nagata
"Very useful and quick legal advisory."
Takashi Nakazaki
"He has extensive knowledge and experience, especially in ICT and data privacy law."
Koichi Saito
"Expert in tax and securities laws; good communicator in English; works to tight deadlines; good value."
Kei Sasaki
"Responsive and knowledgeable."
Takehisa Sato
"Deep understanding of the product."
Hironori Shibata
"His advice is clear, logical, well-balanced and reliable. He is the person to go to when dealing with something very challenging."
Reiji Takahashi
"Deep expertise."
Yuhki Tanaka
"Very deep knowledge. Helps take risks."
Akira Tanaka
"Overall strength in tax law."
Daisuke Tanimoto
"Accurate and reliable output and advice."
Ko Wakabayashi
"Deep understanding of Chinese client needs, extensive transaction experience, diligent and responsible."
"Customer focus."
Hiroki Wakabayashi
"Deep knowledge of litigation, including how judges would think about the cases and proceed with the cases."
"He was very professional, responsive, and we loved working with him."
Kiyoko Yagami
"Her attitude is that she positively and accurately tries to understand our requirements on how to approach or explain matters to the Japan Fair Trade Commission."
Atsushi Yamada
"Atsushi has in-depth expertise in competition law and is able to provide clear and actionable guidance on short notice. He always makes himself available and meets deadlines."
Kenichi Yamamoto
"Excellent and polite."
Anderson Mori & Tomotsune, one of the largest and most diversified law firms in Japan, consistently impresses clients with its outstanding practices across almost all categories including banking and finance, capital markets, energy, disputes, funds, employment, regulatory and tax. As one of the ‘Big Four’, it is a go-to firm for high-profile mandates, with a remarkable wealth of industry-specific expertise. Prominent figures in the firm include IP-focused Yasufumi Shiroyama and tax specialist Koji Fujita.
Established in 2000, top-tier firm Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu offers a full range of legal services covering all industry sectors. The firm's expertise includes banking and finance, capital markets, construction, corporate and M&A, investment funds, labour and employment, regulatory and tax. The members of its project practice team are highly experienced in all sorts of project development and project finance in Japan, representing foreign and domestic project sponsors, contractors and financiers. The banking and finance team provides high-quality legal services, advising on Japan's banking laws and practice, including structured finance, acquisition finance and project finance transactions. The firm also has a strong reputation in capital markets transactions, corporate and M&A, and dispute resolution. With an extensive transactional experience in various industries and an overseas network spanning across locations in Asia and the US, Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu is well-equipped to handle complex cross-border matters for both domestic and overseas clients.
Work highlights
Led the landmark ¥123.8 billion ($783.8 million) acquisition financing for SG Holdings' successful white knight tender offer for Chilled & Frozen Logistics Holdings, marking one of Japan's largest contested takeover financings in 2024. The groundbreaking transaction required innovative structuring solutions for white knight financing – a rare scenario in Japan's traditionally consensus-driven M&A market. As one of the first major deals under the new Guidelines for Corporate Takeovers, the financing established important precedents for future hostile takeover defences in Japan.
Key clients
Mitsui Fudosan Co, MUFG Bank, Yokohama Bank
Nishimura & Asahi is established as a top-tier law firm in the country. It boasts highly reputed teams providing the full spectrum of transactions as well as complex litigation and arbitration work. With over 700 Japanese and foreign lawyers, the firm is frequently instructed by the biggest household-name corporations in Japan, and by foreign conglomerates across the financial services, automotive, technology, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing sectors. Nishimura & Asahi is also a firm with significant global connections that enable it to provide the utmost quality when it comes to matters of law. The firm’s main figures include Kohei Koikawa for capital markets, Kozo Kawai for competition, Yoshinobu Fujimoto for corporate and M&A, and Hiroyuki Tezuka for dispute resolution.
Work highlights
Advised Rakuten and KKR on the LBO financing for the acquisition of Seiyu from Walmart.
Advising ENEOS Holdings on the going-private transaction of its listed subsidiary, Nippo Corporation.
ProvidedAdvantage Partners and Tokyo Century Corporation with legal advice on the financing for the acquisition of shares in Energywith, which in turn was acquiring the energy storage devices and systems business of Showa Denko Materials.
Key clients
Mizuho Bank, Nomura Babcock & Brown
Nishimura & Asahi is established as a top-tier law firm in the country. It boasts highly reputed teams providing the full spectrum of transactions as well as complex litigation and arbitration work. With over 700 Japanese and foreign lawyers, the firm is frequently instructed by the biggest household-name corporations in Japan, and by foreign conglomerates across the financial services, automotive, technology, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing sectors. Nishimura & Asahi is also a firm with significant global connections that enable it to provide the utmost quality when it comes to matters of law. The firm’s main figures include Kohei Koikawa for capital markets, Kozo Kawai for competition, Yoshinobu Fujimoto for corporate and M&A, and Hiroyuki Tezuka for dispute resolution.
Work highlights
Advised Nomura Securities, Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities and SMBC Nikko Securities on the follow-on offering by West Japan Railway Company.
Advised PHC Holdings Corporation and KKR on PHCHD’s global IPO and listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
Key clients
BofA Securities Japan Securities Company, Japan Finance Corporation, Mizuho Securities, Morgan Stanley Securities,Net Protections Holdings, Nippon Steel Corporation, Orient Corporation
TMI Associates, one of the five largest law firms in Japan, has broad expertise across corporate and M&A, dispute resolution, intellectual property and regulatory matters. In particular, the firm has good expertise in the IP arena as it houses a strong bench of practitioners skilled in handling the full spectrum of domestic and cross-border contentious and non-contentious matters. The firm also has a proven track record advising clients in the banking, consumer goods and services, manufacturing, and media and entertainment sectors. TMI Associates’ connections to several major global firms and joint ventures ensures it can offer seamless and outstanding legal services both foreign and domestic. Corporate and M&A specialists Masakazu Iwakura and Tatsuhiro Takahara, are key figures.
