Hiratsuka & Co is a boutique firm with a strong focus on international shipping and insurance, frequently representing mostly non-Japanese clients in Japanese court and arbitration proceedings. The practice is led by Makoto Hiratsuka, widely regarded as ‘a doyen of Japanese shipping law’. Yuji Miyazaki is known for his work on high-stakes litigation and complex disputes, with his expertise covering both wet and dry shipping mandates, including collisions, charterparty issues, and cargo claims, as well as challenging criminal cases related to shipping. Shinichiro Yamashita is also a key member of the team.
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Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Hiratsuka & Co have for many years been the go-to lawyers in Japan for shipping matters. They would be my first choice for any such matters, and indeed for any international trade issues.'
‘Makoto Hiratsuka is the doyen of Japanese shipping law.'
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.
Shinichiro Yamashita
Yuji Miyazaki
Practice head
Makoto Hiratsuka
Other key lawyers
Yuji Miyazaki; Shinichiro Yamashita