Dispute Resolution: International
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : Japan
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+81 3 6250 6200Chambers Review
Nishimura & Asahi is widely renowned for its prowess in complex cross-border litigation and international arbitration, and is active in cases heard before the courts as well as arbitrations in the ICC, SIAC, HKIAC and CIETAC. The firm is frequently instructed by renowned domestic and foreign companies from various sectors such as financial, automotive and pharmaceuticals. It is experienced in a range of disputes, with noteworthy expertise in breach of duty claims and matters concerning product liability and tax litigation.
Work Highlights
- Nishimura & Asahi defended Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities in a class action brought by investors having purchased Credit Suisse AT1 bonds through the client acting as a broker.
- Nishimura & Asahi represented a Japanese automotive company in connection with large claims brought by approximately 150 claimants before Japan’s National Mediation Commission, involving issues arising from asthma allegedly caused by gas emissions from diesel
- engines.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Nishimura & Asahi provided quick and accurate responses. It was helpful because they appropriately arranged a meeting, and responses to emails were also quick."
"Nishimura & Asahi provided quick and accurate responses. It was helpful because they appropriately arranged a meeting, and responses to emails were also quick."
Notable Practitioners
Hiroyuki Tezuka has a distinguished reputation in the arbitration sphere. He offers over three decades of experience advising clients on large-scale arbitrations arising out of projects and commercial agreements.
Akihiro Hironaka's broad expertise involves representing clients in cross-border disputes, including arbitrations, in connection with joint venture, product liability, tax and antitrust matters.
"Hironaka-sensei always tries to understand the business background and requirements in depth, and returns very thoughtful, practical advice."
Lars Markert has a growing reputation in the market. He is especially noted for his expertise in handling cross-border arbitration cases relating to M&A, investment, construction contracts and product liability issues, often for EU clients.
"Lars gave me a thorough explanation and presented me with options based on his high level of experience, so I was very reassured when I consulted with him."
Chié Nakahara is a respected arbitration counsel who is in high demand by Japanese corporates and is often mandated to handle cross-border manufacturing and trade-related disputes.
"Based on her deep knowledge of international arbitration and legal expertise, Ms Nakahara provided rapid and highly accurate advice, taking into account the specific circumstances of the industry."
Yutaro Kawabata is noted for his extensive experience in arbitration, regularly representing clients from a range of sectors in disputes arising out of breaches and termination of contracts and commercial agreements, as well as uncompleted projects.
"Yutaro is a true international arbitration specialist who knows the tricks of the trade and uses them to our advantage."
Hiroshi Kimeda leads the firm's corporate crisis management department. He is well experienced in handling a variety of crisis management mandates, including bribery, fraud, insider trading and misrepresentation of financial statements cases. Clients also benefit from his previous experience as a public prosecutor.
Kaku Hirao has extensive experience advising on internal investigations and cases initiated by regulatory authorities. He has particular expertise in handling criminal proceedings, thanks to his experience as a public prosecutor at the Criminal Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Justice.
Kei Umebayashi draws on his experience working at the Special Investigative Section of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office and is adept at handling trade secrets and intellectual property and antitrust disputes.