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ARTICLE · 05 DECEMBER 2025

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Japan Competition Law Update

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Axinn partners Mike Keeley and Jackie Lem and counsel Carol Liu recently traveled to Japan to visit clients and partner law firms. In this post, they highlight the latest developments in Japan's competition law.

JapanAntitrust/Competition Law
Michael L. Keeley
Michael L. Keeley
Hyung Jo (James) Choi
Hyung Jo (James) Choi
Carol Xianxiao Liu
Carol Xianxiao Liu
Jacklin Chou Lem
Jacklin Chou Lem

Axinn partners Mike Keeley and Jackie Lem and counselCarol Liu recently traveled to Japan to visit clients and partner law firms. In this post, they highlight the latest developments in Japan's competition law.

What you need to know

  • Japan's Fair Trade Commission ("JFTC") welcomed its new Chair, Mr. Eiji Chatani in May 2025. Chair Chatani's enforcement priorities revolve around promoting innovation and reinvigorating Japan's economy. Multinational companies doing business in Japan are likely to receive closer scrutiny, given Chair Chatani's emphasis on digital platform regulation and protection of Japan's small businesses.
  • In contrast to US antitrust agencies' skepticism towards ESG collaborations, JFTC views green initiatives favorably. This creates opportunities for US companies to engage in ESG-related investments and partnerships in Japan under a more friendly regulatory environment.

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