Anderson Mori & Tomotsune
Anderson Mori & Tomotsune is one of Japan’s “Big Four” independent firms with a history traced back to 1952 as O'Gorman, Nattier & Anderson, before taking its current name following the merger with Tomotsune & Kimura in 2005. The firm has close to 450 attorneys and offices in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore and Jakarta.
The firm is a leading full-service firm and is strong across the board in financial and corporate transactional matters. It excels in capital markets work where it has a strong reputation in the primary offerings of samurai bonds, uridashi offerings, J-Reits, equity offerings, and international offerings of convertible bonds by Japanese issuers.
During the past research cycle, the firm continued to remain active across different practice areas. The banking and finance team regularly assisted clients in relation to complex financial transactions and regulatory matters. Notable transactions including advising on Taisho Pharma’s going-private, which is Japan's largest-ever management buyout with the transaction value of more than JPY 700 billion (US$4.44 billion).
The firm's recent notable highlights in the capital markets and corporate sector include assisting Daiwa House in a $1.3 billion international public offering for its convertible bonds, and the strategic partnership between Apollo Funds and Panasonic Automotive Systems.
Key clients of the firm include Aozora Bank, Apollo Global Management, Blackstone Singapore, Bain Capital, Hillhouse Investment Management, Mizuho Bank, MUFG Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Sumitomo Trust and Banking Co., JERA, and Electric Power Development.
"Dedicated team, quality of advice, team organization, quick response, speed, flexibility and deep knowledge and experience of financial regulation." (M&A client)
"They support us with their high level of expertise in a wide range of fields, including finance, EPC, O&M, chartering, and others. In particular, they provide high-quality services in a short period of time, which is essential in project development where quick response is required.” (Project development client)
"Quick response and detailed explanation." (Financial services regulatory client)
"High quality service level." (Banking and finance client)
"High-quality services in a timely manner with reasonable cost." (Banking and finance client)
“Industrial knowledge and quality of documents." (Equity capital markets client)
"AMT's advice coming from Ando-sensei's unparalleled deal experience is always extremely helpful for underwriters to navigate issuers appropriately based on reasonable logic." (Equity capital markets client)
"The partner did really well and was very helpful on the negotiation, leveraging his domestic transaction expertise for the tender offer." (M&A client)
"Lateral coordination of M&A and finance, intellectual property, and other teams.” (Private equity client)
"The overall quality of the firm’s other attorneys is exceptionally high. We have worked with many of them, and one of the firm’s key strengths is the consistently high level of expertise across its lawyers, with minimal variation in quality." (Project finance client)
“Good at client management, deal lead, negotiates with the counter party, quick response to his client, provides deep knowledge of regulations.”
“He supports us with a high level of expertise in a wide range of fields, including finance, EPC, O&M, chartering, and others. In particular, he provides high-quality services in a short period of time, which is essential in project development where quick response is required.”
"High expertise in legal matters concerning derivatives transactions."
"High-quality advice and expertise."
"Great work as our underwriter’s counsel.”
"In-depth knowledge and understanding about the financial laws and regulations."
"Raku-sensei has very extensive expertise on Japanese tender offer transactions. He proactively shares his intelligence and advice with his client."
"His advice from his deep deal experiences in all situations is extremely helpful. His advice is always practical."
"We highly value the support of Mr. Takeuchi, a partner at the firm, who has been providing legal advice on domestic project finance transactions for over a decade. Thanks to this long-standing relationship, he has a deep understanding of our bank’s risk-taking policies. As a result, he is able to offer not only formal legal judgments but also sound business advice, which greatly contributes to the smooth progress of our projects."
Atsumi & Sakai
Atsumi & Sakai was formed in 1994 as Atsumi & Usui before adopting its current name in 2010 following the acquisition of a practice group from TMI Associates. The firm has close to 150 lawyers and offices in Tokyo, London and Frankfurt. It was the first Japanese law firm to register as a joint venture between Japanese and foreign lawyers in 2005, and in 2013 it formed a joint venture with the German law practice of Markus Janssen. In 2021, the firm launched an affiliate office in New York, Atsumi & Sakai New York. In 2025, the firm launched an affiliate office in the port city of Osaka.
The firm is best known for its structured finance and securitisation work but also has a strong project development and finance practice.
Throughout the research cycle, the firm continues to advise multiple multi-million-dollar financing transactions in the banking, capital markets, M&A and project sectors. With a focus on project finance, acquisition finance and asset finance, the firm advises clients across a wide range of financing transactions and services.
A major focus of the firm's capital markets practice is to provide guidance on structuring, SPC formation, and related regulatory issues to originators, arrangers, trustees and institutional investors.
Over the past year, the firm bolstered its capabilities in banking and finance, corporate M&A, and project sectors with the hiring of lists of partners including Atsushi Tabata, Akiko Hosokawa, Makiko Harada, Christopher Hodgens and Akiko Hosokawa.
Key clients of the firm include Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Financial Services Agency, HyAS & Co., Sumitomo life Insurance, Oasis Management Company, Sega Sammy Holdings, Mitsubishi Research Institute, and The Japan Research Institute.
"What we value is the ability to provide timely and accurate support, based on a deep understanding of our business and position, even amid differing legal systems in Japan and overseas." (Banking and finance client)
“Detailed service, prompt advice." (M&A client)
"They are individually specialized, have a good understanding of business, and can cover a wide range of areas as a team."(M&A client)
"Legal knowledge and client-first attitude." (Project development client)
"Responsive. Clear advice. Approachable. Not overly 'legalistic’." (Project development client)
"We have a good relationship partner – Daniel Jarrett. Daniel leads us to various practice areas on Japanese law matters. Daniel's quality control is very effective. Good team and wide variety of expertise." (Project finance client)
"English fluency; expertise in M&A."
"He always seeks the best solution for his clients."
"He and his team provided qualified legal services on due diligence, contract document review, legal advice, and labor relations regarding M&A and healthcare services. Additionally, he manages and supervises his team's work well to control service quality."
"Responsive. Clear. Manages team and deadlines."
"Ms. Oikawa has experience being seconded to our company, and she has a deep understanding of our business and the legal issues associated with it. Based on this understanding, she provides precise legal advice on individual matters from the client’s perspective, with a strong sense of empathy."
