Tax
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : Japan
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+81 3 6250 6200About
Provided by Nishimura & Asahi
Our firm has approximately 530 Japanese lawyers (bengoshi), 50 foreign lawyers, tax counsel (zeirishi) and other professionals, is the largest law firm in Japan, and its practice areas cover all aspects of international and domestic business and corporate activities.
We are particularly renowned for our expertise in dealing with various types of tax controversies, exemplified by our unparalleled track record of victories before the Japanese courts. In the past, tax controversies and disputes were not an area of practice that business law firms like ourselves would deal with in Japan. However, after the two giant landmark cases, the Tokyo & Osaka proforma tax lawsuits (banking business tax lawsuits) and the IBJ (Industrial Bank of Japan) tax lawsuit, Japanese tax controversies and disputes have dramatically changed. In Japan, it is very difficult to prevail in tax lawsuits against the tax authorities, which is exemplified by the fact that the prevailing success rates for taxpayers are, even including a partially favourable decision, only approximately 5-10 percent. Even under such circumstances, our firm has achieved tremendous results in many tax litigations. Our firm has been regarded as a leading firm in the area of tax litigation.
Chambers Review
Nishimura & Asahi has a robust team recognised for its ability to advise domestic and foreign corporations on various contentious and non-contentious tax issues. The firm is experienced in tackling a range of tax disputes relating to consumption tax and the categorisation of foreign businesses for tax purposes. The team also offers advice to private individuals on tax audits and issues concerning income tax, and provides tax auditing services to complement its tax law expertise. The firm leverages its strength in cross-border M&A transactions to provide international tax advice.
Work Highlights
- Nishimura & Asahi represented Jinba TMK in a JPY1.8 billion consumption tax dispute before the Tokyo District Court.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Nishimura & Asahi provide accurate advice based on in-depth analysis and recognition of our concerns and issues."
"The team is very sophisticated, focussed on problem solving and extremely responsive."
"Nishimura & Asahi provide accurate advice based on in-depth analysis and recognition of our concerns and issues."
"The team is very sophisticated, focussed on problem solving and extremely responsive."
Notable Practitioners
Tsuyoshi Ito brings to bear over two decades' experience handling both contentious and advisory tax matters, including advising on audits and tax litigation.
"Mr Ito has deep experience in complex international tax issues and brings a problem-solving approach to his matters. It's very reassuring to have him involved."
"He's a capable and hard worker who is able to give advice that understands the other party's position."
Yo Ota is active on transactional work, as well as representing clients in disputes with the National Tax Agency over assessments and audits.
"Yo Ota is a top business lawyer in Japan and a strong leader."
Ranked Lawyers at
Nishimura & Asahi
Japan
Industries
Provided by Nishimura & Asahi
Automobiles & Parts
Banks
Commercial & Professional Services
Energy
Financial Services
Health Care
Mining & Metals
Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
Utilities