Capital Markets: Domestic
Global Guide 2024 : Japan
Band 1
About
Provided by Mori Hamada & Matsumoto
We have built our solid position as the Asian leading law firm in the capital markets area, and frequently act in mega cutting-edge deals of equity, debt, J-REITs, securitisation and derivatives. We also advise on disclosure, corporate governance, response to activist shareholders, investigations on accounting fraud and insider trading and securities litigations. We consistently receive the highest evaluation from the market players.
Our recent deals include global IPOs by SBI Sumishin Net Bank, Ltd. and Integral Corporation, concurrent global IPOs of Japan Post Holdings, Japan Post Bank and Japan Post Insurance and their follow on global offerings, periodic global offerings by Nippon Prologis REIT, the leading J-REIT focusing on logistics facilities, the first listing and public offering by a foreign company using the Japan Depository Receipt structure, a global IPO by SoftBank Corp., the first global IPO conducted right after a corporate inversion from a foreign company to a Japanese company, the first IPO which attracted corner stone investors through allocation designated by the issuer, a USD-denominated senior notes and EUR-denominated senior notes offering by NTT Finance, the security token offerings(STOs) including the Japan’s first FIEA compliant asset-backed STOs by Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank and Tosei Asset Advisors, a novel financing for Spiber through a “value securitization” and the securitisation of subordinated loans made to Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company.
Chambers Review
Mori Hamada & Matsumoto is a highly thought-of firm that acts for clients on a variety of debt and equity transactions, including convertible bonds, MTN programmes, J-REIT offerings and high-profile global IPOs. The firm works with top-tier issuers and underwriters. The team demonstrates impressive expertise in structured finance products and derivatives matters, including receivables, tokenised derivatives and non-recourse property finance lending. Its key clients include Japan Post Holdings, Fujitsu and Morgan Stanley.
Work Highlights
- Mori Hamada & Matsumoto advised Socionext and its selling shareholders on an approximately JPY76 billion global offering of shares.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They are very helpful in handling complex matters. They provide a legal view, not only on the interpretation of provisions but from market practice based on their wide-ranging deal experiences."
"They are very helpful in handling complex matters. They provide a legal view, not only on the interpretation of provisions but from market practice based on their wide-ranging deal experiences."
Notable Practitioners
Akira Ehira's practice includes capital relief transactions, securitised lending and various types of derivatives transactions.
"He has a wealth of experience in legal matters in the derivatives field, so he can respond promptly and appropriately."
"Dr Ehira has a high level of knowledge of asset finance and the ability to apply this to irregular cases. His responsiveness and his understanding of customers are excellent."
Katsumasa Suzuki is a vastly experienced adviser who is frequently entrusted by issuers to lead sophisticated equity offerings.
Masanori Sato is sought after by industry sources for his knowledge of transaction structuring and documentation. His work includes advice on derivatives transactions, regulatory issues and securitisation deals, including margin loans and receivables.
Taro Omoto is noted for his aptitude for REIT offerings and is equally popular with underwriter and issuer clients. He also demonstrates skill as counsel on equity and debt offerings, including global IPOs.
Toshimitsu Nemoto is recognised for his established reputation in global offerings and is a frequent adviser to major Japanese corporations.
"Mr Nemoto has a good sense of balancing risk management and new initiatives. He not only gives us his judgement based on his past experiences but also tries new things whilst still considering aspects of legal risks."
Yasuhiko Fujitsu comes recommended by market sources for his track record of handling REIT offerings on behalf of issuers.
Katsuyuki Tainaka has expertise in debt and equity issuances, including advising on overseas issuances. He is also known for his expertise regarding green and sustainable bonds.
"He's very knowledgeable, skilful, friendly and easy to work with."
Ranked Lawyers at
Mori Hamada & Matsumoto
Japan
Members
Provided by Mori Hamada & Matsumoto
Fuyuki Uchitsu
Head of Department
Masahito Saeki
Masakazu Kumagai
Head of Department
Masayuki Ishibashi
Shirakawa Kei
Suguru Miyata
Takafumi Goto
Takahiro Sato
Yoshihito Kuramochi
Yuki Matsuda
Yusuke Suehiro