City-Yuwa Partners
City-Yuwa Partners was established in 2003 following the merger of Yuwa Partners and the law department of Tokyo City Law & Tax Partners. The firm, headquartered in Tokyo, boasts a team of 123 esteemed legal professionals.
The firm specialises in a variety of legal fields including litigation, insolvency and real estate. In addition to these areas, the firm has expanded its services to include transactional work in the realms of capital markets, banking, investment funds and project development.
During the past research cycle, the firm has continued to advise on both regulatory issues and transactions, representing Japanese mega banks, trust banks, regional banks, international banks, securities firms and finance companies.
In corporate and M&A, the firm assisted in outbound foreign direct investments and M&A by Japanese investors in China, Vietnam and other Asian countries, as well as inbound foreign direct investments and M&A by foreign investors in Japan.
The project team regularly advises on offshore wind projects and regulatory and compliance matters under the Electricity Utilities Industry Law.
"There is good legal counsel with whom I have worked on several deals (from the firm). He is highly experienced in legal matters related to financing work, such as project investment schemes, non-recourse loan documentation, and other relevant legal issues. His team members are always dedicated and helpful as well.” (Project finance client)
“Professional approach for processing of financial materials, including the setting of mortgages to ships under Marshall Islands laws.” (Financial services regulatory client)
“Good knowledge of the industry. We have worked many years with them. We are a foreign bank in Japan, it is difficult to communicate with our clients with Japanese culture. City-Yuwa is rich in culture not only in Japan but also Thailand and Hong Kong etc. They have good communication flexibility. They are very supportive to us not only in terms of services provided.” (Asset finance client)
"It's very easy to communicate my requests to him, and he can incorporate them into the documentation. His wording skills are very valuable to us.”
"He does well in every aspect, his knowledge is very good, very responsible. We had some challenging deals for new financing deals, but he provides us with effective knowledge every time."
"Advises on our query on Marshall Islands' laws. Sometime our queries are vague, but she listens carefully and tries to understand the point in question, to which precise advice is provided.”
Masuda & Partners Law Office
Masuda & Partners Law Office is a financial and corporate law firm established in 2008 by partner Eiji Masuda and others.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is strongest in business law and the corporate sector. The firm's capabilities include M&A, compliance and corporate governance, and securitization and financial products. The firm is also experienced in providing legal advice on the Companies Act and the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.
The firm is very active in areas such as issuance of securities (public and private offerings), disclosure of corporate information, takeover bids, large shareholding reports, unfair trading such as insider trading, and business regulations and conduct regulations related to financial instruments business operators.
The firm also regularly provides legal advice on compliance/corporate governance to banks, securities companies, insurance companies and other financial institutions, manufacturing industries, service industries, IT companies
Miura & Partners
Miura & Partners was established in 2019 by former Mori Hamada & Matsumoto partner, Ryota Miura. The firm now has more than 100 lawyers with offices in Tokyo, Nagoya and Hiroshima. Apart from those locations, the firm has launched a strategic alliance with San Francisco-based law firm Yorozu Law Group and rebranded as Miura & Partners (US) in April 2023. It also commenced a business alliance with Indonesian law firm Atama Law and started operations as the M&P Jakarta Office in April 2023.
The firm is primarily focused on M&A, joint ventures, finance, and corporate and financial regulation across the technology, blockchain, startup, fintech, big data, medical and healthcare sectors.
Over the last year, the company has consistently provided guidance on both local and international mergers and acquisitions, as well as tackling anti-competition concerns, hostile takeovers and proxy disputes. Furthermore, the firm offers assistance with regulatory tasks such as developing plans, conducting thorough investigations, creating contracts and managing post-closing matters.
Some notable transactions that occurred during the research cycle include advising on FFFJ K.K.'s acquisition of McDonald's Japan business, as well as TechMatrix Corporation's acquisition of Firmus.
Key clients of the firm include Yamato Holdings, SBI Holdings, NEC Platforms, Techmatrix Corporation, and Konoike Transport.
“This project did not have much time to respond, and they responded quickly to our request, capturing the important key points.” (M&A client)
“Quick response and has a lot of practical ideas.” (M&A client)
"Realistic advice with understanding of our business." (Financial services regulatory client)
"Appropriate legal advice based on a deep understanding of our whole group." (Financial services regulatory client)
"Knowledge and expertise in overseas investment agreements." (Investment funds client)
"Easy communication, high comprehension, and high level of expertise." (Project finance client)
"Focusing on LP contracts, developing risk identification tactics customized for individual clients, and quickly responding to any issues." (Investment funds client)
“Prompt and professional. The wide area of expertise and competitive fee.” (Project development client)
"She is quick to respond and precise in her content. She is flexible and responsive to our difficult requests. She is persistent in proposing good solutions."
"Good knowledge and expertise in overseas investment agreements and quick responses and ability to explain things concisely.”
"She gave prompt, appropriate and precise legal support."
"Very quick response. Assigns the best lawyer in their office suitable for the case."
"It was our first-time M&A. So, we had no idea about how we should judge terms on SPA. However, she took us through the tremendous hurdle of drafting SPA in buying an overseas finance company from a company with extensive M&A experience. All the work was done at an astounding speed and it left us with a very satisfactory outcome. Haruka Murata of Miura & Partners was undoubtedly a real expert in M&A legal matters."
"She has the skill of building a good relationship with the client. For example, her explanation is very understandable, logical and practical. Therefore, it is very easy for us to adapt her advice and opinion internally."
"Good understanding of our business structure.”
"I believe he has a broad understanding of Japanese law, but we mainly consult with him on matters related to product labeling and business strategies."
"Familiarity with LP investments, excellent assistance provided to customers, and the efficiency of response time."
Mori Hamada
Mori Hamada is one of Japan’s “Big Four” law firms. As a full-service law firm with headquarters in Tokyo, the root of the firm can be traced back to 1971 with the establishment of Mori Sogo. In December 2002, Mori Hamada & Matsumoto was established by the merger of Mori Sogo and Hamada & Matsumoto.
The firm now has more than 700 lawyers including 155 foreign lawyers in offices across major cities and regions such as Beijing, Shanghai and Singapore. The firm also offers broad local and international capability in ASEAN countries including Thailand (Chandler MHM), Myanmar (Myanmar Legal MHM), Vietnam (MHM Vietnam), and Indonesia (ATD Law in association with MHM). Apart from its Tokyo office, the firm also has branches in Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka and Takamatsu.
