Competition/Antitrust
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : Japan
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+81 3 5501 2111Chambers Review
Atsumi & Sakai is very active in domestic and international cartels, covering dawn raids, leniency applications, and criminal and civil litigation. The firm is frequently instructed by domestic clients in the automotive, manufacturing, shipping and financial services sectors on highly contentious matters. The team also provides compliance training outside of formal investigations, as well as advice on vertical restraint issues under Japanese law. It regularly works in conjunction with international counsel and advises on the Japanese law aspects of multi-jurisdictional mandates. The team is capable of advising domestic corporations on the competition law aspects of their transactional activity.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Atsumi & Sakai demonstrate a deep level of understanding of antitrust law, as well as of the relevant business situation."
"Atsumi & Sakai has the perfect balance between domain knowledge and a strong understanding of the client requirements."
"The firm regularly demonstrate their extensive experience in handling complex cases. This makes them a go-to firm and trusted adviser for antitrust and merger control matters in Japan."
"Atsumi & Sakai demonstrate a deep level of understanding of antitrust law, as well as of the relevant business situation."
"Atsumi & Sakai has the perfect balance between domain knowledge and a strong understanding of the client requirements."
"The firm regularly demonstrate their extensive experience in handling complex cases. This makes them a go-to firm and trusted adviser for antitrust and merger control matters in Japan."
Notable Practitioners
Setsuko Yufu advises on contentious behavioural work, such as cartels and unfair trade practices, as well as advising Japanese companies on compliance matters.
"Setsuko has years of experience and a strong relationship with clients."
"She has a wealth of experience in all areas of Japanese competition law as well as being internationally trained, making her a perfect fit for inbound assignments."
Tatsuo Yamashima is known for his expertise in handling cartel cases. He provides a full-service offering, with a focus on behavioural mandates.
"He is an excellent lawyer who is very experienced in handling antitrust and merger control cases and always delivers to-the-point advice. He is extremely service-oriented, responsive and pragmatic."
Saori Hanada is the head of Atsumi & Sakai's competition team and possesses rich experience working in cartel cases and on merger control matters.
"She is highly talented and hard-working, with extensive experience and expertise in cartel work and merger control. Her positive energy radiates throughout her team."
"Saori is the shining star of antitrust in Japan."