Leading Partners: Gaiben

Leading Associates: Bengoshi

TMT: Independent local firms in Japan

Mori Hamada & Matsumoto Tokyo Office

Mori Hamada & Matsumoto Tokyo Office‘s ‘excellent’ team has extensive expertise in TMT-related litigation, restructuring, transactions, and regulation. The team, jointly by Koichiro Iida, Hiromi Hayashi, and Atsushi Okada, recently advised the Japanese government on addressing the challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence. Iida specialises in business regulation within the TMT sector, while Okada focuses on domestic and international compliance in areas like data protection, telecoms, and AI. Hayashi supports clients in launching new services and devices in the TMT industry. Daisuke Tsuta is noted for his cybersecurity and data protection expertise, while Norihito Sato brings significant experience in M&A within the automotive sector.

Praxisleiter:

Koichiro Iida; Hiromi Hayashi; Atsushi Okada


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Daisuke Tsuta; Norihito Sato


Referenzen

‘Mori Hamada & Matsumoto is one of the top law firms in Japan with many excellent lawyers that can handle any legal issue we consult. Excellency is the right term to describe the team.’

‘Norihito Sato is a star whose engagement is exceptional. He is an extremely reliable lawyer who always strives to understand the client’s situation.’

‘The team fully understands our complex business, situation and demand, in addition to its general legal and business knowledge. They always respond quickly, so the project goes smoothly and they are very helpful.’

Kernmandanten

Hitachi Ltd.


Toshiba Corporation


Z Holdings Corporation


Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT)


SoftBank Group Corp.


Safie, Inc.


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised JIC Capital, Ltd. on its acquisition of Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.
  • Advised Japan Industries Partners, Inc. as a fund counsel on its acquisition of Toshiba Corporation
  • Advised Hitachi, Ltd. on the capital restructuring of Hitachi Astemo, Ltd. including issuance of preferred shares of Hitachi Astemo, Ltd. to JIC Capital, Ltd. as a domestic private equity fund, and partial sale of Hitachi’s shares in Hitachi Astemo, Lrd. to Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu

Praised by clients for its ‘exceptional ability to address the evolving legal landscape’, the team at Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu‘s advises clients on both domestic and cross-border regulatory and transactional matters across the IT, telecoms, entertainment, and media industries. The team is jointly led by Soichiro Fujiwara, who advises traditional and newly transformed tech companies on software and online gaming matters, and Keiji Tonomura, who brings a unique combination of M&A, IP, and tech-related expertise. Ryo Okubo is well-versed in space and IT matters, particularly for start-ups and tech companies, while Masaki Mizukoshi is a member to note in relation to Japanese broadcasting laws and media-related transactions.

Praxisleiter:

Soichiro Fujiwara; Keiji Tonomura


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Ryo Okubo; Masaki Mizukoshi


Referenzen

‘Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu’s TMT practice distinguishes itself through its exceptional ability to address the evolving legal landscape and complex regulatory environment.’

‘Mr. Keiji Tonomura is an excellent lawyer who always forms appropriate opinions based on his knowledge. He has a good knowledge of cyber technology and strongly contributes to resolving cyber-related incidents.’

‘The team provides very detailed, timely and pragmatic advice while balancing technical legal knowledge with strong commercial acumen. They have expertise in handling complex regulatory matters and liaising with the relevant authorities to quickly resolve issues.’

Kernmandanten

Airbnb


NTT Corporation


Fuji Media Holdings, Inc.


Toyota Motor Corporation


Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.


Broadridge Financial Solutions


Maezawa Yusaku / Maezawa Fund


Space Compass Corporation


ispace, Inc.


Komatsu, Ltd.


Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.


KADOKAWA Corporation


X (formerly known as Twitter)


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Warner Brothers Discovery on the expansion of the strategic partnership with JCOM on their joint venture.
  • Advised D Capital in an acquisition of 100 per cent shares in Catalina Marketing Japan.
  • Advised X (formerly known as Twitter) in cases relating to requests to delete tweets or disclose user information in Japan.

Nishimura & Asahi

Co-led by Asa Shinkawa and Yoshinobu Fujimoto, the team at Nishimura & Asahi advises clients on a range of matters where TMT plays an increasingly pivotal role, including data protection, international trade, crisis management, IT, and fintech-related matters. Hitomi Iwase specialises in legal issues surrounding emerging tech, including AI and the use of personal data, while Yoshiyuki Miyashita brings extensive experience in telecom-related transactions and dispute resolution involving software, digital platforms, and motion pictures. Takahiko Date is well-versed in managing M&A and corporate restructuring transactions. Kojiro Fujii is another key figure, focusing on innovative public policy and regulatory issues related to TMT and the digital economy.

Praxisleiter:

Asa Shinkawa; Yoshinobu Fujimoto


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Hitomi Iwase; Yoshiyuki Miyashita; Takahiko Date; Kojiro Fujii


Kernmandanten

Internet Initiative Japan Inc.


KDDI Corporation


Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc.


Olympus Corporation


Bain Capital Private Equity


Honda Motors Co., Ltd.


ITOCHU Corporation


Toshiba Corporation


SCSK Corporation


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Toshiba on its consideration of strategic alternatives, including a remarkable privatization.
  • Advising Olympus on the business alliance among Olympus, Sony Corporation, and Sony Olympus Medical Solutions Inc., a joint venture company between Olympus and Sony. In the business alliance, Olympus and Sony will collaborate in developing next-generation gastrointestinal and respiratory endoscope systems.
  • Advised Bain Capital Private Equity, LP (Bain) on its acquisition of all shares in Evident Corporation, a specified subsidiary of Olympus Corporation, which makes and sells precision machinery and instruments, for the purpose of acquiring Olympus’ Scientific Solutions Business.

