Asia Business Law Journal names the country’s top law firms. Byung Jin Park and Miran Lim report
Japan’s economy is showing moderate recovery. Although exports and corporate investment have weakened due to the impact of an unstable US tariff policy, Japan’s GDP grew by 0.5% from the previous quarter, or an annualised 2.2% in the second quarter of 2025. This marks the fifth consecutive quarter of economic growth.
The growth was driven by a recovery in personal consumption resulting from wage increases. According to this year’s Shuntō, known in English as the “spring wage offensive” — the annual wage negotiations between enterprise unions and employers — Japanese companies agreed to raise wages by more than 5% on average, the highest increase in more than three decades.
On the back of this, Sanae Takaichi, who took office on 21 October as Japan’s first female prime minister, faces challenges in realising her goal of building a “strong Japanese economy”.
Japan’s population has been declining and ageing quickly for many years, resulting in labour shortages and weakening the nation’s potential for growth.
In addition, Japan relies heavily on the export of high value-added products such as automobiles, machinery and electronic components, and has recently been hit hard by the rise in protectionism. Japanese companies deeply integrated into global supply chains may also face pressure from both the US and China if tensions between the two intensify.
While Takaichi aims to tackle these challenges and succeed in the country’s challenging macroeconomic climate, obtaining sound legal counsel and partnering with reliable experts will be essential for businesses.
Japanese law firms are expected to provide clients with solutions to these complex issues and contribute to the sustained growth of the Japanese economy.
In recognition of these law firms, Asia Business Law Journal presents the Japan Law Firm Awards 2025, celebrating the country’s best firms in the past year.
We have identified four law firms as the elite of the elite, with one standing out as the Law Firm of the Year. We also recognise Best Overall Law Firms, four Best Foreign Law Firms, the Best Boutique Law Firm, the Best New Law Firm, and more exceptional law firms across 25 other categories.
As one of Japan’s most established and largest law firms, comprising more than 700 lawyers qualified in Japan and abroad, Anderson Mori & Tomotsune (AMT) earned the Law Firm of the Year award by securing significant domestic and international work throughout the year.
Earlier this year, AMT took on a key role in Tokyo-listed motor manufacturer Nidec’s USD1.7 billion bid for toolmaker Makino Milling Machine, acting as a legal adviser to the special committee established by Makino to evaluate the offer.
The transaction drew attention as it coincided with Japan’s ongoing M&A reform drive, with Nidec endorsing the new Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry guidelines aimed at promoting greater transparency and proactive takeover activity.
AMT has been active in a wide range of international matters in the past year. The firm played a central role in Nitto Seiko’s acquisition of the entire shareholding of Vulcan Forge, serving as international transaction counsel to the Japanese acquirer.
This deal represents a major expansion in the industrial components sector and highlights AMT’s strong capability in handling complex cross-border M&A transactions, while further enhancing Nitto Seiko’s global presence in fastening and assembly technologies.
The firm also played a pivotal role in Blackstone’s landmark USD3.5 billion buyout of Japanese IT services provider TechnoPro Holdings, which marks the US private equity firm’s largest investment in Japan to date. Acting as Japanese counsel to Blackstone, AMT, led by Tokyo-based corporate and M&A partner Kazuaki Tobioka, advised on all Japan-related legal aspects of the transaction.
In this year’s Japan Law Firm Awards report, AMT received a testimonial from EY Law Indonesia, highlighting the firm’s strong cross-border capabilities. “AMT has a longstanding presence in Indonesia and its multilingual team and co-ordinated offices ensure responsive and culturally attuned legal services,” says Fahrul S Yusuf, a partner at EY Law Indonesia in Jakarta.
“I have worked with AMT in my previous firm and have consistently appreciated their depth of expertise and practical approach to Indonesian legal matters. Having worked with AMT previously, I value their practical approach and bilingual capabilities in managing complex Indonesia-related corporate matters.”
BEST OVERALL LAW FIRMS
Mori Hamada & Matsumoto (MHM) is one of Japan’s leading full-service law firms, headquartered in Tokyo. MHM was recognised as one of the Best Overall Law Firms for its advisory role in several significant transactions in Japan and throughout Asia.
Notably, the firm advised the special committee established by TechnoPro Holdings in connection with Blackstone’s USD3.5 billion buyout. As legal adviser to the special committee, MHM provided advice on the bidding process, candidate selection procedures, and negotiation of transaction terms to ensure the fairness of the deal.
