Morrison Foerster‘s technology group stands out for ‘its deep transactional experience and its ability to deliver clear, practical execution across complex, multi-jurisdictional matters‘. The team has an excellent track record in handling AI-focused matters, as well as assisting with acquisitions, licensing and patent work in the TMT arena. IP expert Masato Hayakawa heads up the practice, and routinely acts as counsel to technology companies. Seth Graham ‘brings strategic insight‘, and is well versed in handling a wide range of cross-border transactions, including outsourcing projects. Yukihiro Terazawa assists TMT clients with IP, privacy and regulatory issues.

Baker McKenzie (Gaikokuho Joint Enterprise)'s TMT group in Tokyo routinely handles outbound and inbound M&A, regulatory and compliance matters and transactional mandates. Kensaku Takase is a key contact for outsourcing and data protection matters, and Yutaka Kimura specialises in handling TMT-related domestic and cross-border M&A deals; the duo co-head the practice. Daisuke Tatsuno is also a key contact.

Under the joint leadership of Michihiro Nishi and Shunsuke Nagae, the team at Clifford Chance (Gaikokuho Kyodo Jigyo) is well-known for handling a wide spectrum of contentious and non-contentious TMT matters. The group routinely advises on M&A deals, regulatory issues and transactional work for clients in the banking, financial services and technology sectors. Nishi is a key contact for domestic and cross-border M&A, and Nagae focuses on data privacy and AI regulatory matters. Natsuko Sugihara specialises in handling inbound and outbound TMT transactions, while Masafumi Shikakura assists with digital platform issues.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP‘s team has ‘a strong combination of regulatory insight, transactional experience, and cross-border capability’. The group is well known for its expertise in handling a wide spectrum of contentious and non-contentious TMT matters. Graeme Preston, who leads the firm’s Asia practice, garners praise for ‘his strategic insight and calm leadership in challenging situations’; ‘his ability to manage multi-jurisdictional matters with precision and diplomacy makes him a trusted advisor at the highest levels’. Preston co-heads the TMT practice with Joseph Fisher, ‘an outstanding deal lawyer with excellent attention to detail’ who routinely handles outbound M&A deals. Ben Jolley is ‘clear, pragmatic and easy to work with’, and is sought after for his experience in TMT litigation.

At Latham & Watkins Gaikokuho Joint Enterprise, the data technology and transactions group continues to represent Japanese companies in the e-commerce, fintech and healthtech spaces in a wide range of matters. Practice head Hiroaki Takagi focuses on domestic and cross-border M&A, data privacy, and regulatory matters. Yohei Nakagawa assists with investments and international joint venture matters in the technology, media, and life sciences sectors. Benjamin Han is a name to note.

At White & Case LLP - White & Case Law Offices (Registered Association), the technology group draws on the firm’s broader global network to assist with a broad range of transactional and regulatory matters. The group is particularly well known for handling AI and cryptocurrency mandates. Jun Usami and Nels Hansen co-head the practice. Hansen has a solid track record in advising on M&A, licensing and venture investment work in Japan, and Usami is highly regarded for his expertise in cross-border cases. Zenya Onishi is noted for his expertise in assisting TMT entities with debt finance issues.