International Trade
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : Japan
Band 1
About
Provided by Mori Hamada & Matsumoto
MHM has one of the leading international trade law practices among Japan-based law firms. MHM provides legal advice to companies and government agencies on a broad range of international trade law issues, such as the WTO Agreement and WTO dispute settlement, FTAs and EPAs, investment treaties and investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS), foreign direct investment (FDI), trade remedies, export controls, ‘economic security’ regulations, economic sanctions, and trade-related human rights measures.
MHM is experienced in providing legal support to foreign companies in tackling potential trade barriers and trade-related regulations by utilizing its expertise in trade law and other relevant areas of legal practice. MHM also assists clients in negotiating with government agencies on regulatory issues and in the context of trade remedy investigations. In recent years, MHM has been dealing with an increasing number of cases related to export controls, ‘economic security’ regulations, economic sanctions, and trade-related human rights measures.
With its expertise and experience in the field, and its strong network with government agencies and professionals in other areas and jurisdictions, MHM provides effective and efficient support to clients on a wide variety of international trade law issues.
Chambers Review
The team at Mori Hamada & Matsumoto primarily advises Japanese corporates on outbound mandates including compliance with export controls, customs, tariffs, economic sanctions and national security regulations. The firm also handles anti-dumping investigations and WTO disputes with increasing frequency, acting for Japanese government agencies as well as companies.
Work Highlights
- Mori Hamada & Matsumoto provided legal support to the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industryon legislation for a new emissions trading system.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"MHM have a good grasp of not only our business but also the industry, which is very helpful. I am fully satisfied with the quality and speed of the advice."
"They provide far-sighted views based on various actual experiences and enjoy deep discussions with clients from both theoretical and practical perspectives.They have excellent talents."
"MHM have a good grasp of not only our business but also the industry, which is very helpful. I am fully satisfied with the quality and speed of the advice."
"They provide far-sighted views based on various actual experiences and enjoy deep discussions with clients from both theoretical and practical perspectives.They have excellent talents."
Notable Practitioners
Kunio Miyaoka is noted for his work handling WTO disputes and regularly advises on export controls, sanctions, FDI regulations and newly emerging legislation. He was previously seconded to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and brings with him extensive knowledge of international trade agreements.
"In dealing with unprecedented issues, Kunio Miyaoka provided the desired deliverables while taking into account our needs. He has a wide range of practical experience."
"In all aspects, we have received a high level of service."
Hideaki Umetsu is appreciated by clients for his expertise in handling export controls and economic sanctions as well as compliance and global transactions for large corporates.
"He is well versed in the actual state of our business, our industry and the circumstances of each country in which we operate, and we have received extremely accurate advice."
"Hideaki Umetsu is humble and polite, but also gives straightforward opinions and realistic solutions when it comes to resolving disputes."
Shigehiko Ishimoto is recognised in the market for his strong expertise in handling China-related trade matters. He is also well regarded for his knowledge of export controls and sanctions compliance.
"Shigehiko Ishimoto is a very well-rounded lawyer and very hands-on."
"Shige is well known within the international trade community and the Inter-Pacific Bar as a leading expert in Japan commercial and trade laws."
Ranked Lawyers at
Mori Hamada & Matsumoto
Japan
Members
Provided by Mori Hamada & Matsumoto
Head of Department
Yohsuke Higashi
Head of Department
Industries
Provided by Mori Hamada & Matsumoto
Aerospace
Automobiles and Auto Parts
Banking and Financial Services
Chemicals
Computer and Information Technology
Construction
Defence
Electronics
Energy
Food
Government
Health Care and Life Science
Insurance
Materials
Metals
Pharmaceuticals
Real Estate
Retail
Semiconductors and Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment
Software
Telecommunications
Transportation
Travel and Leisure