MHM also advised Welcia Holdings in its merger negotiations with Tsuruha Holdings, a deal that will create Japan’s largest drugstore alliance, with combined sales exceeding JPY2 trillion (USD13.5 billion) and involving about 5,500 stores. The firm assisted Welcia with due diligence, contract negotiations, and the establishment of a special committee to ensure fairness and prevent conflicts of interest in finalising the capital and business alliance agreement with Tsuruha.
The firm was also among the six law firms that advised the parties involved in the EUR3.5 billion (USD3.8 billion) acquisition of German life insurance group Viridium by a consortium led by Allianz, BlackRock and Japan’s T&D Holdings. MHM represented T&D Holdings on all aspects of the transaction.
A senior lawyer at an international law firm based in Singapore, who specialises in investment, speaks highly of the firm: “Their responses and advice are always on point, and they efficiently and effectively answered our questions. I have to say their response time is quite short, which shows the dedication by their team.”
Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu is among Japan’s foremost full-service law firms, renowned for its expertise in handling complex domestic and international transactions, dispute resolution and regulatory issues. The firm advises a diverse clientele including leading Japanese and global corporations, financial institutions and government bodies.
The firm acted as legal counsel to air conditioning manufacturer Fujitsu General in connection with the proposed USD1.6 billion tender offer launched by Japanese appliance manufacturer Paloma Rheem Holdings.
The takeover bid sought to acquire all outstanding common shares of Fujitsu General, with the aim of making it a wholly owned subsidiary. Partners Yuko Tamai and Shuichi Nishimura led the advisory team for Fujitsu General.
The firm also served as lead legal adviser to infrastructure tech maker Topcon Corporation in connection with a proposed tender offer by global investment firm KKR & Co and private equity company JIC Capital. Partner Yutaka Kuroda led the team on this matter.
Nagashima advised Japan Tobacco’s subsidiary, Torii Pharmaceutical, on a JPY160 billion (USD1.1 billion) takeover bid by Japanese drugmaker Shionogi. The firm was appointed as legal counsel to the Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed Torii at the outset of the acquisition, and provided comprehensive legal support throughout the entire transaction. Partners Kensuke Suzuki, Shuichi Nishimura and Yu Tamura led the team advising Torii.
Although Japan’s largest full-service law firm by headcount, Nishimura & Asahi is expanding its presence beyond being a domestic law firm to establishing itself as an international presence. In 2025 alone, the firm opened two overseas offices – one in Brussels in January, and another in London in February – both key hubs for the European market.
In the past 12 months, Nishimura & Asahi has played a leading role in several major cross-border transactions across the region. These high-profile mandates not only highlight the firm’s deep expertise in complex matters but also reinforce its standing as a global law firm with a strong and growing international footprint.
The firm advised global investment firm KKR on its successful USD4.1 billion two-stage tender offer for IT company Fujisoft. This deal was particularly complex, as KKR’s initial tender offer was met with a competing bid from Bain Capital.
In response, KKR lowered the minimum share threshold in its first offer to accommodate shareholders seeking a swift exit, then launched a second tender offer with multiple price increases to stabilise the deal and outmanoeuvre Bain.
As lead Japanese counsel, Nishimura & Asahi advised KKR on all aspects of the transaction including structuring, regulatory strategy and contingency planning.
Nishimura & Asahi is also currently advising Nippon Steel on merger filings, as its wholly owned US subsidiary, Nippon Steel North America, will acquire US Steel in a deal valued at USD14.9 billion.
In light of the global presence of both companies, merger filings are required in countries including the US, EU, Turkey and Mexico. The US merger review is especially complex, as this merger involves Japan’s largest steel manufacturer and the US’s third-largest.
BEST FOREIGN LAW FIRMS
A&O SHEARMAN
BAKER MCKENZIE
MORRISON FOERSTER
WHITE & CASE
A&O Shearman began a new chapter in Japan in 2025, with the appointment of Scott Neilson as a managing partner of its Tokyo office, effective from February. With more than 20 years of experience in renewables, infrastructure and energy transition, Neilson will support international clients in capitalising on global trends to invest in Japan.
The firm advised Macquarie Asset Management (MAM) on its USD1.8 billion all-cash sale of its North American and European public investments business to Nomura. The transaction, announced on 21 April 2025, covers MAM’s equities, fixed income and multi-asset operations in those regions.