The firm is best known for banking and finance, capital markets, M&A, private equity and project development, often assisting domestic and overseas conglomerates, financial institutions and government organisations.
The firm’s banking and finance team was very busy advising clients in major transactions and related regulatory mandates on corporate loans, structured finance, real estate finance, acquisition finance and mezzanine finance. Recent deal highlights include advising JIC Capital on acquisition finance for a tender offer bid for JSR Corporation.
In M&A and private equity, the firm was preoccupied in major domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions advising both buyside. and sellside, including advising Hulic on its acquisition of Raysum.
In the project space, the firm leads on transactions in the energy sector including offshore wind, biomass, photovoltaic, and PFI/PPP/infrastructure, and represented several major utilities in domestic and foreign projects assisting sponsors, lenders and other stakeholders.
Key clients include Apollo Management, Bain Capital, Blackstone, The Japanese Bankers Association (JBA), MUFG Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Mizuho Bank, Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley, Daiwa Securities, Mizuho Securities, SoftBank, Japan Post Holdings, KKR, Tepco Renewable Power, and Tokyo Gas.
"Industry knowledge, responsiveness and quality of legal works." (Asset finance client)
"High quality for legal advice and stable transaction." (Banking and finance client)
"They have a lot of knowledge about LBO loans that we need and they respond quickly."(Banking and finance client)
"Prompt response, detailed analysis." (Banking and finance client)
"Mori Hamada & Matsumoto has excellent expertise and can support us even with risks that we are not aware of." (Banking and finance client)
"We value Mori Hamada's ability to provide high-quality legal advice and prompt document preparation services." (Capital markets client)
"Mori Hamada possesses unparalleled expertise in the field of capital markets in Japan. Our company is an asset management firm for a J-REIT, and their support is indispensable for fundraising in the capital markets for the J-REIT. Particularly in highly innovative projects, the practical advice provided by Mori Hamada's lawyers enables us to tackle new challenges without any issues. They consistently stay abreast of the latest legal regulations and practices, ensuring appropriate solutions even when faced with unprecedented situations." (Capital markets client)
"Mori Hamada & Matsumoto has deep experience in J-REIT-related matters and real estate transactions, which allows them to quickly identify and address industry-specific legal issues. We value their proven track record in successfully handling similar equity financing and large-scale property deals, which makes us confident in the reliability and quality of their work. In addition, their team of experts is well organized, and communication is always smooth. They proactively share updates and anticipate potential issues, which helps us stay ahead in the process."(Capital markets client)
“Professional skill and wide range of knowledge." (Capital markets client)
"Professional and friendly advice." (Leveraged finance client)
"They know much about the trend of M&A deals and how to proceed with the deal advantageously to the client." (M&A client)
"Extensive knowledge of M&A." (M&A client)
"The team at Mori Hamada & Matsumoto is extremely kind and responsive, addressing our concerns with great care. Their advice is always accurate and practical, making it highly valuable for our business operations. Additionally, their ability to explain complicated legal issues in a clear and understandable manner sets them apart. We also appreciate their collaborative approach and professionalism." (M&A client)
"They have a strong understanding of our business and its specific characteristics, which enables them to provide appropriate legal advice on each matter. In particular, they demonstrate a clear understanding of our objectives, and even when the originally planned approach poses legal issues, they provide guidance on alternative ways to achieve our goals." (M&A client)
"Deep understanding on banking regulations in Japan." (M&A client)
"Detailed knowledge and knowhow on M&A and very reliable without errors and mistakes." (M&A client)
"Flexibility in advice based on our needs." (Private equity client)
"Strategic and practical, not battling style." (Private equity client)
"Responsiveness, in-depth expertise in the field of energy in Japan." (Project development client)
"Their industry and market knowledge is exceptional. Their advice is grounded in extensive experience from past projects and solid legal expertise. They also maintain strong connections with the Japanese government through various interactions, including secondment arrangements and committee activities, which further enhance their competency." (Project development client)
"They have very experienced and skilled lawyers." (Project development client)
"They possess a comprehensive understanding of our business and industry, coupled with extensive knowledge of pertinent laws and regulations, derived from substantial project experience. Additionally, they maintain strong governmental relationships, which further substantiate their profound understanding of the industry, market, and regulatory framework."(Project development client)
"High level of expertise and fast response." (Project finance client)
"I liked the fact that they were able to accurately grasp the facts and the arguments of both sides, and then gave me appropriate, considerate advice that took into account both parties' positions." (Project finance client)
"Advising on the legal strategies against shareholders activism."
"He communicates efficiently, shows a precise understanding of our issues, and provides prompt responses."
"Good at general corporate law, M&A, litigation."
"Wide range of legal knowledge, finds solutions and well-balanced advice taking legal perspective and business perspective."
"Thorough job in a short period of time."
"For the renewable energy power generation projects we handle through project finance, we are able to quickly respond to frequently changing systems and provide appropriate advice based on an understanding of the complex relationships with stakeholders."
"She is a legal professional specializing in the financial industry, with particular expertise in capital markets and asset management.
She is one of the most active lawyers in the real estate finance industry in Japan. She has worked on a variety of cases, including capital increases and merger projects, and has led these projects to success with her excellent legal advice."
"He knows the recent trend and market standard in M&A industry and how to lead his clients to achieve contractual terms advantageous to them in domestic and international deals. He has prominent English communication skills."
"Very good communication skills and responsiveness with excellent industry knowledge."
"Good at renewable energy field in general.”
"We appreciate that Mr. Nemoto has a broad knowledge of finance in general and is able to solve even complex problems quickly and with rational judgement."
"He demonstrates a strong understanding of our company and consistently offers flexible and well-considered advice."
"Long experience and excellent expertise on M&A, in particular, PE fund transactions. He can take appropriate risk."
"He has broad experience of fund management."
"He possesses extensive expertise in J-REITs overall and can be relied upon to handle tasks with great confidence."
"He provides services for us in the field of finance, paying close attention to the details of contracts."
"Finance and legal knowledge. Kind advice."
"Innovative and good knowledge about our business."
"He has a good knowledge of structured finance."
"Matsuda demonstrates exceptional professionalism and expertise in handling complex legal matters. He provides clear, accurate, and practical advice, which is highly beneficial for our business operations. His approachable and kind demeanor makes communication seamless and efficient, and he consistently goes the extra mile to address our concerns thoroughly."
