Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu‘s practice has a strong focus on both domestic and cross-border matters, particularly J-REIT transactions, M&A, and inbound and outbound investments. The team frequently advises offshore investors entering the Japanese property market, and vice versa. Team lead Kenji Utsumi has expertise across listed and unlisted REITs, transactions involving real estate developments and private fund investments. Mami Ikebukuro has expertise regarding accounting, tax and cash flow considerations. Hiroto Inoue is well-regarded for his role in high-profile real estate deals, while Makoto Saito regularly advises investment funds on both real estate and M&A matters. Shunpei Tanaka is recognised for his experience in large-scale development and complex restructuring projects. Shinichiro Horaguchi brings significant experience in real estate transactions, while Yoshinobu Koyama’s expertise covers a broad spectrum of asset classes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They are more committed to the development of the real estate industry than other law firms.’
‘Kenji Utsumi supports the development of the real estate industry. He not only provides legally qualified advice, but also makes proposals for the development of the industry.’
- 'Mami Ikebukuro is one of, if not the leading, hotel lawyer in Japan. She understands hotel management agreements. She is also a fearless negotiator. She will doggedly pursue a point until she either wins it or her client's decision maker decides to concede the point. She is also good at identifying reasonable compromises.'
- 'Makoto Saito is particularly strong at structuring real estate transactions and has significant experience finding Japanese law analogues to Western/common law concepts that hotel companies are more used to dealing with.'
‘Mami Ikebukuro is an expert in real estate, and her advice is extremely useful in negotiations with clients from a realistic and macro perspective.’
‘They are a highly professional team with deep expertise, swift execution capabilities and a strong commitment to delivering clear and insightful guidance to clients.’
Key clients
- Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.
- MITSUBISHI ESTATE CO., LTD.
- Tokyu Land Corporation
- Sumitomo Realty & Development Co., Ltd.
- Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd.
- Mitsubishi Corporation
- Hulic Co., Ltd.
- ORIX CORPORATION
- AEON Co., Ltd.
- NTT Urban Development
- Marubeni Corporation
- KAJIMA CORPORATION
Work highlights
Advised the client on the multi-billion dollar financing for Osaka IR K.K., its joint venture with Orix Corporation established for the development and operation of Japan’s first Integrated Resort in Osaka.
Advised Mitsui Fudosan Logistics Park Inc., supported by Mitsui Fudosan, and Advance Logistics Investment Corporation, supported by Itochu Group, on their merger, creating the double sponsorship of a logistics REIT in Japan.
Advised the client on its 400bn yen sale of Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho to Blackstone.
Lawyers
Leading partners: Bengoshi
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Kenji Utsumi
Other key lawyers
Mami Ikebukuro; Hiroto Inoue; Shunpei Tanaka; Shinichiro Horaguchi; Yoshinobu Koyama; Makoto Saito