International Trade
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : Japan
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+81 3 6250 6200About
Provided by Nishimura & Asahi
N&A proactively advise both private companies and governmental agencies in Japan with regard to international trade laws, such as WTO Agreements, regional trade agreements including CPTPP and Japan-EU EPA, and international investment agreements. The department has extensive experience as outside and in-house counsel to companies, governmental agencies and the WTO.
As the pioneer in the practice of trade remedies in Japan, N&A has an extensive knowledge base and considerable experience from having acted for Japanese industries and foreign companies who file for and defend against anti-dumping and countervailing investigations by the Japanese authorities and for supporting Japanese companies facing trade remedies investigations initiated by foreign authorities.
Japan, like many other countries, controls the export of military-sensitive goods and technologies (including dual-use goods and technologies) so as to maintain both national and international peace and security. In this regard, N&A assists companies in complying with these rules and, in cases of potential violation of the rules, support companies in government investigations.
Chambers Review
Nishimura & Asahi houses an accomplished group of practitioners with expertise in anti-dumping investigations, state subsidies and export controls. The team is sought out on the basis of its track record of advising Japanese government agencies on WTO disputes and trade remedy investigations, and is frequently engaged by Japanese corporations and industry associations as petitioners to Japanese ministries or as targets of foreign government investigations into trade violations. Clients benefit from the team's in-depth understanding of WTO rules, as well as international trade agreements and treaties.
Work Highlights
- Nishimura & Asahi acted as legal adviser to Nippon Steel Corporation in connection with its acquisition of US Steel, advising on the newly adopted EU foreign subsidies regulation and the US national security investment screening.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"I'm fully satisfied; their performance was excellent."
"Nishimura & Asahi have a deep understanding of business, which is what makes them different from other firms."
"I'm fully satisfied; their performance was excellent."
"Nishimura & Asahi have a deep understanding of business, which is what makes them different from other firms."
Notable Practitioners
Kojiro Fujii is a leading figure offering both advisory and contentious services in relation to a host of international trade issues, including investigations into anti-dumping, state subsidies and export controls. He is sought after by foreign and domestic government bodies, multinational corporations and industry associations for his expertise.
"Having worked at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Kojiro Fujii is very strong in trade issues."
Kozo Kawai focuses on anti-dumping investigations, often representing Japanese government bodies and local industries as petitioners or targets of foreign investigations. He also handles matters pertaining to export tariffs and sanctions.
"Kozo Kawai is highly reliable, with name recognition and extensive experience."
"He understands our business well and bases his advice on that."
Masahiro Heike represents government departments in WTO legal matters. He draws upon his experience as former deputy director of Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in his work handling anti-dumping investigations and WTO dispute settlement cases.
Ranked Lawyers at
Nishimura & Asahi
Japan
Industries
Provided by Nishimura & Asahi
Aerospace & Defence
Automobiles & Parts
Banks
Chemicals
Construction & Materials
Consumer Product Manufacturing
Energy
Financial Services
Food & Drink Producers
Forestry & Paper
Government
Hardware & Electronics
Health Care
Insurance
Internet
Mining & Metals
Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
Retail
Software & Computer Services
Steel
Technology
Telecommunications
Transportation
Travel & Leisure
Utilities