MAM and Nomura will also collaborate on product and distribution initiatives. Completion is expected by the end of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
A&O Shearman also advised SBI Group on its acquisition of a majority stake in Solaris, a Berlin-based embedded finance company. Börse Stuttgart Group acquired a significant holding, making Solaris part of SBI Group. This follows A&O Shearman’s earlier advisory role for SBI Group in its series F3 investment in Solaris in 2024.
Baker McKenzie’s Tokyo office, established in 1972, operates as a Gaikokuho joint enterprise (foreign law joint enterprise), enabling collaboration with Japanese-qualified lawyers to provide international legal services.
The firm advised Heiwa Corporation, operator of Pacific Golf Management, on its USD3.32 billion acquisition of PJC Investments Holdings, the parent company of Accordia Golf, from an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group. The deal will make PJC Investments a wholly owned subsidiary of Heiwa, creating the world’s largest golf course management group, with 321 courses across Japan.
It also acted for Yageo, a Taiwanese electronics manufacturer, in its unsolicited takeover of Shibaura Electronics, a Japanese thermistor maker, in a deal valued at USD567.3 million. The tender offer was completed in October 2025.
Morrison Foerster’s (MoFo) Tokyo office has more than 100 lawyers, including more than 50 Japan-licensed lawyers and more than 50 foreign-qualified attorneys. The team advises on inbound and outbound transactions, investigations and disputes.
A standout deal for MoFo in the past year was advising SoftBank Group on its USD5.37 billion acquisition of ABB’s robotics business, announced on 8 October 2025 and expected to close by mid to late 2026, pending global regulatory approvals. The cross-border team, led by Ken Siegel and Gary Brown, handled corporate, IP, tax, employment and regulatory matters.
MoFo also advised EQT on its USD1.1 billion sale of Japan’s Pioneer to CarUX, a subsidiary of Taiwan-listed Innolux. Founded in 1938, Pioneer is known for in-car sound, navigation and mobility technologies. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to customary conditions and approvals.
Founded in Tokyo in 1987, White & Case provides legal services across corporate law, M&A, finance, projects and energy, disputes, antitrust, intellectual property and real estate.
White & Case advised Toyota Tsusho on its USD1.34 billion acquisition of American steel manufacturer Radius Recycling. The Tokyo-based partners Nels Hansen, Jun Usami and Shino Asayama led the matter with support from a global team.
The firm also advised JERA, Japan’s largest power generation company and a leading LNG buyer, on a long-term time charter agreement for a new LNG carrier between Mitsui OSK Lines and LNG Marine Transport.
The vessel, to be constructed at Samsung Heavy Industries’ Geoje Shipyard in South Korea, is expected to be delivered in 2026. Managed by Mitsui OSK Lines, the carrier will transport LNG for JERA, strengthening the company’s LNG supply chain stability.
BEST BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM
While labour and employment laws in Japan are generally strict and employee-protective, Vanguard Lawyers Tokyo has quickly established itself as a boutique law firm assisting multinational companies in Japan with compliance, restructuring and employee relations. The team, led by experienced lawyer Kazuki Okada, offers practical and strategic advice on employment issues unique to Japan.
The firm also handles sensitive corporate governance and boardroom matters including executive appointments, terminations and investigations into misconduct. Its lawyers thrive on complex, precedent‑setting cases and provide comprehensive support across all aspects of employment law, from drafting work rules and structuring executive pay to managing disciplinary issues, harassment claims and labour inspections.
Vanguard Lawyers Tokyo also advises on employment aspects of corporate transactions, including due diligence and union negotiations.
Since its establishment in 2017, the firm has advised multinational companies on large-scale redundancies, providing strategic guidance to ensure compliance with Japanese employment laws and effective risk management.
It has also counselled on employment matters arising from a joint venture between a multinational investment bank and a Japanese financial institution, addressing complex cross-border employment and governance issues.
BEST NEW LAW FIRM
Aquaxis Law Office is a Japanese full-service law firm established in July 2023 by Ayuko Nemoto, Naoki Watanabe, Makoto Ohsugi and Kengo Sakai. The name “Aquaxis” combines “aqua” and “axis”, symbolising the firm’s aim to flow with clients like water – adaptable, essential and efficient.