Work highlights
Advised Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) on its ¥162 billion ($1.1 billion) dual-tranche Samurai bond issuance, comprising a ¥110.4 billion Twelfth Series and ¥51.6 billion Thirteenth Series. The offering marked ANZ's first bond issuance in Japan following its January 2023 corporate restructuring that established ANZ Group Holdings as the new listed parent company, requiring innovative documentation solutions to address the new group structure.
Key clients
Australia and New Zealand Banking Group, Kanematsu Corporation, República Oriental del Uruguay
Miura & Partners offers a one-stop legal solution for clients. Founded in 2019, the firm practises in sectors including corporate and M&A, finance, competition law and intellectual property. With the philosophy of “providing comprehensive legal advice and assisting clients in achieving their business goals”, the firm retains its presence both domestically and internationally. Masayuki Atsumi, Tomotake Matsuda, and Kazuo Itazaki are the key figures. The firm strengthened its dispute resolution practice with six new partners in 2024: Ayako Osugi from the Gifu District Court and Ryota Saito from the Chiba District Public Prosecutors Office joined in April; Mihiro Koeda from Nishimura and Asahi and Munetaka Takahashi from Nagashima Ohno and Tsunematsu in July; Yuko Kato joined from Torikai Law Office in September; and Taro Tanaka arrived from Legal Action Worldwide in Cox's Bazar in November. In separate moves, Takahashi also took on M&A work alongside his dispute resolution practice, while Junko Shiokawa joined the M&A team from Conyers Dill and Pearman in Hong Kong in April 2025.
Client feedback
"Miura & Partners' key strengths are their agility and ability to provide sound advice quickly." – Construction
"With a strong sense of urgency, they drafted the contract, offered insightful advice while thoroughly understanding our company's intentions, and helped facilitate smooth negotiations of the definitive agreement." – Corporate and M&A
"Their response is consistently quick." – Corporate and M&A
"They are polite and quick to respond." – Corporate and M&A
"They have a vast network with other firms, competitive pricing and are very quick at providing responses." – Corporate and M&A
"Their responsiveness is exceptional." – Corporate and M&A
"It was our first cross-border M&A and we had no idea how to judge terms in the SPA. However, they guided us through the tremendous challenge of drafting an SPA for acquiring an overseas finance company from a seller with extensive M&A experience. All work was completed at an astounding speed with very satisfactory outcomes. Haruka Murata was undoubtedly a real expert in cross-border M&A legal matters. We expect the same quality from the firm." – Corporate and M&A
"Their legal fees are very reasonable and their response is swift." – Corporate and M&A
"They effectively narrow down review points to meet our needs, respond quickly and offer reasonable costs." – Private equity
Haruka Murata
"Leveraging her profound legal expertise, she consistently delivers optimal solutions. Her exceptional documentation abilities enable her to rapidly prepare and review contracts."
"With a strong sense of urgency, she drafts contracts, offers insightful advice while thoroughly understanding our company's intentions, and helps facilitate smooth negotiations of definitive agreements."
"She provides quick responses and appropriate legal advice."
"Her fast response time is a strong advantage. She excels in M&A and handling international cases in English."
"She is knowledgeable and very quick to respond, with excellent depth of knowledge."
"She provides quick responses and appropriate advice."
"She has expertise in M&A, Japanese, British and other cross-border legal knowledge in contract drafting, along with extremely fast responses. She is totally fluent in Japanese and English."
"It was our first M&A transaction, and we had no idea how to judge terms in the SPA, or even which language it should be drafted in. However, she guided us through the tremendous challenge of drafting an SPA for acquiring an overseas finance company from a seller with extensive M&A experience. All work was completed at an astounding speed with very satisfactory outcomes. Haruka Murata was undoubtedly a real expert in cross-border M&A legal matters."
"She offers cost reasonableness and timely responses."
"She responds quickly to our requests, narrowing down review points to meet our needs. The cost is reasonable."
Work highlights
Advising a major Japanese utility company on directors' liability investigation relating to an antitrust violation in the electricity and gas sector. Following Japan Fair Trade Commission orders, the team's independent investigation led to successful litigation against a former director for breach of duties, resulting in full compensation payment of ¥69.78 million ($0.47 million). The matter demonstrates rare acceptance of director liability in Japanese cartel cases.
Key clients
Noritsu Koki Co, Recruit Co, Toyota Motor Corporation
Atsumi & Sakai is a leading full-service law firm offering a range of counsel services pertaining to most financial and corporate law matters. The firm has an excellent reputation for assisting startups and financial institutions on fintech-related matters. It offers additional strength in the energy, infrastructure and real-estate sectors. The firm is also known for its expertise in securitisation, covered bonds and similar structured finance transactions. Go Fujimoto and Yusuke Miura are key contacts. The firm strengthened its partnership with two significant lateral hires in 2024. Akiko Hosokawa joined from Baker McKenzie in June, bringing extensive experience in banking, financial regulation and trust law. The firm further expanded in October with the addition from Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu of Makiko Harada, who focuses on banking, project finance and data-protection matters.
Work highlights
Advising Mitsubishi Research Institute, Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City on a major PPP project for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. The development encompasses the athletes' village and its post-Games transformation into a comprehensive urban development featuring residential areas, university facilities, sports venues, retail spaces and healthcare facilities. The firm is providing full legal support including project structuring, tender documentation and process management.
