International Trade
Asia-Pacific Guide 2024 : 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. Some of its key clients are Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation, the Japan Iron and Steel Federation and Daido Steel.
Work Highlights
- Nishimura & Asahi advised Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on its design and pursuit of effective export promotion policies for Japanese food and agricultural products, advising on both existing and future sanitary and phytosanitary measures, as well as technical barrier to trade measures in jurisdictions such as the EU, China, South Korea and Taiwan.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They have substantial expertise, not only on pure legal matters, but also on fundamental considerations in regard to public policy and international relations. They are highly innovative and utilise their personal networks of scholars and legal influencers to obtain the best possible outcome for their clients."
"Nishimura & Asahi's service delivery is extremely timely and responsive to clients’ needs. They can simultaneously handle multiple cases ongoing in different jurisdictions and whenever we ask them questions or provide them with instructions, they always respond appropriately."
"They have substantial expertise, not only on pure legal matters, but also on fundamental considerations in regard to public policy and international relations. They are highly innovative and utilise their personal networks of scholars and legal influencers to obtain the best possible outcome for their clients."
"Nishimura & Asahi's service delivery is extremely timely and responsive to clients’ needs. They can simultaneously handle multiple cases ongoing in different jurisdictions and whenever we ask them questions or provide them with instructions, they always respond appropriately."
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.
"Kojiro Fujii is a current leading lawyer in this area and is fully up to date with the most recent international trade law issues, with particular strength in policy understanding."
"His strength is a deep understanding of international trade matters in various areas. He has a wealth of expertise and always provides appropriate instructions to the local firms with whom they work. His WTO work is of a truly global standard."
"Kojiro has excellent English skills."
Kozo Kawai focuses on anti-dumping investigations, often representing Japanese government bodies and local industry as petitioners or targets of foreign investigations. He also handles matters pertaining to export tariffs and sanctions.
"He has consulted with us on many legal matters over the years and has been indispensable to us, especially in the area of international trade."
"Kozo Kawai is a pioneer of international trade law in Japan and has a strong policy and industry background."
"He is highly experienced internationally."
Masahiro Heike is recognised as an up-and-coming partner who 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.
"Masahiro Heike also has abundant experience and significant strength in trade remedy cases and WTO matters."
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
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Retail
Software & Computer Services
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Technology
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