Anderson Mori & Tomotsune

Anderson Mori & Tomotsune‘s group advises clients on all aspects of data protection and cybersecurity, advising domestic and international TMT companies on regulatory matters, litigation, M&A, finance, and crisis management. Miki Goto, an expert in IP, tech, and data-related matters, draws on his experience with the Japanese Digital Health Alliance to advise clients on emerging legal issues at the intersection of emerging tech and new healthcare products and services. Takashi Nakazaki supports both domestic and international clients with matters related to AI and the metaverse. Other members to note are Kensuke Inoue and Hitoshi Ishihara.

Praxisleiter:

Yasufumi Shiroyama; Yoshikazu Iwase; Akihito Nakamachi; Wataru Shimizu; Miki Goto; Masayuki Yamanouchi; Nobuto Shirane


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Takashi Nakazaki; Kensuke Inoue; Hitoshi Ishihara.


Referenzen

‘The team is well-organized and capable of addressing various issues in small groups, maintaining consistency with the firm’s policies. Their friendly and caring attitude fosters a sense of reassurance in clients. Such humane acts can make a significant difference.’

‘Mr. Takashi Nakazaki always gives us clear and dedicated advice.’

Kernmandanten

Toyota Motor Corporation


Murata Machinery (Muratec)


Firstface Company Ltd.


DENSO Corporation


AISIN Corporation


Jtekt Corporation


Advics Co., Ltd.


Ushio Inc.


BluE Nexus Corporation


Taiyo Holdings Co., Ltd.


Kaken Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.


Amazon Japan G.K.


Japan Digital Space Economy Federation


Personal Information Protection Commission


CMIC Holdings Co., Ltd.


Bandai Namco Entertainment


Rakuten Vissel Kobe, Inc.


Sony Corporation


Nissin Kogyo  Co., Ltd.


Japan Digital Health Alliance


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised USHIO Inc. in its strategic technology alliance and licensing agreement with Applied Materials, Inc.
  • Advised Japan Digital Health Alliance in digital healthcare technology, such as AI-based healthcare products and services.

Atsumi & Sakai

Atsumi & Sakai‘s IT and TMT team advises clients on AI-based system development and service implementation to support its clients' business expansion. Co-led by Chie Kasahara and Harukuni Ito, the team also has expertise in data protection compliance and has been commissioned by Japanese agencies to conduct surveys on related topics. Kasahara focuses on protecting the intellectual property rights of both domestic and international clients in relation to rapidly evolving technologies. Another key member is Takafumi Ochiai, who brings extensive experience in dispute resolution and regulatory matters related to finance and information technology.

 

Praxisleiter:

Chie Kasahara; Harukuni Ito


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Takafumi Ochiai


Kernmandanten

Revox, Inc


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TMI Associates

The team at TMI Associates is well-versed in advising emerging IT and communications businesses, with a particular focus on dispute resolution for all matters related to IT and intellectual property matters. Team leader Atsushi Igarashi assists domestic and international companies on data and privacy protection, e-commerce, and search engine issues. Mihoko Shintani handles matters in advanced technology sectors such as robotics, AI, satellite data, and space business, while Takuya Yamago, with a background at the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, focuses on telecoms laws and regulations. Other members to note include Tetsuya Oi and Tomoo Shibano.

Praxisleiter:

Atsushi Igarashi


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Mihoko Shintani; Takuya Yamago; Tetsuya Oi; Tomoo Shibano


Kernmandanten

ARM Treasure Data Inc.


LINE Corporation


Avatarin, Inc.


Synspective, Inc.


GITAI, Inc.


ANA NEO Co., Ltd.


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised ANA Holdings regarding the development of a new game.
  • Advised Avatarin, Inc. on all legal work in “AVATAR project” which aims to develop avatar as a social structure and conduct various avatar demonstration experiments promoted through industry-academic collaboration.

City-Yuwa Partners

Jointly led by Arata Nomoto and Yumiko Aoi, City-Yuwa Partners‘ team provides comprehensive legal services across all areas of the TMT sector. Its expertise includes counselling, negotiation, documentation, and regulatory guidance related to software licensing, system development, and content creation. Nomoto specialises in advising digital entertainment and IT clients on IP-related transactions and regulatory issues, while Aio represents both domestic and international clients, especially in the tech industry.

Praxisleiter:

Arata Nomoto; Yumiko Aoi


Referenzen

‘City-Yuwa Partner’s uniqueness is in its dedication to clients. They prepare documents for legal disputes within a very short time.’

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Shusaku Yamamoto Patent Law Offices

Shusaku Yamamoto Patent Law Offices advises a variety of domestic and international clients in the TMT sector on cybersecurity, cryptocurrency, and blockchain-related matters. Led by Kensaku Yamamoto, the team handles multi-jurisdictional infringement litigation, patent term extensions, and regulatory matters. The firm also benefits from Yamamoto’s extensive expertise in pharma law.

 

Praxisleiter:

Kensaku Yamamoto


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Ushijima & Partners

Ushijima & Partners‘ team assists clients in leveraging the latest information and communication technologies, including system development for financial institutions, big data analysis, and addressing internet defamation. Led by Hiroyasu Kageshima, who has extensive experience in IT system development and data leakage, the team also includes Kohei Tsuji, who specialises in data privacy with a focus on multi-jurisdictional matters.

Praxisleiter:

Hiroyasu Kageshima


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Kohei Tsuji


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