Yoshiaki Sakurai – GC Powerlist
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Japan 2025

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Yoshiaki Sakurai

Vice president, deputy global general counsel and Japan general counsel  | Mitsubishi Motor Corporation

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Japan 2025

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Yoshiaki Sakurai

Vice president, deputy global general counsel and Japan general counsel  | Mitsubishi Motor Corporation

What are the most significant cases, projects or transactions that you and your legal team have recently been involved in?

There is an increasing number of alliance projects that require significant involvement from our legal team.

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

Given the importance of flexible yet reliable responses during times of instability, I believe it is essential to strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders such as management, relevant functions, and external legal counsels. At the same time, it is equally important to implement initiatives that would enhance engagement within the legal team, so that each member is empowered to meet expectations and contribute effectively

What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about? Why is this?

I’m passionate about broadening my knowledge beyond legal matters to gain a deeper understanding of the broader business landscape, including finance and auditing, so I can contribute more strategically. I also encourage my team to do the same by fostering a culture of continuous learning and cross-functional awareness.

Looking forward, what trends do you foresee in the legal landscape over the next 5–10 years that companies should prepare for?

The legal environment in the automotive industry is expected to grow increasingly complex due to evolving global regulations and emerging technologies. To remain competitive and compliant, companies should focus on strengthening their legal team capabilities by enhancing their global perspective and technological literacy while also promoting a culture of continuous learning and cross-functional collaboration.

Yoshiaki Sakurai - Japan 2023

Head of legal, Japan | Olympus Corporation

  Dual-qualified in both Japan (2000) and New York (2006), Yoshiaki Sakurai’s legal career began with Nishimura & Asahi, where he practiced wide variety of areas including Corporate, M&A, Litigation...

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