‘Fabulous‘ boutique law firm Hiratsuka & Co is especially well-known for its work in international shipping and insurance, with experience handling arbitration, litigation and cargo claims. The team is headed up by Makoto Hiratsuka, who is described by clients as the ‘doyen of Japanese shipping law‘ and commended for his ‘unparalleled‘ experience. The practice also offers clients assistance in cases arising from fires and collisions, with many claims involving multiple jurisdictions around the world. Other key names within the practice include Shinichiro Yamashita and Yuji Miyazaki, who make up the ‘very responsive‘ team.

Boutique shipping firm Max Law Office is led by the ‘invaluable‘ Takayuki Matsui, who is especially experienced in cross-border shipping litigation and whose recent work includes representing a client in the Supreme Court in a shipping insolvency case. Rie Akiba, who is described by clients as ‘a joy to work with‘ and ‘very proactive and professional‘ is recommended for her expertise in shipping finance, while Captain Shigeru Akachi is the key contact for casualty investigations.

Nishimura & Asahi‘s asset finance team is headed by of counsel Katsu Sengoku and offers clients assistance with cross-border asset finance transactions, ship sales and purchases, ship leasings, and advice on Japanese Operating Lease Transactions with Call Options (JOLCOs). Kosuke Shibukawa is the name to note for finance and investment issues, while Adrian Joyce is the team’s key contact for complex cross-border work and the financing of maritime projects.

The ‘very strong‘ shipping team at TMI Associates is described by clients as ‘a delight to work with‘. The practice is adept at assisting clients with a range of both wet and dry shipping matters, including casualty claims, issues relating to carriage of goods by sea, representing shipbuilders and hull insurers in arbitration proceedings, and shipbuilding contracts. ‘Rising star‘ Jumpei Osada leads the team, which also includes Masaaki Sasaki and ‘very experienced‘ associate Shinya Hasegawa.

Atsumi & Sakai‘s shipping practice is particularly experienced in assisting with ship finance transactions, with Keita Imaizumi and Ryosuke Oue jointly leading the team. Yutaka Sakai is also a key member of the practice, and regularly assists with finance work.

The maritime department at City-Yuwa Partners regularly advises on shipping finance transactions, as well as disputes, corporate restructurings and reorganisations. Reiko Yoshida heads up the practice and is experienced in advising both domestic and international shipping owners and financial entities on shipping finance mandates.