"Leads the team. Provides necessary inputs at the right time.”
"He possesses a deep understanding of our business and industry, consistently providing legal advice that is not only appropriate but also practical and tailored to our specific needs. His insights help us navigate complex legal landscapes with confidence."
"He must be one of the best lawyers in our industry. He has extensive knowledge and experience across all phases of project development. From early-stage planning and consortium governance to construction, financing, and execution. He provides strategic, commercially sound legal guidance that consistently adds value. His deep understanding of complex project structures and regulatory landscapes makes him an indispensable partner in navigating high-stakes transactions."
Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu
Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu is one of the “Big Four” law firms in Japan. Established in 2000, the firm now has nearly 600 lawyers and seven offices outside Japan including New York, Singapore, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Jakarta and Shanghai.
The firm is well known for its integrated full-service capabilities, especially equipped with expertise in the corporate, finance and real estate market. With years of experience, the firm has gathered flexible teams of lawyers with extensive expertise both domestically and internationally covering a wide range of legal specialty areas that collaborate to handle cases expeditiously and efficiently.
Throughout the research cycle, the banking team has been active in the areas of loans, credit transactions, structured and acquisition finance, and project and real estate finance. Notable transactions include advising on the acquisition of Chilled & Frozen Logistics Holdings by SG Holdings.
The firm actively engaged in capital market transactions, encompassing a variety of global offerings by Japanese issuers in both equity and debt securities. Notable transactions include advising Panasonic Holdings Corporation’s US$500 million Senior Notes 144A/Reg S offering.
The project team was active in advising renewable energy projects, hydrogen projects, corporate power purchase agreements, carbon credit transactions, as well as green bond/finance transactions, showcasing a commitment to climate and carbon reduction strategies.
The firm announced the promotion of partner Ryuji Oka in the banking and finance sector, along with the promotion of corporate M&A partners Yusei Uji and Oki Osawa in 2025. Additionally, the projects team welcomed new counsel Tsutomu Kobayashi.
Key clients of the firm include Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Mizuho Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Morgan Stanley, Toshiba, Panasonic, Bain Capital, SoftBank, CVC Capital Partners, and Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings.
"High expertise on the product." (Banking and finance client)
"They provide timely and quick responses. They have deep knowledge and experience of capital market work." (Equity capital markets client)
"Not only advising but they tried to understand what we were trying to achieve by adopting the execution format of US listed company's offerings. Although there were no precedents, they helped us outline how we could get the deal done, although the deal has not come to live yet." (Equity Capital markets client)
"Highly sophisticated. Ability to focus on business goals and to remain available for communication with us at all times. Clearly point out legal issues and propose practical solutions on the issues." (Equity capital markets client)
"Providing well-balanced services between technical legal points and practical advice to drive a successful deal. I think its capital market partners are willing to share information with other partners and discuss with each other." (Equity capital markets client)
"Rich experience and knowledge of renewable business and related public programs." (Project development client)
"Partner (Kensuke Suzuki) quality of service (accuracy and timeliness)." (Investment funds client)
"Team consists of senior partner Akemi Suzuki and other partners, associates, paralegals and translators. They not only provide accurate and business-oriented advice but also provide practical and concrete solutions to issues that have no precedent. They are proactive and act as a member of our business team, helping us tremendously to progress such a complex project with no precedent." (Financial services regulatory client)
"Expertise is satisfactory. Response is quick." (M&A client)
"Quick response, industry expertise, and reasonable cost for its quality." (Project finance client)
"Akemi cares about our company and our people. Akemi understands our company and our people, and our business. Akemi is proactive and identifies and highlights issues that we may not be aware of and acts as a holistic business advisor. Her advice is invaluable and essential to our business."
"He provided advice based on his experience at a securities company as a secondment."
"He is highly accessible and responsive to our inquiries including general ones and provides practical solutions that satisfy our commercial objectives with understanding of commercial realities."
"Very flexible and can get hold of them even in a very busy time. Outstanding deep understanding of Japanese law and regulations related to capital markets. The above knowledge helps our global firm to seek new business opportunities, such as adopting new execution framework which is already precedented in other regions outside of Japan."
"Communicates with the client as a partner and leads project finance-related contracts review."
"The best lawyer available in Japan for asset management practice."
"Responsive and their responses are quick."
"Provides quick response to my questions and effective approach."
"Always pleasant to work with and responsive. Very familiar with the practice. Providing very logical and practical legal advice. Proposing solutions from a customer perspective."
"Good at renewable energy sector business."
TMI Associates
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.
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, securitisation, 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.
Key clients include Aozora Bank, Crédit Agricole Securities Asia, Daiwa Securities, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation, Mizuho Trust & Banking, Nomura Securities, and Nidec Corporation.
"Familiar with local laws and good communication skills." (Project development client)
"Extensive knowledge of Indian law and negotiation skills."
A&O Shearman
Shearman & Sterling is a New York-based international law firm with 850 lawyers across 23 offices. The firm’s Tokyo office leverages off its global and Asia network to carry out transactions in Greater China, southeast Asia, Japan, India, Mongolia and South Korea.
Focusses / specialisms
The particular strengthof the firm’s Tokyo team is its work in the foreign M&A, private equity, capital markets, project development and project finance practices. The M&A team focuses on outbound investments, foreign direct investments, joint ventures, and public and private acquisitions and divestitures in a wide range of industries.
The team’s lawyers are qualified to practice law in the US and the UK and are fluent in Japanese.
Key clients
Key clients include Bunge, Furusato Industries, GC Holdings, JERA, Maruka, Osaka Gas, Michinoku Bank, Toyota Motors, Itochu, Mizuho, MUFG, Nippon Export and Investment Insurance and TEPCO Renewables.
Ashurst
Ashurst is a London-headquartered multinational law firm with offices in nearly 20 countries and which has more than 1,600 partners and lawyers across a network spanning Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and North America.
The firm opened its Tokyo office in 1990 and now practises law in Japan through Ashurst Horitsu Jimusho Gaikokuho Kyodo Jigyo and provides clients with Japanese and international law capability.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is strongest in its work in the foreign project finance and project development area and is also active in debt capital markets and M&A.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Canon Medical Systems, Sumitomo Forestry, Fuyo General Lease, MOL Hong Kong, Toll Holdings, Japan Post Holdings, Mitsubishi, UFJ Lease & Finance Company and Itochu.
Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie is a Chicago-based international law firm with over 6000 lawyers across 77 offices. In Asia-Pacific it has 17 offices including in Tokyo where it is firmly entrenched in Japan’s legal market with a large practice and abundant bengoshi,
Focusses / specialisms
The firm’s Tokyo practitioners advise global and domestic clients on legal and business issues in Japan and overseas with transactional expertise in capital markets, projects and M&A.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Pacifico Energy, Export-Import Bank of India, 3M Company, Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation, Northland Power and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.
Research period review: 30th edition (2019/2020)
During the research period the firm’s debt capital markets team was highly active advising on corporate, samurai, uridashi and renewable energy projects bonds, while the equity capital markets team handled stock options.
The finance team handled acquisition financing mandates, and projects were busy with airport privatisation, solar, offshore wind, biomass, and outbound projects in cogeneration, lithium, LNG, thermal, coal, waste to energy and electricity.
The corporate team advised on joint ventures, investments, disposals and acquisitions in manufacturing, print, pulp, oil and gas, financial services, technology and consumer goods.
In December 2019 partner Jeremy Pitts retired from the firm’s banking and finance practice. The firm’s projects team was also hit with the departures of partner Anne Hung and counsel Toshio Sasaki. Counsel Yumi Watanabe also left the firm’s corporate practice.
Deal highlights: 30th edition (2019/2020)
-Ako 102MW utility scale solar power plant
-Asahi Group Holdings $11 billion acquisition financing
-Export-Import Bank of India ¥32 billion dual-tranche samurai bond issue
-KT Corporation ¥30 billion samurai bond issue
-Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation $2.9 billion acquisition of Colonial First State Global Asset Management
-Shingu cogeneration (3800KW heat/1800KW power) project
Client feedback: 30th edition (2019/2020)
Banking
“Timeliness on meeting our demands.”
“B&M's global network is very helpful for us to confirm the feasibility in creating a Japanese security. Also, they do their best to negotiate with borrower counsels.”
M&A
“Proactively analysed the situation and gave us the right advice. Properly coordinates with other external professional firms to proceed with the transaction. Timeliness when completing the tasks.”
“Creativity and advanced knowledge on tax structuring. They have plenty of experience and knowledge especially for the complex Japanese tax regime. In addition to that, they are always focusing on the clients' issues.”
“BM effectively advised the client coordinating with us in a very smooth manner in a situation that is not so precedented (acquisition of a Japanese listed target through tender offer by a foreign strategic company). The advisory work covered due diligence, negotiation with seller, coordination with administrator in the context of a tender offer process, and documentation were delivered in a very efficient manner, during an extremely tight timeframe, while also bridging language and cultural gaps.”
“Commercially realistic, solid client advice. Overall excellence.”
“Flexible approach and attentive service at reasonable fee levels.”
“Prompt response times, commercially relevant advice.”
“I worked opposite Mr. Yutaka Kimura. He represented the highest standard of professionalism, dedication, being business oriented and a real deal-maker. Mr. Kimura bridged the cultures and language and was an instrumental and crucial part in the parties’ ability to close the deal.”
“They have knowledge about M&A all over the world.”
“They minimise our risk on the asset purchase agreement and relative agreements. Also, they flexibly dealt with the seller's unreasonable requests and guided us to settle the deal smoothly.”
“Their tenacious and prompt practice to my team.”
“The law firm takes a very practical approach and understands clients' business needs.”
“They work very closely with the legal and the business team, and diligently with perseverance. Both the legal team and the business team really count on their practical advice and conscientious support. Especially, Mr. Kiyoshi Endo, a partner of the Tokyo office, we really appreciate his hands-on approach to the on-going matter. He does not delegate all the work to junior lawyers and instead, he himself understands issues very well and directly provides detailed analysis and advice to us.”
“They are responsive, approachable, they give commercial and pragmatic advice and are always happy to help.”
“They have US M&A expertise.”
“BM has a good spread of offices in locations where we do business. Our primary contacts in Japan help to facilitate involvement with the local offices whilst maintaining oversight and cost control.”
“BM consistently delivers timely, accurate, and useful advice for our teams. The level of service and priority we receive is exceptional.”
“They provided appropriate risk awareness and pre-emptive countermeasures.”
Project development
“Excellent client service, very committed to ensuring strong, open communication channels.”
“Well-resourced and client friendly; fit-for-purpose advice and solution-oriented; specialist knowledge and technical expertise in niche areas not widely available in the market.”
Clifford Chance
Clifford Chance is a London-based magic circle law firm with over 3300 lawyers and 34 offices across 23 countries. The firm opened its Tokyo office in 1987 and has been advising Japanese clients since 1974.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has foreign lawyers and Japanese bengoshi operating under a financially integrated platform offering clients inbound and outbound expertise supported by a strong global network. The firm has a market leading debt capital markets practice and has strong finance and projects capability. It also offers M&A and private equity expertise.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include SMBC Nikko Capital Markets, Japan Bank for International Cooperation, JPMorgan Securities, CVC Capital Partners, Mitsubishi Corporation, The Bank of Fukuoka and Sonnedix Japan.
Research period review: 30th edition (2019/2020)
During the research period the firm’s capital markets practice kept busy advising on green bonds, GMTN, EMTN and MTN programmes, samurai and convertible bond issuances.
The corporate team acted in sales, investments, joint ventures stake and other acquisitions in energy, offshore wind, solar and real estate, while the finance team acted in conventional lending, aviation and acquisition finance mandates.
The projects practice acted in inbound and outbound thermal, offshore wind, biomass, solar, casino, and oil and gas projects in Japan, Vietnam, Morocco, Africa, Taiwan, Turkey, Europe, South Asia and Australia.
The firm bolstered its private equity practice with the hire of partner Michihiro Nishi from Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom.
Deal highlights: 30th edition (2019/2020)
-BBOXX $50 million investment
-Fancl Corporation ¥10 billion zero coupon convertible bond issue
-Japan Finance Organization for Municipalities €500 million green bond issue
-Mine 7/3MW solar PV project
-Nghi Son 2 IPP
-Qracian acquisition financing
-VLI Multimodal $30 million financing
Client feedback: 30th edition (2019/2020)
Asset finance
“It supported us professionally in the entire work. The Japan office helped us especially in regards to the nini-kumiai structure which is rare in JOL.”
