Competition/Antitrust
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : 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.
Work Highlights
- Mori Hamada & Matsumoto represented Kyushu Electric Power in an appeal to the Tokyo District Court against the JFTC's finding of illegal cartel activity and subsequently imposed surcharges.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They are very smart, sophisticated and experienced in international antitrust matters."
"Given their breadth and depth, there really isn't any complex competition matter that they cannot handle efficiently and effectively."
"Mori Hamada & Matsumoto has a reputation in the antitrust Bar as one of the premier antitrust practices in Japan."
"They are very smart, sophisticated and experienced in international antitrust matters."
"Given their breadth and depth, there really isn't any complex competition matter that they cannot handle efficiently and effectively."
"Mori Hamada & Matsumoto has a reputation in the antitrust Bar as one of the premier antitrust practices in Japan."
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.
"Kenji Ito is the kingpin of antitrust in Japan."
Hideki Utsunomiya's established practice covers both the transactional and behavioural aspects of competition issues.
"Hideki Utsunomiya provides stable client service and delivers results based on his understanding of our business."
Yusuke Takamiya has a growing reputation in the field of antitrust law, advising on large corporate transactions as well as cartel investigations.
"Yusuke Takamiya is a very energetic and sharp antitrust lawyer."
"I find Yusuke's ability to identify relevant legal issues remarkable."
Ranked Lawyers at
Mori Hamada & Matsumoto
Japan