Key clients
Mitsubishi HC Capital
Corporate and M&A boutique Hibiya-Nakata focuses on Japanese outbound and inbound M&A. It is regularly retained by major banks and leading corporations in Japan for high-profile outbound deals. Despite being a smaller-sized firm, Hibiya-Nakata prides itself on the quality of work provided, especially in cross-border M&A work. Key figures include Nobuo Nakata and Tatsuya Soeda.
Work highlights
Advising Avant Group on establishing an Indian joint venture with Cygnet Infotech Private. The deal involves forming DivaCygnet Private, a consolidated subsidiary owned 80% by Avant Group, to develop software sales and business opportunities in India. The joint venture, capitalised at Re60 million ($0.69 million), builds on the parties' existing software development relationship to expand Avant Group's presence in the Indian market.
Advising Amita Circular Design on establishing two interconnected joint ventures in Indonesia's sustainable waste management sector. The transaction involved creating PT Amita Tamaris Lestari with PT Tamaris Prima Energi, followed by a second joint venture, PT Amita Prakarsa Hijau, between PT Amita Tamaris Lestari and PT Sari Bhakti Sejati. The complex structure aims to develop industrial waste recycling facilities, targeting operations by 2027.
Key clients
Dalton Investments, Obayashi Road Corporation, Yukon Capital Partners
Miura & Partners offers a one-stop legal solution for clients. Founded in 2019, the firm practises in sectors including corporate and M&A, finance, competition law and intellectual property. With the philosophy of “providing comprehensive legal advice and assisting clients in achieving their business goals”, the firm retains its presence both domestically and internationally. Masayuki Atsumi, Tomotake Matsuda, and Kazuo Itazaki are the key figures. The firm strengthened its dispute resolution practice with six new partners in 2024: Ayako Osugi from the Gifu District Court and Ryota Saito from the Chiba District Public Prosecutors Office joined in April; Mihiro Koeda from Nishimura and Asahi and Munetaka Takahashi from Nagashima Ohno and Tsunematsu in July; Yuko Kato joined from Torikai Law Office in September; and Taro Tanaka arrived from Legal Action Worldwide in Cox's Bazar in November. In separate moves, Takahashi also took on M&A work alongside his dispute resolution practice, while Junko Shiokawa joined the M&A team from Conyers Dill and Pearman in Hong Kong in April 2025.
Client feedback
"Miura & Partners' key strengths are their agility and ability to provide sound advice quickly." – Construction
"With a strong sense of urgency, they drafted the contract, offered insightful advice while thoroughly understanding our company's intentions, and helped facilitate smooth negotiations of the definitive agreement." – Corporate and M&A
"Their response is consistently quick." – Corporate and M&A
"They are polite and quick to respond." – Corporate and M&A
"They have a vast network with other firms, competitive pricing and are very quick at providing responses." – Corporate and M&A
"Their responsiveness is exceptional." – Corporate and M&A
"It was our first cross-border M&A and we had no idea how to judge terms in the SPA. However, they guided us through the tremendous challenge of drafting an SPA for acquiring an overseas finance company from a seller with extensive M&A experience. All work was completed at an astounding speed with very satisfactory outcomes. Haruka Murata was undoubtedly a real expert in cross-border M&A legal matters. We expect the same quality from the firm." – Corporate and M&A
"Their legal fees are very reasonable and their response is swift." – Corporate and M&A
"They effectively narrow down review points to meet our needs, respond quickly and offer reasonable costs." – Private equity
Haruka Murata
"Leveraging her profound legal expertise, she consistently delivers optimal solutions. Her exceptional documentation abilities enable her to rapidly prepare and review contracts."
"With a strong sense of urgency, she drafts contracts, offers insightful advice while thoroughly understanding our company's intentions, and helps facilitate smooth negotiations of definitive agreements."
"She provides quick responses and appropriate legal advice."
"Her fast response time is a strong advantage. She excels in M&A and handling international cases in English."
"She is knowledgeable and very quick to respond, with excellent depth of knowledge."
"She provides quick responses and appropriate advice."
"She has expertise in M&A, Japanese, British and other cross-border legal knowledge in contract drafting, along with extremely fast responses. She is totally fluent in Japanese and English."
"It was our first M&A transaction, and we had no idea how to judge terms in the SPA, or even which language it should be drafted in. However, she guided us through the tremendous challenge of drafting an SPA for acquiring an overseas finance company from a seller with extensive M&A experience. All work was completed at an astounding speed with very satisfactory outcomes. Haruka Murata was undoubtedly a real expert in cross-border M&A legal matters."
"She offers cost reasonableness and timely responses."
"She responds quickly to our requests, narrowing down review points to meet our needs. The cost is reasonable."
Work highlights
Advising NEC Platforms on the divestment of its point-of-sale (POS) business to a special purpose company formed by Nippon Mirai Capital. The transaction, announced in September 2024 with parent company NEC Corporation, involves carving out the POS-related operations and is scheduled to complete in August 2025.
Advised TechMatrix Corporation on its RM145 million ($33.1 million) acquisition of Malaysian cybersecurity services provider Firmus. The landmark transaction, completed in November 2024, gives TechMatrix full ownership of Firmus and a 70% indirect stake in its Singapore subsidiary, also called Firmus. The deal represents a significant Japanese investment in Asean's cybersecurity sector, enabling TechMatrix to expand its regional footprint while combining its security technology expertise with Firmus's established service capabilities across southeast Asia.