In 2025, the firm served as a legal adviser for the Japanese TV drama Laundering, a series about a person who can hear the voices of the dead to uncover the truth behind their deaths. The show aired on Kansai Television and Fuji Television from July to September.
Managing partner Ayuko Nemoto also contributed to the creation of the Self-Regulatory Guidelines for Gut Microbiome Testing Services, developed by the Gut Health Association.
The firm is a member of MSI Global Alliance, one of the world’s leading international networks of independent law and accounting firms. Through this membership, Aquaxis can swiftly access trusted expertise to support clients facing legal or business challenges abroad.
Other award highlights
Atsumi & Sakai is a full-service law firm based in Tokyo that operates as a foreign law joint venture, allowing it to include foreign lawyers as partners and provide clients with an integrated blend of Japanese and international expertise. This year, the firm received awards in five categories, the highest number of wins among firms outside the Best Overall Law Firms.
The firm engaged in some notable transactions in the past year. On 13 September 2024, RS, a subsidiary of Oasis Management, agreed to transfer all shares and claims in its Hong Kong subsidiary, Rays, to Hulic for cash. Completed on 7 November 2024, Hulic indirectly acquired 63.88% of Raysum, making both Rays and Raysum its consolidated subsidiaries. Oasis conducted a global auction for the sale, with Atsumi & Sakai representing it throughout.
The firm prepared bilingual agreements, negotiated with domestic and international bidders, and successfully closed this complex cross-border deal involving simultaneous settlements in Tokyo and Hong Kong.
It also advised and represented KAKEN Pharmaceutical in its negotiations with Eisai, another domestic pharma company, on a product transfer agreement. As a result, KAKEN acquired from Eisai the rights for two ethical pharmaceutical products, launched in 1969 and 1983. The products are expected to continue contributing significantly to the client’s revenues.
Despite being headquartered in Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city, Chuo Sogo is increasingly advising Tokyo-based companies and handling cross-border matters in M&A, finance, corporate law, IP, labour, competition and disputes. The firm received awards in data compliance and cybersecurity, insurance and reinsurance, and labour and employment.
The firm provides continuous legal support to one of Japan’s largest non-life insurance companies. During regular consultation sessions at the client’s headquarters, the firm addresses a wide range of legal issues where swift action is required to minimise customer impact.
Keisuke Naraki, an executive officer at Anicom Insurance in Tokyo, says: “The firm acts as our legal counsel, and we greatly value its expertise and the high quality of its services in insurance matters.”
For labour and employment, Chuo Sogo receives daily consultations on personnel and labour matters from large companies including West Japan Railway, one of Japan’s leading railway operators, and JTB, one of the country’s largest travel agencies.
The firm recently supported the investigation of a case in which a former employee of a Tokyo Stock Exchange prime market-listed client engaged in fraudulent transactions, causing damages exceeding JPY100 million (USD654,000). The employee was subsequently dismissed for cause, criminally prosecuted and has recently been indicted.
City-Yuwa Partners is a litigation powerhouse in Japan, boasting one of the largest dispute resolution teams in the country, with 65 litigation partners. The total number of lawyers at City-Yuwa Partners surpassed 200 in April 2025.
The firm was originally established by the merger of several boutique law firms, including one specialising in real estate and construction, and the firm continues to advise clients on real estate investments and transactions.
The firm also represents major financial institutions and banks, including the Deutsche Bank Group and Goldman Sachs, in disputes related to financial commodities such as derivatives and securitisation.
City-Yuwa Partners is also known for a strong South Korea practice, handling litigation for Korean clients across general corporate and commercial litigation, IP litigation and administrative litigation against governments.
Founded in Osaka, Oh-Ebashi LPC & Partners has expanded with offices in Tokyo and Nagoya. The firm has also taken a significant step in international expansion by forming a business alliance with Indonesian MAPS Law Firm and opening a Jakarta desk in July 2025.
This year, Oh-Ebashi received awards in the healthcare and life sciences category, as well as in restructuring, refinancing and insolvency. The firm assisted Maruho, a dermatology company, in a global collaborative development and commercialisation agreement with US digital sensor specialist Sibel Health, advising on contract drafting and negotiations and helping Maruho secure exclusive commercialisation rights in Japan, the EU, US and Asean countries.
