Mori Hamada advises a diverse portfolio of major clients across key industries, including leading industrial corporations, financial institutions, and private equity funds, on a wide range of sophisticated corporate and M&A matters. The practice is co-led by Hajime Tanahashi, who brings specialised expertise in private equity and venture financing, and Gaku Ishiwata, who advises on M&A and broader corporate issues across sectors such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and retail. Akira Matsushita is particularly noted for his work in shareholder activism, having represented numerous listed companies facing activist campaigns, proxy battles, and hostile takeover attempts. Atsushi Oishi is a key advisor for clients navigating complex M&A deals and intra-group corporate restructurings. Another key member of the team is Stanley Yukevich, who continues to play a significant role in high-stakes corporate transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Minoru Sawaguchi, a partner, is one of the best lawyers in the area of corporate law in Japan; also, Akira Matsuhsita, a partner, is excellent in M&A and shareholder activism issues.’
‘Mori Hamada are a high-quality firm. Their work is always to a good standard technically, but they are also conscious of the specific requirements of the client.’
‘Kenichi Sekiguchi is excellent. He is able to master the details and cut straight through to the important points.’
‘Hajime Tanahashi has a strong team and excellent associates to support him. They are well-educated and have deep knowledge and know-how in detailed legal practices. Mori Hamada Matsumoto is an excellent firm, and I am confident in their advice. In detailed aspects, they never make errors and mistakes.'
‘Hajime Tanahashi has a quality of services and in-depth experience in M&A. His clients are financial institutions, private equity funds and others. His advice is well-balanced between legal aspects and commercial ones.’
‘The strengths of Mori Hamada are as follows: they have a deep understanding of client companies, high level of expertise in M&A and diverse deal experience, and agile team building with partners at the core.’
‘Yohsuke Higashi has a high level of understanding and dedicated support for client businesses. Excellent negotiation skills in executing global M&A projects.’
Key clients
- Softbank Group Corp.
- Hitachi, Ltd.
- Morgan Stanley MUFG Securities
- Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group
- Mizuho Financial Group
- Houlihan Lokey
- Z Holdings Corporation
- Teijin Limited
- DigitalBridge Group, Inc.
- JIC Capital, Ltd.
Work highlights
Advised FANCL’s Special Committee on Kirin HD’s acquisition of FANCL.
Advised on the sale of Infocom by Teijin to Blackstone.
Advised on the acquisition of Fujitsu General by Paloma Rheem Holdings through a tender offer.
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.
Stanley Yukevich
Leading partners: Bengoshi
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Hajime Tanahashi; Gaku Ishiwata
Other key lawyers
Akira Matsushita; Stanley Yukevich; Minoru Sawaguchi; Kenichi Sekiguchi; Yohsuke Higashi; Atsushi Oishi