Key clients
Kadokawa Corporation, Konoike Transport Co, Marunouchi Capital
Established in 2000, top-tier firm Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu offers a full range of legal services covering all industry sectors. The firm's expertise includes banking and finance, capital markets, construction, corporate and M&A, investment funds, labour and employment, regulatory and tax. The members of its project practice team are highly experienced in all sorts of project development and project finance in Japan, representing foreign and domestic project sponsors, contractors and financiers. The banking and finance team provides high-quality legal services, advising on Japan's banking laws and practice, including structured finance, acquisition finance and project finance transactions. The firm also has a strong reputation in capital markets transactions, corporate and M&A, and dispute resolution. With an extensive transactional experience in various industries and an overseas network spanning across locations in Asia and the US, Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu is well-equipped to handle complex cross-border matters for both domestic and overseas clients.
Work highlights
Advised Mitsubishi Corporation on the landmark ¥496 billion ($3.26 billion) joint privatisation of Lawson, one of Japan's largest convenience store chains, through a strategic alliance with KDDI. The transaction, announced in February 2024, represents a significant shift in Japan's retail landscape by combining Lawson's nationwide network of 14,600 physical stores with KDDI's digital platform serving 31 million customers. The deal structure uniquely integrates "real × digital × green" elements, creating a new business model that addresses Japan's demographic challenges while advancing environmental sustainability goals.
Key clients
Chilled & Frozen Logistics Holdings Co, Net One Systems Co, Procrea Holdings
Nishimura & Asahi is established as a top-tier law firm in the country. It boasts highly reputed teams providing the full spectrum of transactions as well as complex litigation and arbitration work. With over 700 Japanese and foreign lawyers, the firm is frequently instructed by the biggest household-name corporations in Japan, and by foreign conglomerates across the financial services, automotive, technology, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing sectors. Nishimura & Asahi is also a firm with significant global connections that enable it to provide the utmost quality when it comes to matters of law. The firm’s main figures include Kohei Koikawa for capital markets, Kozo Kawai for competition, Yoshinobu Fujimoto for corporate and M&A, and Hiroyuki Tezuka for dispute resolution.
Work highlights
Advised Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group on the sale of 100% shares in MUFG Union Bank to US Bancorp, the largest regional bank in the country.
Advising Hitachi Metals on an M&A transaction that includes a tender offer for Hitachi Metals’ shares held by public shareholders.
Key clients
Goldman Sachs, H2O Retailing Corporation, Invesco Office J-REIT, Itochu Corporation, SBI Holdings, Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho, Toshiba Corporation
Oh-Ebashi LPC & Partners is a law firm with more than 150 attorneys that can handle a variety of legal matters. The firm’s strengths lie in its corporate and M&A, dispute resolution and intellectual property practices. Key contacts include Norihiro Sekiguchi, Seigo Takehira and Takuro Yamaguchi.
Work highlights
Advised Kawasaki Heavy Industries on its ¥80 billion ($520.6 million) strategic divestment of a 20% stake in Kawasaki Motors Corp Japan to Itochu Corp. The transaction, expected to complete in April 2025, represents a significant restructuring in Japan's industrial manufacturing sector. The deal required complex regulatory approvals across multiple jurisdictions and involved intricate negotiations between two of Japan's leading industrial groups.
Key clients
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Nippon Shokubai Co, Solable
Corporate specialist firm Tokyo International Law Office focuses on international and cross-border transactions. The firm has a solid record facilitating outbound M&A deals by Japanese corporations, joint venture projects with foreign partners, as well as inbound transactions including buyouts, tender offers, carve-outs and mergers. It has a wealth of experience in the automobile, chemicals, manufacturing, entertainment, consumer goods, healthcare and financial services industries. The firm also has close cooperation with more than 150 affiliated foreign local firms in a multitude of jurisdictions. Mikiharu Mori and Koki Yamada are co-managing partners. The firm bolstered its senior ranks in 2024 with seven strategic hires. Notable additions include senior counsel Hidetaka Mihara from Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu and partner Junzaburo Kiuchi from EY Law in capital markets and corporate, former prosecutor Masayuki Otake as counsel in investigations, and partners Makiko Kawamura from EY Tax and Hojung Jun from Baker McKenzie Tokyo in corporate and construction. Counsel Pavitra Iyer departed for Mitsui OSK Lines.
Work highlights
Advised Rohto Pharmaceutical as lead counsel on its $592 million acquisition of Singapore-based traditional Chinese medicine company Eu Yan Sang, alongside minority investor Mitsui & Co. The complex transaction involved acquiring 86% of shares through a Singapore special purpose vehicle, followed by a mandatory takeover offer under Singapore's Takeovers Code. The deal required intricate structuring to address multiple regulatory requirements including Singapore listing rules, Japanese securities regulations and cross-border merger control clearances, while incorporating warranty and indemnity insurance coverage.
Key clients
Amp Solar Group, Inoac Corporation, JSR Corporation, Nagase
Atsumi & Sakai is a leading full-service law firm offering a range of counsel services pertaining to most financial and corporate law matters. The firm has an excellent reputation for assisting startups and financial institutions on fintech-related matters. It offers additional strength in the energy, infrastructure and real-estate sectors. The firm is also known for its expertise in securitisation, covered bonds and similar structured finance transactions. Go Fujimoto and Yusuke Miura are key contacts. The firm strengthened its partnership with two significant lateral hires in 2024. Akiko Hosokawa joined from Baker McKenzie in June, bringing extensive experience in banking, financial regulation and trust law. The firm further expanded in October with the addition from Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu of Makiko Harada, who focuses on banking, project finance and data-protection matters.
Work highlights
Successfully represented multiple international institutional investors in a ¥9 billion ($61 million) damages claim against Toshiba Corporation over mis-statements in annual reports. The complex multi-jurisdictional matter, concluded in March 2024, involved laws from seven jurisdictions and required coordination among foreign asset managers, global custodians and investment funds. The case marks one of Japan's largest securities litigation matters involving institutional investors.
