Restructuring/Insolvency
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : Japan
Band 1
About
Provided by Mori Hamada & Matsumoto
At Mori Hamada & Matsumoto, we have successfully supported clients in numerous complex corporate restructuring cases with revolutionary and pioneering schemes developed by the collected wisdom of lawyers boasting extensive practical experience in this practice area. In order to accomplish the restructuring of corporations enduring difficulties, our lawyers strive on a daily basis to expand and share knowledge about latest laws, court decisions and restructuring cases, and handle cases in close cooperation with experts in other practice areas. While we are proactive in handling international restructuring cases by making use of networks with our overseas offices and major overseas law firms, we have a great deal of experience with restructuring cases in various areas of Japan as well as national capital region by working in collaboration with domestic offices. Mori Hamada & Matsumoto enables corporate reorganization and restructuring based on a strong track record, extensive experience, and sophisticated expertise in the area of corporate restructuring.
Chambers Review
Mori Hamada & Matsumoto has an experienced bench of legal advisers active in assisting debtors, creditors and sponsors with complex insolvency and restructuring matters in Japan, including out-of-court workouts and pre-packaged reorganisations. The firm is proficient in supporting corporations from an array of sectors, often representing medium-sized companies. The team's areas of strength also include assisting companies from the manufacturing and retail sectors with corporate restructurings.
Work Highlights
- Mori Hamada & Matsumoto represented KKR as restructuring sponsor for hotel business Unizo following the withdrawal of sponsor support by Nippon Sangyo Suishin Kiko.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They had a thorough understanding of the details of the business and, even in difficult situations, they were able to organise even the smallest details, which gave me a sense of security."
"I think they are particularly aware that understanding the business is a must to build a relationship with the owner, so they pay particular attention to this point."
"In the field of corporate restructuring, Mori Hamada & Matsumoto have a very strong network and have earned the trust of creditors, so the negotiations went smoothly."
"They had a thorough understanding of the details of the business and, even in difficult situations, they were able to organise even the smallest details, which gave me a sense of security."
"I think they are particularly aware that understanding the business is a must to build a relationship with the owner, so they pay particular attention to this point."
"In the field of corporate restructuring, Mori Hamada & Matsumoto have a very strong network and have earned the trust of creditors, so the negotiations went smoothly."
Notable Practitioners
Soichiro Fujiwara is greatly respected in Japan as a go-to name for distressed debtors and shareholders, as well as lenders, involved in restructurings, pre-insolvency workouts and in-court bankruptcies.
"Soichiro Fujiwara is very knowledgeable and experienced. He has the tenacity to deal with the most difficult and complex of situations and always delivers what is expected."
"He always has a clear vision of everything and gives me very reassuring advice."
"Even in difficult situations, Soichiro Fujiwara always provides valuable service."
Ryota Yamasaki is an experienced lawyer in the market. He regularly acts on behalf of major Japanese corporations during out-of-court debt restructurings.
"Ryota Yamasaki has a wealth of experience and skills in restructuring projects."
"He is highly specialised, very easy to talk to and handles complex cases smoothly."
"He has a calm personality even in difficult situations and has been able to move the project forward to my satisfaction."
Takahiro Inou is an experienced practitioner who regularly handles court-supervised proceedings and out-of-court restructuring mandates. He acts for clients across the space, including debtors, creditors and sponsors.
"Takahiro Inou has an excellent ability to deal with complex issues and also has an excellent attitude towards his clients, making him a person we can consult with absolute confidence."
"We have consulted with him on a wide variety of issues and have come to trust him greatly."
"Takahiro Inou is a next-generation leader in corporate turnaround and restructuring."
Ranked Lawyers at
Mori Hamada & Matsumoto
Japan
Members
Provided by Mori Hamada & Matsumoto
Airo Inoue
Atsunori Nobukuni
Dai Katagiri
Kouichi Nanba
Ryo Kawabata
Shinichiro Yokota
Head of Department
Wataru Ishida
Yusuke Matsui