In addition, Oh-Ebashi handled a cross-border liquidation case involving multiple jurisdictions. MTI, a South African cryptocurrency fund manager involved in a pyramid scheme, was forced into liquidation by creditors and commenced insolvency proceedings in June 2021. Oh-Ebashi acted as legal counsel for the liquidator, and the Tokyo District Court recognised the foreign bankruptcy proceedings in December 2024.
Fintech experts
Led by managing partners So Saito, who spent 16 years at Japan’s largest law firm by headcount, and Yuki Sato, formerly a partner at a global law firm, So & Sato Law Offices combines deep domestic insight with an international perspective.
The firm advises clients across a range of industries including fintech, blockchain, AI and robotics.
The firm established itself as one of the go-to advisers for Web3 companies, with a client list that includes bitFlyer, SBI VC and HashPort. So & Sato is also currently assisting both domestic and foreign clients in the blockchain treasury business, including Frankfurt-listed Universal Digitals, and Tokyo-listed Mac House and CyberStep.
So & Sato has advised numerous AI-related startups, including the Tokyo-listed Heroz. Overall, the firm offers comprehensive, long-term support to clients in the emerging TMT sector at every stage of their growth, covering fundraising, M&A, financing, strategic partnerships, and the launch of new ventures.
Lloyd Lee, the CEO of Hyperithm, a digital asset management company in Tokyo that has worked with the firm for more than seven years, says: “So & Sato Law Offices has helped us navigate Japan’s complex financial regulations, draft key agreements, and structure compliant investment funds in the Web3 and crypto asset sectors. The team has a strong understanding of the evolving regulatory landscape, making them an invaluable partner in our growth and innovation.”
AI-EI Law Firm is a boutique firm specialising in domestic and international labour and employment matters, as well as corporate disputes. In this year’s awards, the firm received recognition in the labour and employment category, with significant contributions from partner Hiroaki Matsui.
The firm advised a telecasting corporation after an employee embezzled company funds intended for interviews and data collection, using them for personal expenses. The company organised an investigation team and issued a report on the matter, with Matsui serving as advisory counsel.
It also advised a major skincare manufacturer in conducting an internal investigation into workplace conditions and employee satisfaction. Matsui provided advice and served as the lead investigator.
“AI-EI Law Firm provides highly professional and devoted services with a strong focus on attention to detail and client needs,” says an in-house counsel at a Japan-based global medical device company. “They always fight a smart and steady fight in the court; at the same time, they are constantly keeping in mind gentlemanship towards all parties, including opponents in the court … We strongly believe that they are the best and brightest experts in this realm.”
Special investigators
GI&T Law Office is a boutique law firm focusing on internal investigations and corporate compliance, particularly within the healthcare and life sciences sectors. In the past year, the firm has advised healthcare companies on conducting internal investigations, addressing potential regulatory breaches, and designing and implementing robust compliance programmes aligned with both Japanese and international standards.
The firm advised more than 10 major pharmaceutical and medical device companies on Japan’s anti-bribery laws and related regulations, providing tailored legal guidance and compliance training. It also supported a publicly listed Japanese pharmaceutical company in building a comprehensive global compliance framework, including the design and rollout of a worldwide whistleblowing system.
GI&T also handled some cross-border work. The firm completed several high-profile internal investigations for leading US medical device manufacturers concerning alleged improper engagements with healthcare professionals that raised potential bribery concerns.
The firm also successfully assisted a healthcare client in navigating collective bargaining with multiple labour unions, providing strategic counsel on communications that restored and stabilised the relationship.
Anniversary expansion
In 2025, Greenberg Traurig marked its 10th anniversary in Japan, continuing its expansion through the recruitment of attorneys from leading law firms. In the past six years, the firm’s Japan headcount has more than tripled.
It now boasts an integrated team of Japan-licensed and international lawyers offering local law expertise with a keen understanding of international standards and practices.
In the real estate sector, particularly the fast-growing data centre and digital infrastructure space, Greenberg Traurig advised Blackstone in its acquisition of AirTrunk. The firm also helped develop the structures and strategies now adopted by global data centre operators and investors in the Japanese market, including the development of innovative long-term ground leases to secure development sites.
As tourism surged in Japan in the post-pandemic era, Greenberg Traurig has been at the forefront of advising players in the hospitality industry on complex and innovative transactions. A recent example of the firm’s success is its representation of Fortress Investment Group Japan in its acquisition of a resort company operating the Seagaia Resort in Miyazaki prefecture.
