Competition/Antitrust
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : Japan
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+81 3 6250 6200About
Provided by Nishimura & Asahi
Our firm have been involved in many major domestic merger cases in Japan, and has produced results for our clients incomparable to any other firm in Japan. We are advising on most of the high-profile or “hard” cases that are subject to the Second Phase review at the Japan Fair Trade Commission (the JFTC). Further, we are regularly selected as local counsel to handle merger filings in Japan for many high-profile cross border and offshore M&A cases.
Our firm has proactively filed leniency applications from the outset of the introduction of the program in cartel and bid-rigging investigations, by which we gained a great deal of experience with the reforms. We have been advising on a large bid-rigging case among major Japanese construction companies on the linear motorcar (Japan’s superconducting Maglev train), which was unveiled in 2017. Moreover, in order to deal with international cartel cases, we have strengthened our partnerships with leading foreign law firms and are able to support Japanese companies when they face cartel investigations by competition agencies of both western and emerging countries as well as providing foreign companies with legal advice in relation to investigations by the Japanese Fair Trade Commission.
Chambers Review
Nishimura & Asahi is widely acknowledged as a leading name in merger clearance and cartel cases, both domestic and international. The firm houses additional expertise in handling deregulation and market liberalisation matters. The team regularly works on merger filings in respect of domestic and cross-border acquisitions, and excels in assisting clients with Phase II merger investigations. It assists clients from a diverse range of industries spanning energy, finance, hospitality, pharmaceuticals, technology, shipping and steel, among others.
Work Highlights
- Nishimura & Asahi advised Broadcom on competition issues relating to its USD61 billion acquisition of VMware, including a merger filing with the JFTC.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The firm's lawyers have a high level of expertise in each sector. An appropriate response can be provided after consultation in any area."
"Their service level and response are excellent. You can always expect a prompt and courteous response, and they will sincerely respond to any of your questions or problems."
"Nishimura & Asahi is extremely capable when organising and analysing antitrust law issues related to complex M&A transactions and responding to authorities."
"The firm's lawyers have a high level of expertise in each sector. An appropriate response can be provided after consultation in any area."
"Their service level and response are excellent. You can always expect a prompt and courteous response, and they will sincerely respond to any of your questions or problems."
"Nishimura & Asahi is extremely capable when organising and analysing antitrust law issues related to complex M&A transactions and responding to authorities."
Notable Practitioners
Kozo Kawai has long been called upon for his sector-leading knowledge of non-contentious and contentious antitrust issues, including those relating to M&A transactions, cartels and unilateral behaviour.
"Kozo Kawai provided advice from a broad perspective, based on his substantial experience. He is vigorous in advancing negotiations with the JFTC."
"Kozo Kawai is our first choice for M&A and joint ventures. He is very reliable, especially in Antimonopoly Act cases that are not considered easy. His connections abroad are also a great strength."
Madoka Shimada has a strong track record of advising on merger filings and antitrust-related issues. She represents clients in cross-border transactions, including international cartels.
"She has a deep understanding of our business and provides timely services on various issues by making use of the firm's overseas network."
"Madoka Shimada is very pleasant, very client-friendly and overall simply an excellent competition lawyer who earns the client’s trust."
Kazumaro Kobayashi is an up-and-coming practitioner who focuses on antitrust, competition and international trade work.
"Kazumaro Kobayashi has a wide range of capabilities and can be consulted with confidence even in urgent cases."
Ranked Lawyers at
Nishimura & Asahi
Japan
Industries
Provided by Nishimura & Asahi
Aerospace & Defence
Automobiles & Parts
Banks
Chemicals
Construction & Materials
Energy
Forestry & Paper
Government
Health Care
Industrial Engineering
Media
Mining & Metals
Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
Retail
Technology, Hardware & Electronics
Telecommunications
Transportation
Utilities