“Helped us with extensive knowledge and understanding about aviation, Japanese investors, our capacity and counterparty's demand.”
“I think their positive attributes are the quality of service and relationship management with clients. In terms of the work we asked, they take care of our issues in a timely manner.”
Banking
“Professional and adequate advice in such a short time. Successfully contributed to achieve the client needs.”
“To smooth the execution process of transactions with customers.”
Capital markets: Debt
“Ms. Reiko Sakimura, a partner, always gives us clear and reliable advice.”
“To implement new terms like ARRC based fallback, the firm advised and guided us in good ways to launch by referring to a global capital markets case study.”
“CC Tokyo has an efficient capital markets team led by Reiko Sakimura.”
“The team is consistent and hardly changes members and as such, the institutional knowledge is valuable to clients who often rotate staff.”
Capital markets: Derivatives
“They provide a one-stop service for English law and Japanese law advice and have expertise in the derivatives space.”
Capital markets: High-Yield
“Responsive and cooperative. While the discussion started at a very early stage, the firm showed its willingness to assist us and proactively provided ideas.”
Financial services regulatory
“Contributed to the establishment of a regulatory horizon scanning team. Hitomi Kurokawa has been sitting with us in the bank and working closely.”
“Clifford Chance provides timely, thorough and useful advice on compliance with the Japan reporting requirements. The team of legal assistants who handle the filings are exceptionally capable.”
M&A
“We especially appreciate their positive attributes in clarification of the scheme of arrangement. We consider the impact caused by differences between Japanese law and Australian law. In order to solve them, Clifford Chance in Tokyo and Sydney supported us by providing detailed explanations in Japanese about scheme of arrangement and what is the main issue, how it may impact the terms and conditions of this financing. I truly appreciate them.”
Private equity
“Adequate experience in the area, timely responses.”
Project finance
“The firm has brought extensive knowledge of project finance and local legal matters through the combination of their Tokyo and Moroccan office.”
“Of course they were acting on the lenders side and not for sponsors but they have been always willing to do anything good for a whole project.”
Davis Polk & Wardwell
Davis Polk & Wardwell is a New York-headquartered law firm with 982 lawyers across 10 offices in North and South America, Europe and Asia. The firm established its office in Tokyo in 1987 but can trace its Japanese presence back to a series of Japanese government bond financings during the decade following the Great Kantō earthquake in 1923.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is best known for its high-end debt and equity capital markets and M&A practices, routinely advising Japanese and non-Japanese issuers and underwriters on their rule 144A and SEC-registered transactions, while acting for potential buyers and sellers in a variety of cross-border transactions, including a mix of outbound, inbound and Japanese business combinations.
Key clients
Key clients include SMFG, SMTB, JFM, Development Bank of Japan, Nippon Paint, Money Forward, Shiseido, IRE and Kobe Steel.
Client feedback:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
M&A
“The firm has broad and long experience in M&As involving Japanese companies and are knowledgeable about M&A practices both in the US and Japan, effectively combining their global capabilities. In addition, they are well aware of potential issues and concerns from not only the transaction parties’ viewpoint but also the financial advisors’ viewpoint (including our standards and stances). Therefore, they are always helpful and important resources for our evaluating potential issues which may arise from our Japan-related M&A financial advisory work.”
Greenberg Traurig
Greenberg Traurig is an international law firm with 45 offices across the globe. In 2015, the firm opened its Tokyo office, marking its third office in the region, alongside Shanghai and Seoul, and the 37th office worldwide. The firm’s Tokyo office provides multinational and Japanese clients with innovative, strategic advice and legal services in a market known as a gateway to international business opportunities.
The firm specialises in offering legal services suited to the Japanese market within a global framework, covering a range of sectors such as corporate and securities, real estate and hospitality, capital markets, funds and investment management, financial regulatory and compliance, dispute resolution, labour and employment, intellectual property and infrastructure.
Hibiya Nakata
Established in 2012, Hibiya Nakata is a Tokyo-based boutique Japanese law firm. It works closely with Allen & Overy and has access to the Pacific Rim Advisory Council network.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is focused on inbound and outbound M&A work and caters to mid-sized cross-border M&A transactions. It is traditionally good at advising Japanese companies on their European/US M&A transactions and developed Asian M&A transactions in recent years.
Key clients
Key clients include Sika, Vertex Ventures SEA Management, UT Group, Obayashi, Appirits, Kyoei Denki, Shizuoka Gas, and Daiwa House Industry.
Client feedback:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
M&A
“They provide us with detailed analysis on the possible structure of the collaboration, risk concerning anti-trust laws and regulations, procedures for anti-trust filing. Also, they supported our contract negotiations which includes contract reviewing and drafting of documents.”
“Networking with overseas law firm, managing legal affairs for carve-out deal under collaboration with overseas law firm.”
Hunton Andrews Kurth
Hunton Andrews Kurth is an American law firm resulting from the merger of Hunton & Williams and Andrews Kurth Kenyon on April 2 2018. The firm has more than 900 lawyers in the US, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm’s Tokyo office is specialised in foreign project development and project finance practices. It advises clients on strategic investments, acquisitions and financings in key sectors such as nuclear energy, oil and gas, conventional and renewable power, minerals, infrastructure, information technology, manufacturing and services, and life sciences.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Nuclear Power Plants Authority and Impact Energy Asia.
K&L Gates
K&L Gates is a US-based international law firm with 45 further offices across Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. The firm’s Tokyo office was established in 2010.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm offers cross-border transactional advice and is focused on asset finance, with specific expertise in real estate, aircraft, ship, rail, container and telecom equipment finance.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Citigroup Global Markets, JP Lease Products & Services, Deutsche Bank, Tokyo Century Corporation, MUFG Bank and Showa Leasing.
Research period review: 30th edition (2019/2020)
The firm has kept busy in the research period with acquisition financing, Japanese operating lease aviation work and advising clients in relation to the Boeing 737 Max aircraft, and on rent holidays requests under lease agreements due to Covid-19 alongside prospective work on green aircraft transactions and on the potential entry of US Pension funds into the aviation finance market.
In 2019 the firm welcomed corporate partner Tsuguhito Omagari from Sonderhoff & Einsel, but lost partner Kamil Ahmed in February 2020.
