Ushijima & Partners advises a wide range of clients, including Japanese companies operating domestically and abroad, as well as foreign corporations and financial institutions, on all aspects of M&A and corporate law, along with matters involving antitrust, intellectual property, and labour law. The team is led by Shin Ushijima, a well-regarded adviser in both domestic and international tax matters and dispute resolution. Working alongside him is Hiroshi Watanabe, who frequently counsels on compliance with the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, particularly concerning insider trading and financial statement corrections, as well as on international cartel issues under Japan’s Anti-Monopoly Act. Masahiko Todo represents both Japanese and foreign clients, including manufacturers, insurers, IT companies, and entertainment businesses, in a wide array of cross-border and domestic M&A deals and group reorganisations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Ushijima has several teams of lawyers, each led by senior, seasoned partners. They have strength in capital markets and the capabilities of handling complex capital market issues. Compared to the big four Japanese firms, Ushijima has flexibility in terms of conflict of interest and capability of serving international clients.’

  • ‘Mr. Watanabe and Mr. Inoue are very experienced and knowledgeable about the Japanese capital market and M&A issues. He and his team work hard to respond to client needs quickly. He also puts weight on planning in advance so that the team can move forward smoothly.’

  • ‘They have a team of lawyers with various specialities, so they can work as a team on a variety of issues and cases.'

  • ‘Kenji Sarukura has always been highly professional, quick, versatile, thorough and eager to support all of his clients.'

  • ‘The response is so quick, and the outcome is well-established.’

  • ‘They not only provide technical analysis, but also advice reflecting the reality of business. That makes them different from others.’

Key clients

  • Oasis Management Company Ltd.
  • OKWAVE. Inc

Work highlights

Advised Oasis Management Company Ltd. on potential legal proceedings it could pursue regarding the unfair M&A transaction (share exchange) and, on behalf of Oasis’s two funds.
Advised on behalf of Oasis’s two funds, filed tort actions against the members of the special committee seeking damages (approximately JPY 1.2 billion) associated with a share exchange.
Provided opinion as to the necessity and suitability of the third-party allotment for OKAWAVE, Inc.

Lawyers

Leading partners: Bengoshi

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

Shin Ushijima; Hiroshi Watanabe

Other key lawyers

Masahiko Todo