TMI Associates is one of the fastest-growing law firms in Japan. The firm was established in 1990 and now has 556 attorneys with six domestic offices in Tokyo, Kobe, Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto and Fukuoka and 10 overseas offices in Bangkok, Beijing, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, London, Phnom Penh, Shanghai, Silicon Valley, Singapore and Yangon. It also has overseas practice groups and joint venture arrangements.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm was originally focused on intellectual property but has since become transactionally active in a wide range of practice areas including corporate and M&A, finance, projects and debt capital markets.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Aozora Bank, BNP Paribas Securities, Deutsche Securities, Daiwa Securities, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Mizuho Trust & Banking, and Nomura Securities.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the research cycle, the firm was busy handling transactions in banking, M&A, debt capital markets and project areas.
The firm’s banking and finance team was active in assisting clients in financial matters including corporate finance, structured finance, project finance, securitization, liquidation, real estate finance, REITs, acquisition finance, derivative transactions, banking, securities, insurance and trusts. Apart from actively advising sponsors and investors in project finance, the firm was also actively involved in the development of energy projects.
In the capital market, the firm was preoccupied with transactions related to IPOs, share capital increases, debenture issues and sovereign bond issues, and often advised underwriters and issuers.
In the M&A market, the firm was active in numerous squeeze-out transactions representing both private equity funds and targets. The firm also worked for numerous public companies across all industries and market capitalisations in defending against a wide array of shareholder activism campaigns.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
¥2.6 billion acquisition of Japanese real estate and financing by a Singapore-listed REIT.
Malayan Banking Berhad’s Japanese yen bonds - ninth series to eleventh series.
SMBC Nikko Securities Inc.’s ¥1 trillion update of Euro Medium Term Note Programme.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Asset finance
“TMI respond swiftly and pragmatically. They keep to their fee quotes. It is a pleasure to work with the team of Koshimoto-sensei.”
Banking and finance
“We have been well satisfied by the firm, especially Mr. Hideaki Kurauchi’s commercial awareness and specialisation in logistics facilities; he used to work in our office and well knows our organisation and business.”
“We have highly evaluated the firm’s past work, especially its expertise, client-orientated work/communication and business awareness.”
“Lot of knowledge and experience.”
Financial services regulatory
“The authority somehow didn't understand precedents and was not easy for our Type II registration. TMI's communication with the authority was beyond the legal service, patiently and softly showing precedents and making the authority understand their inconsistencies.”
Project development
“They have experience and knowledge of this business field and provide us with proper advice.”
Hideaki Kurauchi
“He has a deep understanding of the intricacies of the banking and finance industry, and he has been able to provide valuable insights and guidance in our real estate transactions. His communication skill is top-notch, and he made sure to keep us informed every step of the way.”
“I recently worked with Mr. Hideaki Kurauchi, who I found to be incredibly knowledgeable and experienced in the banking and finance field. I was also impressed with his ability to navigate complex regulations and requirements, and his commitment to finding the best solution for our specific needs. I highly recommend Mr. Hideaki Kurauchi to any colleagues in the real estate industry looking for a trusted and experienced banking and finance lawyer.”
Mizuki Koshimoto
“He has a lot of knowledge and experience of project finance – and good hospitality.”
“He has good knowledge about relevant laws and provides us with appropriate advice promptly.”
“He has superior knowledge of the renewable energy field and gives us professional advice.”
Tsugumichi Watanabe
“His advice is always very helpful and concise. He has the ability to explain everything plainly.”