City-Yuwa Partners is noted for its expertise in a wide range of practice areas, including banking and finance, M&A, as well as dispute resolution and employment. With many of the lawyers at City-Yuwa having additional professional qualifications and expertise, such as being patent lawyers and certified public accountants, the firm is highly capable of solving any legal issues. Tomohiro Tanamura and Nobuyuki Sakuraba are key contacts.
Work highlights
Representing Y.Jacobs Medical in a ¥3.7 billion ($25 million) patent and trade secret infringement action against a major Japanese medical corporation. The ongoing case involves complex cross-border elements requiring coordination of evidence from Korean patent trials, criminal proceedings and Japanese medical regulatory matters. The matter demonstrates novel approaches to evidence collection across multiple jurisdictions in medical device patent litigation.
Key clients
Contrack Watts, SBI Aruhi Corporation, Life Insurance Association of Japan
Miura & Partners offers a one-stop legal solution for clients. Founded in 2019, the firm practises in sectors including corporate and M&A, finance, competition law and intellectual property. With the philosophy of “providing comprehensive legal advice and assisting clients in achieving their business goals”, the firm retains its presence both domestically and internationally. Masayuki Atsumi, Tomotake Matsuda, and Kazuo Itazaki are the key figures. The firm strengthened its dispute resolution practice with six new partners in 2024: Ayako Osugi from the Gifu District Court and Ryota Saito from the Chiba District Public Prosecutors Office joined in April; Mihiro Koeda from Nishimura and Asahi and Munetaka Takahashi from Nagashima Ohno and Tsunematsu in July; Yuko Kato joined from Torikai Law Office in September; and Taro Tanaka arrived from Legal Action Worldwide in Cox's Bazar in November. In separate moves, Takahashi also took on M&A work alongside his dispute resolution practice, while Junko Shiokawa joined the M&A team from Conyers Dill and Pearman in Hong Kong in April 2025.
Client feedback
"Miura & Partners' key strengths are their agility and ability to provide sound advice quickly." – Construction
"With a strong sense of urgency, they drafted the contract, offered insightful advice while thoroughly understanding our company's intentions, and helped facilitate smooth negotiations of the definitive agreement." – Corporate and M&A
"Their response is consistently quick." – Corporate and M&A
"They are polite and quick to respond." – Corporate and M&A
"They have a vast network with other firms, competitive pricing and are very quick at providing responses." – Corporate and M&A
"Their responsiveness is exceptional." – Corporate and M&A
"It was our first cross-border M&A and we had no idea how to judge terms in the SPA. However, they guided us through the tremendous challenge of drafting an SPA for acquiring an overseas finance company from a seller with extensive M&A experience. All work was completed at an astounding speed with very satisfactory outcomes. Haruka Murata was undoubtedly a real expert in cross-border M&A legal matters. We expect the same quality from the firm." – Corporate and M&A
"Their legal fees are very reasonable and their response is swift." – Corporate and M&A
"They effectively narrow down review points to meet our needs, respond quickly and offer reasonable costs." – Private equity
Haruka Murata
"Leveraging her profound legal expertise, she consistently delivers optimal solutions. Her exceptional documentation abilities enable her to rapidly prepare and review contracts."
"With a strong sense of urgency, she drafts contracts, offers insightful advice while thoroughly understanding our company's intentions, and helps facilitate smooth negotiations of definitive agreements."
"She provides quick responses and appropriate legal advice."
"Her fast response time is a strong advantage. She excels in M&A and handling international cases in English."
"She is knowledgeable and very quick to respond, with excellent depth of knowledge."
"She provides quick responses and appropriate advice."
"She has expertise in M&A, Japanese, British and other cross-border legal knowledge in contract drafting, along with extremely fast responses. She is totally fluent in Japanese and English."
"It was our first M&A transaction, and we had no idea how to judge terms in the SPA, or even which language it should be drafted in. However, she guided us through the tremendous challenge of drafting an SPA for acquiring an overseas finance company from a seller with extensive M&A experience. All work was completed at an astounding speed with very satisfactory outcomes. Haruka Murata was undoubtedly a real expert in cross-border M&A legal matters."
"She offers cost reasonableness and timely responses."
"She responds quickly to our requests, narrowing down review points to meet our needs. The cost is reasonable."
Work highlights
Representing Japanese investors in a landmark investment treaty arbitration against Switzerland over the write-off of Credit Suisse AT1 bonds worth $200 million. The case, initiated in December 2024, challenges Swiss regulatory actions during Credit Suisse's emergency sale to UBS that rendered these Additional Tier 1 capital instruments worthless. This groundbreaking dispute marks Japan's first collective funded investment arbitration case and could set significant precedents for government accountability in international banking regulation.
Successfully represented Tokyo Metropolitan Television Broadcasting Corporation (Tokyo MX) in a complex dispute over transaction fees worth ¥591 million. The case, concluded in September 2024, involved allegations of round-tripping fraud in an international business venture. The court fully upheld Tokyo MX's claims for payment while dismissing all counterclaims, enabling complete recovery of the disputed fees plus three-and-a-half years' interest before the appeal concluded.
Nishimura & Asahi is established as a top-tier law firm in the country. It boasts highly reputed teams providing the full spectrum of transactions as well as complex litigation and arbitration work. With over 700 Japanese and foreign lawyers, the firm is frequently instructed by the biggest household-name corporations in Japan, and by foreign conglomerates across the financial services, automotive, technology, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing sectors. Nishimura & Asahi is also a firm with significant global connections that enable it to provide the utmost quality when it comes to matters of law. The firm’s main figures include Kohei Koikawa for capital markets, Kozo Kawai for competition, Yoshinobu Fujimoto for corporate and M&A, and Hiroyuki Tezuka for dispute resolution.