Deal highlights: 30th edition (2019/2020)
-JOL AIR 2019-1 $683 million ABS transaction
-JP Lease/All Nippon Airways dual currency JOL for one 777-300ER
-PK AirFinance acquisition financing
Client feedback: 30th edition (2019/2020)
Asset finance
“They are experts in aviation finance and one of the few international firms in Tokyo that have full Japanese law capability. They are also very commercial, have reasonable pricing, are hardworking and friendly.”
Kaynex Law Offices
Kaynex Law Offices
Established in 2006, Kaynex Law Offices is a Tokyo-based boutique firm comprised of seven lawyers.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is traditionally known for its work in the real estate industry and specialised in project development and project finance. It is also active in the banking sector. The firm’s project team primarily focuses on financing, acquisition, development and related regulatory matters in renewable energy, commercial real estate and infrastructure.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Kiraboshi Bank, Orix Bank, and Starts Trust.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the research period, the firm was particularly active in banking and project development practice.
The firm kept busy handling work in relation to LBO financing, MBO transactions and securitization transactions for lease receivables. The firm was also particularly active in the real estate sector including real estate investment (TK-GK structure, TMK structure and J-REIT structure), real estate lending, real estate securitization, real estate development and construction, and providing regulatory advice for invest management firms.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
M&A
“They gave us perfect advice with quick response.”
“Superb balance of speed, practicality, fair pricing and creativity.”
“Extremely efficient, flexible, practical, quick and economical.”
Real estate development
“Kaynex provides high-quality services that are based on lawyers’ extensive experience at leading domestic and international law firms. In addition to having in place the systems naturally expected of such a law firm, Kaynex is committed to them in order to provide the highest quality services possible.”
Eiichi Nagai
“He advises both international and Japanese domestic clients on a broad range of matters, including: finance transactions, such as banking, capital markets and securitization; M&A; real estate; renewable energy; and startup and venture capital.”
“Flexible, creative, extremely smart and quick.”
“Extremely efficient, flexible, practical, quick and economical.”
Norifusa Hashimoto
“Always helpful, quick response, and gives us the perfect advice.”
King & Spalding
King & Spalding is a Atlanta-based international law firm with over 1100 lawyers across 23 offices. Its Tokyo office was established in 2015.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is best known for its projects work where it is active in energy, renewable energy and oil and gas mandates.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Mitsui & Co, Marubeni Corporation, Korea Electric Power Corporation, Électricité de France, Keppel Capital Holdings, Korea East-West Power Corporation and MODEC.
Research period review: 30th edition (2019/2020)
The firm’s projects team has kept busy in the past 12 months advising on outbound projects including project bonds, IPPs and IWPPs, gas projects, cogeneration projects, infrastructure funds, LNG projects, and offshore wind mandates in Mexico, Brazil, Senegal, Australia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Guam, Myanmar and Vietnam.
Deal highlights: 30th edition (2019/2020)
-Fujairah 3 IWPP
-Keppel Asia Infrastructure Fund
-MV24 Capital $1.1 billion 6.748% project bond issue
-Sepia MV30 FPSO Project
Client feedback: 30th edition (2019/2020)
Investment funds
“Meeting deadlines and negotiating legal points with counterparties.”
Project development
“Trustworthiness and gets the work done in a timely manner.”
Project finance
“They are very practical and hands-on. They have very smart people.”
Latham & Watkins
Established in California in 1934, Latham & Watkins is an international firm with 2700 lawyers across 29 offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. It has been active in Japan for over 20 years.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm in Tokyo comprises of bengoshi and US-qualified lawyers focused on high-end, inbound and outbound M&A transactions across the automotive, technology, communications, semiconductor, life sciences, private equity and financial services sectors; and Asia-Pacific project financings across the energy, infrastructure, mining, transport, and telecommunications sectors.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Z Holdings Corporation, SB Investment Advisers, Kioxia Corporation, Saputo, Pengerang Energy Complex, JPMorgan Securities and Japan Bank for International Cooperation.
Research period review: 30th edition (2019/2020)
During the research period the firm’s corporate practice handled the Z Holdings/ Line merger, private equity and stake acquisitions alongside investments and joint ventures. The projects team were active in a host of outbound thermal, power, petrochemical, energy, oil and gas, and mining projects in Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Guam and Australia.
The firm bolstered its M&A team in 2019 with the hires of partners Noah Carr and Ivan Smallwood from Morrison & Foerster but it also lost Nozomi Oda to the same firm.
Deal highlights: 30th edition (2019/2020)
-Grab Holdings $1.46 billion series H financing
-Line Corporation / Z Holdings merger
-Mong Duong 2 1240MW thermal power project
-Saputo / Mori International Corporation joint venture
Mayer Brown
Mayer Brown is a large international law firm with offices in 27 cities across the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The firm’s office in Tokyo is relatively new having been set up in March 2018.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm’s core focus is on project finance and project development, where it acts for Japanese clients in international infrastructure projects in the energy, natural resources, chemical and transport sectors.
Its corporate team advises on outbound M&A and disposals of overseas business for its Japanese clients. It also does capital markets work in investment funds, where it advises sponsors in fund investments.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include NEC Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, Itochu Corporation, MUFG Bank, Chubu, NTT, Sumitomo and Sumitomo Chemical.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the research period, the firm was particularly active in the project space and corporate M&A practice.
In corporate M&A, the firm kept busy advising on outbound M&A and disposals of overseas business for Japanese corporate and financial institutions. Most recently, the firm has been assisting clients in work relating to the energy transition space and energy storage sector. Active industry sectors include social infrastructure, coal-fired power, oil and gas, and renewable energy
Morrison & Foerster
Formed in 1883, Morrison & Foerster (MoFo) is a San Francisco-based international law firm with 1,000 lawyers and 17 offices across the US, Asia and Europe. The firm’s Tokyo office has the capacity of approximately 60 US attorneys, 60 Japanese bengoshi, and six attorneys qualified in England & Wales who team with the firm’s global network.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm’s Japan team is strong in a wide range of practice areas and is one of the few international law firms that leads in both domestic and foreign markets and actively advises inbound and outbound transactions. It is strongest in M&A and private equity and very active in banking and finance, debt and equity capital markets, project finance and project development.
Key clients
Key clients include CLS Bank International, Financial Services Agency of Japan, SoftBank Group, Nomura Securities, Daiwa Securities, SMBC Nikko Securities, Mizuho Securities, Fujitsu, Renesas Electronics, Tencent, Tokyo Gas and GSSG Solar.
