The team at Nishimura & Asahi has noteworthy expertise handling merger control matters in the energy, steel, automotive, and pharma sectors. It is also well-versed in negotiating with the JFTC and filing leniency applications in cartel and bid-rigging investigations. The team is led by Kozo Kawai who specialises in regulatory investigations, major disputes, and international trade issues; Kawai’s experience also encompasses advising on accusations of cartel and unilateral conduct, breaches of merger rules, and noncompliance with both domestic and international competition regulations. Ryutaro Nakayama focuses on merger regulations in corporate and M&A contexts. Madoka Shimada has expertise advising clients on the range of competition matters relating to international and domestic cartels, JFTC investigations, leniency applications, and compliance with antitrust laws. Junko Wakabayashi is noteworthy also.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Kozo Kawai
Kozo Kawai
Next Generation Partners: Bengoshi

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Junko Wakabayashi
Junko Wakabayashi
Practice head

Kozo Kawai

Other key lawyers

Ryutaro Nakayama; Madoka Shimada; Junko Wakabayashi