Maritime magic
Since its establishment in 1976 by Makoto Hiratsuka, Hiratsuka & Co has maintained a strong focus on shipping, insurance/reinsurance, international trade, and related litigation and arbitration.
The firm is widely recognised for handling high-profile maritime casualties such as collisions, groundings, ship fires and oil spills, as well as charterparty disputes, cargo claims, and ship sale and purchase disputes. Its clients include both Japanese and international parties, including P&I clubs and underwriters.
Managing partner Hiratsuka, who serves on the Arbitration Commission of the Japan Shipping Exchange, is also a member of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, the Japan Maritime Law Association and the Private International Law Association.
“Hiratsuka & Co’s compact team consistently handles a high volume of complex shipping and maritime cases with exceptional professionalism,” says Zaka Hadisupani Oemang, a partner at AHRP Law Firm in Jakarta.
“Despite their small size, they successfully manage demanding cross-border disputes and regulatory matters, demonstrating both agility and depth of expertise. This combination of efficiency, dedication and specialised knowledge truly reflects the strength and value of a boutique law firm.”
Foreign favourite
Latham & Watkins Gaikokuho Joint Enterprise is the Tokyo office of Latham & Watkins, one of the world’s leading international law firms. Operating as a gaikokuho kyodo jigyo (foreign law joint enterprise), the Tokyo office offers integrated legal services alongside Japan-qualified lawyers.
In the past year, the firm remained active on high-profile and high-value infrastructure projects across Asia and globally, many involving Japanese sponsors, lenders and developers.
Latham & Watkins acted as the lenders’ counsel for the expansion of the Muara Laboh geothermal power plant in Indonesia, backed by JBIC, NEXI and Japanese commercial banks, with sponsors including Sumitomo Corporation and INPEX Corporation.
The USD370 million expansion project financing will support the construction, operation and maintenance of a new geothermal power plant with an approximate capacity of 83MW, to be integrated with the existing geothermal plant of about 85MW capacity. The financing was signed on 10 January 2025 and reached financial closure on 18 April 2025.
Talented in taxation
Withers’ international corporate tax team is integral to the firm’s international commercial practice, providing extensive jurisdictional coverage throughout its Asian offices, including qualified lawyers from Japan, Singapore, the UK, US, Hong Kong, British Virgin Islands and India. By integrating tax and corporate services, the firm delivers commercially aligned tax guidance
The Japan tax practice is led by Eric Roose, who also heads Withers’ international corporate tax practice in Asia. Roose specialises in international and corporate tax planning for investment funds, M&A, cross-border transactions and renewable energy projects. He also advises ultra-high-net-worth individuals on Japanese income and inheritance tax planning, particularly regarding foreign trusts.
In February 2025, Withers launched a strategic partnership with Bentleys, one of the leading tax advisory and accounting firms in Australia and New Zealand. This alliance unites two organisations focused on providing families and privately held businesses with holistic financial and legal solutions.
A&O SHEARMAN
BAKER MCKENZIE
MORRISON FOERSTER
WHITE & CASE
ATSUMI & SAKAI
K&L GATES
NISHIMURA & ASAHI
OKABE & YAMAGUCHI
ARAKI INTERNATIONAL IP LAW
ATSUMI & SAKAI
CHUO SOGO
MORRISON FOERSTER
ABE, IKUBO & KATAYAMA
ARAKI INTERNATIONAL IP LAW
MORRISON FOERSTER
NAKAMURA & PARTNERS
A&O SHEARMAN
BAKER MCKENZIE
LATHAM & WATKINS GAIKOKUHO JOINT ENTERPRISE
WHITE & CASE
NAGASHIMA OHNO & TSUNEMATSU
NISHIMURA & ASAHI
SO & SATO LAW OFFICES
TMI ASSOCIATES
THE JUDGING PROCESS
Winners of Asia Business Law Journal’s Japan Law Firm Awards 2025 were selected based on the votes, references and qualitative information received from in-house counsel and other legal professionals in Japan and around the world.
A voting form was posted on our website, inviting thousands of in-house counsel, lawyers at international law firms, and other Japan-focused professionals to cast their votes. At the same time, Japanese law firms were asked to make submissions in support of their candidacy for the awards.
These submissions, together with research conducted by ABLJ’s editorial team, contributed to the judging process.
All Japanese law firms were automatically eligible for inclusion in the awards process. As always, there were no fees or any other requirements for entry.
AloJapan.com