Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu’s team is well-regarded for its expertise in out-of-court proceedings and works seamlessly with the firm’s corporate and finance teams to deliver comprehensive advice to both debtors and sponsors. The team is jointly led by 'leading lawyer' Nobuaki Kobayashi who brings experience in high-profile insolvency and restructuring matters, including significant corporate reorganisations, Yosuke Kanegae who has been involved in numerous restructuring cases for listed companies, both in and out of court, and Tomohiro Okawa who 'possesses exceptional expertise' and has a specialism in cross-border restructuring matters. Takashi Suzuki is another key figure, particularly noted for advising debtors involved in Japanese workout procedures for listed companies.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘NO&T's expertise of insolvency proceedings in the US is very helpful.'
‘Tomohiro Okawa has a good knowledge of bankruptcy in the US. He has a lot of experience in cross-border insolvency proceedings.’
‘Very able to deal with cross-border matters between Japan and Singapore and trusted advisors because of their obvious competency in Japanese matters.’
'NO&T is one of the best, if not the best, firms in Japan. Absent of conflict, it is generally my first choice.'
'Tomohiro Okawa in particular is an outstanding lawyer and is well-respected as an expert in the cross-border arena.'
'This team excels in making balanced decisions, comprehending the needs of both debtors and the fiduciary duties of creditors or clients. Consequently, they are regarded as an exceptionally trustworthy firm in the Japanese market.'
Key clients
- Mizuho Bank, Ltd.
- Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
- Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.
- Mitsubishi Corporation
- Toshiba Corporation
- Bain Capital
- Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd.
- Itochu Corporation
- MtGox
- SBI Shinsei Bank Ltd.
Work highlights
Advised ITOCHU Corporation on its acquisition of Big Motor Co., Ltd. (BM), Japan’s largest used car dealer, following high-profile compliance violations that prompted legislative reforms. We developed an innovated scheme to address substantial contingent liabilities and governance issues arising from such violations.
Represented the client in its acquisition of WeWork Japan’s business through civil rehabilitation proceedings, including the provision of “debtor-in-possession” financing to facilitate closing of the acquisition.
Acted for the trustee in the landmark restructuring of MtGox, a cryptocurrency exchange, enabling the world’s first distribution of Bitcoin to creditors through in-court proceedings.
Lawyers
Leading partners: Bengoshi
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.
Practice head
Nobuaki Kobayashi; Yosuke Kanegae; Tomohiro Okawa
Other key lawyers
Takashi Suzuki