International Trade
Asia-Pacific Guide 2024 : Japan
Band 1
Contact number
+81 3 5220 1800About
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.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The quality of the answers is high and we get quick responses. They also provide consultation in jurisdictions other than Japan by utilising relationships with overseas branches of law firms and external partners, so they can respond to a wide range of services both geographically and in different fields."
"We have been highly impressed with the team’s ability to quickly learn and understand newer, complex US export controls. The team corresponds with us in English, fluently and with facility, and quickly picks up on key concepts in this complicated area of law."
"The quality of the answers is high and we get quick responses. They also provide consultation in jurisdictions other than Japan by utilising relationships with overseas branches of law firms and external partners, so they can respond to a wide range of services both geographically and in different fields."
"We have been highly impressed with the team’s ability to quickly learn and understand newer, complex US export controls. The team corresponds with us in English, fluently and with facility, and quickly picks up on key concepts in this complicated area of law."
Notable Practitioners
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.
"When we need advice on Japanese law, he's the person I’d point to. He's attentive and very practical."
"He is a professional who can provide extremely useful information and advice in a timely manner from a professional perspective on how companies perceive and face global business against the backdrop of drastically changing international conditions."
"He is very sophisticated, very smart and knows the relationship between Japanese and international rules."
"We rely on him for his deep sanctions knowledge, buttressed by his historical knowledge of the impact of US sanctions on business in Japan going back decades; his insight and advice are always first rate."
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.
"He has a lot of knowledge about precedents and a very strong ability to draft."
"He shows a diverse range of skills and very effective client skills; we have appreciated working with him this past year."
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.
"He is very familiar with Chinese legal practices and gives deep insight, which is super helpful. He responds very quickly and always keeps a very reasonable timeframe to revert to us."
"He has a strong connection with China and can provide hands-on service."
"Shigehiko offers exceptional client service on a wide range of trade issues, particularly in the context of any business transaction involving Japan and China and the United States; we rely on his steady hand and diverse range of talents."
Ranked Lawyers at
Mori Hamada & Matsumoto
Japan
Members
Provided by Mori Hamada & Matsumoto
Head of Department
Head of Department
Head of Department
Yohsuke Higashi
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
Software
Telecommunications
Transportation
Travel and Leisure