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
Key clients
- Nippon Steel Corporation
- Toshiba Corporation
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
- Mitsui Chemical, Inc.
- Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc.
- JX Nippon Mining & Metals Corporation
- Toyota Motor Corporation
- Honda Motor Co, Ltd.
- Aeon, Ltd.
- Canon, Inc.
- Denso Corporation
- Nippon Yusen K.K.
Work highlights
Advising the client on the merger filings, including US HSR filings, FSR filings, and CFIUS filings in connection with its acquisition of USS.
Advising Aeon in connection with merger review of its acquisition of shares of Tsuruha Holdings.
Advised on merger reviews in Japan and other jurisdictions, including China.
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.
Next Generation Partners: Bengoshi
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Junko Wakabayashi
Practice head
Kozo Kawai
Other key lawyers
Ryutaro Nakayama; Madoka Shimada; Junko Wakabayashi