Work highlights
Acted as legal counsel for Shionogi in a litigation against Japan’s tax authority regarding an issue arising from an in-kind contribution of a partnership interest for the development of a drug to fight AIDS.
TMI Associates, one of the five largest law firms in Japan, has broad expertise across corporate and M&A, dispute resolution, intellectual property and regulatory matters. In particular, the firm has good expertise in the IP arena as it houses a strong bench of practitioners skilled in handling the full spectrum of domestic and cross-border contentious and non-contentious matters. The firm also has a proven track record advising clients in the banking, consumer goods and services, manufacturing, and media and entertainment sectors. TMI Associates’ connections to several major global firms and joint ventures ensures it can offer seamless and outstanding legal services both foreign and domestic. Corporate and M&A specialists Masakazu Iwakura and Tatsuhiro Takahara, are key figures.
Work highlights
Advised Alps Alpine on successfully defending a ¥20 billion lawsuit challenging its business integration with Alpine Electronics through a share exchange transaction. The landmark Supreme Court victory in November 2024 conclusively upheld the validity of both the share exchange procedure and ratio, rejecting claims by Oasis Investments II Master Fund and Oasis Japan Strategic Fund. The case set a significant precedent for Japanese M&A transactions by affirming the courts' approach to evaluating the fundamental validity of share exchange structures, not merely the consideration aspects.
Key clients
Dwango Co, Meta Platforms, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings
Atsumi & Sakai is a leading full-service law firm offering a range of counsel services pertaining to most financial and corporate law matters. The firm has an excellent reputation for assisting startups and financial institutions on fintech-related matters. It offers additional strength in the energy, infrastructure and real-estate sectors. The firm is also known for its expertise in securitisation, covered bonds and similar structured finance transactions. Go Fujimoto and Yusuke Miura are key contacts. The firm strengthened its partnership with two significant lateral hires in 2024. Akiko Hosokawa joined from Baker McKenzie in June, bringing extensive experience in banking, financial regulation and trust law. The firm further expanded in October with the addition from Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu of Makiko Harada, who focuses on banking, project finance and data-protection matters.
Work highlights
Advising Mitsubishi Research Institute and Nagoya City on a PFI project for the development and operation of an international MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) facility. The project involves both rehabilitate-operate and build-transfer-operate structures for the design, construction and operation of the venue in Nagoya.
Abe Ikubo & Katayama is a market-leading intellectual property practice with a proven track record across the full range of IP, especially in IP infringement litigation. The firm offers strong technical knowledge in the fields of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, biotechnology, electronics and telecommunications. Eiji Katayama and Hiroshi Kobayashi are key contacts.
Represented Daio Paper Corporation in successfully defending against patent infringement claims brought by Nippon Paper Crecia at the Tokyo District Court. The dispute centred on Daio's extra-long toilet-paper rolls (3.2 times longer than conventional products), which Crecia alleged infringed its three patents related to surface texturing technology. The court ruled in August 2024 that Daio's specifications fell outside Crecia's patent scope.
Key clients
Cygames, Daisho Japan, Nippon Shinyaku, Pocketpair
Nishimura & Asahi is established as a top-tier law firm in the country. It boasts highly reputed teams providing the full spectrum of transactions as well as complex litigation and arbitration work. With over 700 Japanese and foreign lawyers, the firm is frequently instructed by the biggest household-name corporations in Japan, and by foreign conglomerates across the financial services, automotive, technology, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing sectors. Nishimura & Asahi is also a firm with significant global connections that enable it to provide the utmost quality when it comes to matters of law. The firm’s main figures include Kohei Koikawa for capital markets, Kozo Kawai for competition, Yoshinobu Fujimoto for corporate and M&A, and Hiroyuki Tezuka for dispute resolution.
Work highlights
Defended Amazon Services International in a lawsuit alleging that the client’s failure to distribute the plaintiff’s content constitutes a tort and breach of contract.
Advised Takeda on the sale of its subsidiary, Takeda Consumer Healthcare, to a company under the Blackstone Group and its affiliates for $2.3 billion.
Advised Heartseed, a Japanese biotech start-up, on a global collaboration and licensing agreement with Danish pharma giant Novo Nordisk.
Established in 2017, ZeLo has quickly emerged as a dynamic corporate law firm in Japan, with particular strength in mergers and acquisitions, dispute resolution and finance. The firm has developed significant expertise in emerging sectors including artificial intelligence, Web3, healthcare and mobility, while maintaining traditional corporate advisory capabilities. Its intellectual property practice, launched in 2020 and led by practice head Toshihiko Adachi, handles patent and trademark filings while supporting the firm's broader corporate work.
Work highlights
Advised GungHo Online Entertainment as exclusive patent attorney adviser on comprehensive intellectual property management and enforcement. The firm implemented a centralised IP rights management system to address staffing challenges and conducted copyright investigations for brand protection. The ongoing mandate has strengthened GungHo's IP operations and rights management efficiency despite internal talent outflow.
Advised Toyoshima & Co, a leading textile trading company, as patent attorney adviser on strategic intellectual property protection and innovation support. The firm manages multi-country patent filings and Patent Cooperation Treaty applications while developing risk-mitigated trademark strategies. The annual engagement has helped strengthen Toyoshima's global competitiveness and enabled its subcontractors to access government subsidies, potentially setting a precedent for patent rights in the fashion sector.
