Competition/Antitrust
Asia-Pacific Guide 2024 : Japan
Band 1
Contact number
+81 3 5220 1800About
Provided by Mori Hamada & Matsumoto
Our competition/antitrust practice is widely recognized both locally and internationally and has received the highest recognition in Japan. We have a track record of successfully representing both domestic and international clients in all aspects of competition/antitrust matter including the most high-profile, challenging global transactions, international cartels which require multiple leniency/amnesty applications in many jurisdictions and anticompetitive conducts. In recent years, competition law enforcement is increasingly dynamic and involving cross-border coordination and sophisticated investigative approach. In addition, new issues are constantly debated globally against the backdrop of technological innovations. Our group consists of highly qualified lawyers some of who have prior experience working for the Japan Fair Trade Commission and advising the Commission on various competition policies, and have strong relationships with many of the leading law firms in major jurisdictions which enable us to provide the best legal service to the clients based on the latest trends both in Japan and abroad.
・Merger Control Practice
・Government Investigation Defense
・Antitrust Litigation
・Counseling on competition law and consumer protection law
Chambers Review
Mori Hamada & Matsumoto maintains a highly esteemed practice that is regularly called upon to provide advice on the Japanese aspects of multi-jurisdictional merger control. The firm defends domestic corporations from sanctions and administrative orders issued by the JFTC, as well as from cartel investigations both in Japan and abroad. The team also assists clients with establishing competition law compliance programmes as well as drafting related manuals and providing training to employees. It is bolstered by the expertise of former JFTC officials within the team.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They are knowledgeable on JFTC processes and seem to have good relationships with case handlers."
"They are very professional and responsive."
"They are very up to date and follow closely the main issues in the antitrust field."
"They are knowledgeable on JFTC processes and seem to have good relationships with case handlers."
"They are very professional and responsive."
"They are very up to date and follow closely the main issues in the antitrust field."
Notable Practitioners
Kenji Ito is highly regarded by market commentators for his expertise in handling antitrust and competition mandates. He is well versed in advising on merger control, global investigations and compliance programmes.
"He is a brilliant strategist."
Hideki Utsunomiya's established practice covers both the transactional and behavioural aspects of competition issues.
"Hideki has a very impressive understanding of the commercial aspects of matters."
"We are dealing with complex work such as large transactions that involve big issues and he always navigates those very well."
Yusuke Takamiya has a growing reputation in the field of antitrust law, advising on large corporate transactions as well as cartel investigations.
"Yusuke is a master in competition law with a very impressive understanding of the commercial aspects of matters."
"I am impressed with his knowledge involving digital competition matters."
Ranked Lawyers at
Mori Hamada & Matsumoto
Japan