Nishimura & Asahi
Nishimura & Asahi is one of the leading Japanese law firms. The firm was originally founded in 1966 as Nishimura & Partners before adopting its current name following the acquisition in 2007 of the Kokusai Bumon (International Division) of Asahi Law Offices.
The firm is among the four largest in the Japanese market with more than 800 professionals and a presence in over 19 locations around the world, including domestic offices in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka, and overseas offices in Bangkok, Beijing, Shanghai, Dubai, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, New York, Singapore, Taipei and Yangon. The firm is also present in Jakarta and Hong Kong and is a member of international law firm network, Lex Mundi.
Highlights
Nishimura & Asahi have a high reputation across the board in transactional work. It has the largest asset finance practice in the country and acts for both lenders and borrowers in acquisition finance. It also routinely picks up the best mandates available to the market in M&A, projects, private equity and capital markets.
In the past year, the capital markets team continued to advise debt and equity capital market transactions, handles securitization across asset classes, provides derivatives legal services, advises on new securitization rules, and engages in market and public education.
In M&A and private equity, highlights include advising on the $16 million Toshiba take-over and advising Dai-ichi Life Holdings on a $2 billion tender offer to acquire Benefit One Inc.
In the project area, the firm advised on various renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, and biomass, as well as LNG carriers and battery energy storage systems for both domestic and international clients.
In 2024, the firm announced six internal promotions of partners including Toshihito Yasaki, Takefumi Suzuki, Satoru Yoshikawa, Suguru Sato, Ippei Hayakawa, and Sanshiro Kubota.
Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison
Originally founded in 1875, Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison is a New York-based international firm with more than 1,000 lawyers across eight offices. The firm established its Tokyo office in 1987.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm’s Tokyo office is best known for its work in the foreign M&A, private equity and capital markets practices. It advises Japanese companies in the US and elsewhere around the globe, alongside US and other non-Japanese clients in connection with activities in Japan. The firm is also active in joint ventures, investment fund formations and restructurings.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Apollo, Mitsubishi Chemical America, Itochu and SoftBank.
Client feedback:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
Financial services regulatory
“Global network, English documentation, and organising and streamlining complicated legal issues.”
Ropes & Gray
Established in 1865, Boston-based Ropes & Gray is an international law firm with more than 1,400 lawyers and 11 offices across the US, Asia and Europe. Its office in Tokyo was established in 2007.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm’s Tokyo office is known for its work in foreign private equity and M&A markets. Its core focus is on leveraged buyouts, strategic M&As, private equity, joint ventures, public offerings and capital markets issues.
The firm is also active in the foreign banking market. The banking team acts for both borrowers and lenders in acquisition and corporate financing matters.
Key clients
Key clients include Bain Capital, Baring Private Equity Asia, Kioxia Holdings, Nissan Motor, ADK, Showa Aircraft Industry and Canada Goose.
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett is a New York-based international law firm with 900 lawyers across 11 offices in the Americas, Asia and Europe. Its Tokyo office was established in 1990.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm’s Tokyo team is known for its work in the foreign
M&A, private equity, debt and equity capital markets practice. It is also active in banking and finance and cross-border private fund formation.
Regionally, the firm has added a leveraged finance piece to its offering that is based in Hong Kong.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include All Nippon Airways, Aruhi, Asahi, BofA Securities, Citigroup, Dai-ichi Life Insurance, Daiwa Securities, Goldman Sachs, Mizuho Bank, Morgan Stanley, Japan Airlines and Nissin Foods.
Client feedback:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
Capital markets
“I would highlight two leading partners who have contributed to established capital markets practice by providing solid, reliable technical advice yet keeping in mind commercial reasonableness.”
Investment funds
“Has deep knowledge of the market. Negotiates effectively with LPs, which is very important for a first-time fund of a Japanese emerging manager like us.”
Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom
Formed in 1948,
Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom is a New York-based international law firm with 1,700 lawyers across 22 offices. The firm’s Tokyo office was established in 1987 and operates as a gaikokuho kyodo jigyo (foreign law joint enterprise).
Focusses / specialisms
The firm’s Tokyo team is staffed with bengoshi licensed to practice law and appear in Japanese courts. Its core focus is on structuring and negotiating public and private mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures involving Japanese entities. Its capital markets team handles IPOs, follow-on equity offerings, J-REIT offerings, investment grade and high yield debt offerings, sovereign debt offerings and insurance hybrid debt offerings. The team also assists clients in restructurings and in the formation of investment funds.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Toshiba, Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing, NTT Group, Daiwa Securities, Visional, Janus Henderson Group and Sanken Electric.
Tokyo International Law Office
Tokyo International Law Office is a relatively new M&A boutique that was established in 2019 by former Hibiya-Nakata partners Mikiharu Mori and Koki Yamada.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a particular focus on the small to mid-cap M&A market, facilitating outbound M&A transactions by Japanese corporations, joint venture projects with foreign partners, and inbound M&A transactions by foreign investors in Japan. It has expertise in the PR, media, electronics, healthcare, technology, construction, entertainment, financial services and consumer goods sectors.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharmaceutical, Kurita Water Industries, Yokogawa Electric, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking, Toyota Motors and Hitachi Astemo.
Client feedback:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
M&A
“Their team headed by Mikiharu Mori is very diligent, to the point and delivers on time.”
Tsubame Law Offices
Tsubame Law Offices is an independent law firm based in Tokyo, Japan.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is strong in the banking area with a particular strength in real estate financing.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
The firm’s banking team regularly advises on transactions in relation to asset finance, securitization and liquidation transactions and project finance, as well as syndicated loan projects.
For real estate, the firm have been involved in a variety of transactions assisting lenders, equity investors, borrowers and asset managers.
In the investment funds area, the firm often advises originators and investors in transactions including venture capital funds, buyout funds, real estate funds, infrastructure funds, bond investment funds and revitalization funds.
Coporate partner Chie Tabata joined the firm in 2022, she was previously with Atsumi & Sakai.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Banking and finance
“Tremendous deal experience; very prompt and professional.”
“Prompt and professional. Deep legal knowledge.”
Takumi Fukuda
“Prompt and professional, tremendous legal knowledge.”
“Professional and prompt. Great legal knowledge. Easy to work with.”