Key clients
Blue Industries, JCCL, SmartNews
Nishimura & Asahi is established as a top-tier law firm in the country. It boasts highly reputed teams providing the full spectrum of transactions as well as complex litigation and arbitration work. With over 700 Japanese and foreign lawyers, the firm is frequently instructed by the biggest household-name corporations in Japan, and by foreign conglomerates across the financial services, automotive, technology, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing sectors. Nishimura & Asahi is also a firm with significant global connections that enable it to provide the utmost quality when it comes to matters of law. The firm’s main figures include Kohei Koikawa for capital markets, Kozo Kawai for competition, Yoshinobu Fujimoto for corporate and M&A, and Hiroyuki Tezuka for dispute resolution.
Work highlights
Advised AT Partners on the establishment of a venture fund, AT Partners 2 Fund of $170 million.
Advised Nippon Mirai Capital, an independent Japanese investment manager, on the establishment of NMC IV Investment Limited Partnership, NMC’s fourth private equity fund.
Key clients
Angel Bridge, Aozora Corporate Investment, Enechange, Fiducia, Goldwin, MCP Capital, Nomura Holdings
Nishimura & Asahi is established as a top-tier law firm in the country. It boasts highly reputed teams providing the full spectrum of transactions as well as complex litigation and arbitration work. With over 700 Japanese and foreign lawyers, the firm is frequently instructed by the biggest household-name corporations in Japan, and by foreign conglomerates across the financial services, automotive, technology, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing sectors. Nishimura & Asahi is also a firm with significant global connections that enable it to provide the utmost quality when it comes to matters of law. The firm’s main figures include Kohei Koikawa for capital markets, Kozo Kawai for competition, Yoshinobu Fujimoto for corporate and M&A, and Hiroyuki Tezuka for dispute resolution.
Work highlights
Represented Itochu Corporation on the sale of Paidy, a leading two-sided payments platform to US online payments solutions provider PayPal Holdings.
Advised Blackstone Group on its acquisition of eight hotels from Japanese railway operator Kintetsu Group Holdings.
Advised Invesco Office J-REIT on a successful defence against an unsolicited tender offer for Invesco Office J-REIT’s investment units by Starwood Capital.
Key clients
AirAsia Aviation, Anchor Equity Partners (Asia), Goldman Sachs, Rakuten Group, The Carlyle Group
Established in 2000, top-tier firm Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu offers a full range of legal services covering all industry sectors. The firm's expertise includes banking and finance, capital markets, construction, corporate and M&A, investment funds, labour and employment, regulatory and tax. The members of its project practice team are highly experienced in all sorts of project development and project finance in Japan, representing foreign and domestic project sponsors, contractors and financiers. The banking and finance team provides high-quality legal services, advising on Japan's banking laws and practice, including structured finance, acquisition finance and project finance transactions. The firm also has a strong reputation in capital markets transactions, corporate and M&A, and dispute resolution. With an extensive transactional experience in various industries and an overseas network spanning across locations in Asia and the US, Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu is well-equipped to handle complex cross-border matters for both domestic and overseas clients.
Work highlights
Advised MGM Resorts International on the landmark ¥530 billion ($3.4 billion) project financing for Japan's first integrated resort in Osaka. The transaction, set to complete in summer 2024, marks the largest project financing in Japanese history. The pioneering deal required innovative structuring to address unique challenges in gaming industry cash flows and regulatory compliance, while managing complex stakeholder interests across real estate, construction and financing aspects of the integrated resort development on reclaimed land.
Key clients
Japan Hotel Reit Investment Corporation, MGM Resorts International, Seibu Holdings
Anderson Mori & Tomotsune, one of the largest and most diversified law firms in Japan, consistently impresses clients with its outstanding practices across almost all categories including banking and finance, capital markets, energy, disputes, funds, employment, regulatory and tax. As one of the ‘Big Four’ firms, it is a go-to firm for high-profile mandates, with a remarkable wealth of industry-specific expertise. Prominent figures in the firm include IP-focused Yasufumi Shiroyama and tax specialist Koji Fujita.
Client feedback
"Accurate and reliable output and advice." – Banking and finance
"Provides advice which is well balanced between robust logic, economics and practicality, based on deep experience of the market/product as well as a commercial mindset." – Banking and finance
"They gave us advice for structuring and helped with documentation. Their work is very constructive and appropriate." – Banking and finance
"Quick and helpful legal advisory for our overseas business." – Banking and finance
"Anderson Mori & Tomotsune is renowned for its excellence in legal services, and several attributes contribute to its strong reputation: expertise and breadth of practice, client-centric approach, international reach, strong corporate and M&A practice, client trust and longevity." – Banking and finance
"Anderson Mori & Tomotsune excels in corporate transactions, advising on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and restructuring. Their track record with major clients speaks to their capabilities." – Banking and finance
"Careful scoping, experience with regulatory submissions and regulatory work more broadly, diligence, precise work, advice, and smooth communications are very much appreciated when working with Anderson Mori & Tomotsune." – Banking and finance
"High quality and timely performance. Good understanding of market practice." – Capital markets
"Client-focused team working with flexibility." – Capital markets
" Anderson Mori & Tomotsune has in-depth knowledge of the market and provides guidance based on extensive legal expertise in competition law." – Competition/antitrust
"They are always responsive and cooperative, which makes it easy for us to consult with them." – Competition/antitrust
"They were professional, responsive, to the point, and efficient." – Corporate and M&A
"Planning good lawsuit strategy." – Corporate and M&A
"Fully understanding the characteristics of the airline industry, especially in the cargo field, and properly applying it to Japan Fair Trade Commission." – Corporate and M&A
"Anderson Mori & Tomotsune's understanding of the legal framework and theory is underpinned by its practice and know-how on actual cases from start to finish. They differentiate themselves from other law firms that have focused on documentation work and have less 'field work' experience." – Corporate and M&A
