
Nishimura & Asahi boasts a highly experienced arbitration team, with particular strength in investment treaty arbitration, international commercial arbitration, and cross-border mediation. The group is adept at handling complex, high-value disputes across a variety of industries and jurisdictions. Leading the team is Hiroyuki Tezuka, a seasoned practitioner in international arbitration, litigation, and mediation. He has acted for a wide range of multinational clients, including global manufacturers, insurers, and media companies, and is well-regarded for his strategic handling of cross-border disputes. Akihiro Hironaka is known for managing large-scale, intricate disputes, particularly within the automotive and pharmaceutical sectors. He has extensive experience in international arbitration proceedings, including emergency arbitrator mechanisms, under major institutional rules such as ICC, SIAC, and JCAA. Lars Markert plays a pivotal role in advising Asian clients on German and broader European legal matters, while also assisting European companies in navigating their operations and disputes in Japan and other parts of Asia. Also notable for their growing profiles and contributions to key matters are Yutaro Kawabata and Chié Nakahara, who continue to support the firm’s reputation in both domestic and international dispute resolution.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Key clients
- Marubeni Corporation
- Panasonic Corporation
- Toshiba Corporation
- AIG General Insurance Co., Ltd.
- Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
- Sharp Corporation
- Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
- Rakuten Mobile, Inc.
- Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities Co., Ltd.
Work highlights
Representing a Japanese automotive company in connection with large claims brought by approx. 150 claimants before Japan’s National Mediation Commission.
Defending our client in a complex class action lawsuit brought by investors who purchased Credit Suisse AT1 bonds through our client acting as a broker. The lawsuit pertains to the liability for prospectuses for financial instruments as well as actions by Swiss regulators.
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.

Leading partners: Bengoshi
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading partners: Gaiben
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners: Bengoshi
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Yutaro Kawabata
Chié Nakahara
Practice head
Hiroyuki Tezuka
Other key lawyers
Akihiro Hironaka; Lars Markert; Yutaro Kawabata; Chié Nakahara