"Reasonable approach and excellent communication with non-Japanese people." – Dispute resolution
"Their team provides clients with speedy services and advice." – Dispute resolution
"Partner gives strategic but practical advice on overall litigation strategy, while managing a huge volume of individual cases consistently." – Dispute resolution
"Experienced in corporate and M&A fields, capable of providing highly insightful advice on transaction structures for clients." – Energy
"They helped us to interpret appropriately the terms of the agreements and enabled us to identify and prepare for risks involved therein." – Intellectual property
"Anderson Mori & Tomotsune is among the largest and most diversified law firms in Japan offering full corporate services. They have a flexible operational structure, and they are effective and efficient, providing solutions to legal issues of any kind." – Investment funds
"Provides reliable legal advice on complex employment law issues. They are always responsive and provide deliverables in a timely manner. Good at supporting clients taking smart risks." – Labour and employment
"Responses are quick and accurate. Excellent understanding of customer situations. Extensive experience in advising on dispute resolution." – Labour and employment
"Because they have lawyers specialised in a wide range of fields, we can consult them on a wide range of issues and receive appropriate solutions." – Labour and employment
"One-stop support including overseas regions (with local offices and local partner offices)." – Media and entertainment
"They have nourished their understanding of our company's business through long relationships and gave us appropriate advice based on such understanding." – Privacy and data protection
"Responsive and value for money." – Real estate
"Good balance between legal and business needs." – Real estate
"Full-service firm. Charges are reasonable. Responsive and quick turnaround time." – Real estate
"Anderson are very expert on securities laws, tax issues, and in understanding how incentive plans operate in Japan. They are also excellent in English, timely in their work delivery, and good value. They are also highly respected in the Japanese market." – Regulatory
Osamu Adachi
"I appreciate the careful scoping, quality of the reviews and advice provided, diligence and responsiveness to queries and requests from myself and my stakeholders, and smooth communications overall by Osamu Adachi and his associate partners and team."
Kei Akagawa
"Strategic planning of the lawsuit."
"Kei Akagawa is good at handling a number of litigations and associated legal issues in a timely manner."
"Kei provides critical key comments in summary, leads his big team effectively, and is flexible with budgets and assignments."
"Litigation and negotiations."
"Deep understanding and immediate response to client requests."
Yoshinori Aoyagi
"Deep insight and good knowledge of industry."
Taro Awataguchi
"Taro's strongest point is that he can put theory into practice by undertaking actual cases where legal interpretations/framework have been challenged. He communicates well. He listens to the client's needs, considers a variety of options for clients to consider, articulates legal nuances and grey zone matters, and communicates quite effectively with legal counsel on the other side of the table."
"Extensive knowledge and experience."
Yukiko Imazu
"Extensive business knowledge. Excellent understanding of customer situations. Provides clear answers. Has the ability to solve problems."
Hiroshi Ishihara
"He has an extensive international network, which helps us resolve any issues arising in overseas jurisdictions."
Naoyuki Kabata
"Technically very sound. Very experienced real estate partner. Responsive to clients' instructions."
Ken Kobayashi
"Expert in real estate financing. He not only has extensive knowledge of the related laws and practices in the market but understands the business needs very well and provides practical solutions. Leverages the knowledge and resources within the firm to effectively achieve a balanced outcome."
"His advice with regard to our business is very practical and constructive. He is also approachable and reliable for finance transactions."
"He has wide and deep knowledge and experience, especially in real estate transaction and financing markets. Business sense is also one of his strengths, which may have been acquired through his experience working on the business side in a global investment bank."
Junichi Kondo
"He always gives us helpful legal advice in a concise manner."
"Very client-oriented and excellent communicator."
Nobuyuki Maeyama
"Extensive legal practice, M&A transactions and compliance advice, trustee in bankruptcy, educational background and international exposure."
Mariko Nagata
"Very useful and quick legal advisory."
Takashi Nakazaki
"He has extensive knowledge and experience, especially in ICT and data privacy law."
Koichi Saito
"Expert in tax and securities laws; good communicator in English; works to tight deadlines; good value."
Kei Sasaki
"Responsive and knowledgeable."
Takehisa Sato
"Deep understanding of the product."
Hironori Shibata
"His advice is clear, logical, well-balanced and reliable. He is the person to go to when dealing with something very challenging."
Reiji Takahashi
"Deep expertise."
Yuhki Tanaka
"Very deep knowledge. Helps take risks."
Akira Tanaka
"Overall strength in tax law."
Daisuke Tanimoto
"Accurate and reliable output and advice."
Ko Wakabayashi
"Deep understanding of Chinese client needs, extensive transaction experience, diligent and responsible."
"Customer focus."
Hiroki Wakabayashi
"Deep knowledge of litigation, including how judges would think about the cases and proceed with the cases."
"He was very professional, responsive, and we loved working with him."
Kiyoko Yagami
"Her attitude is that she positively and accurately tries to understand our requirements on how to approach or explain matters to the Japan Fair Trade Commission."
Atsushi Yamada
"Atsushi has in-depth expertise in competition law and is able to provide clear and actionable guidance on short notice. He always makes himself available and meets deadlines."
Kenichi Yamamoto
"Excellent and polite."
Work highlights
Advised WOWOW, one of Japan's largest satellite broadcasters, on its investment in a digital media company. The transaction required comprehensive due diligence focusing on business risk management specific to web media operations, including assessment of potential social media controversies, fact-checking protocols and advertising regulation compliance. The firm provided full transaction support including document review and risk analysis.
Advised eek, a leading Japanese e-sports consulting and player agency, on developing comprehensive legal documentation for its operations. The work involved creating template agreements for player representation, sponsorship and team transfers, while addressing unique aspects of digital competitions including employment law, intellectual property and commercial rights in Japan's emerging e-sports sector.
Key clients
Kingyo Films, Rakuten Vissel Kobe
