Mori Hamada's team advises a broad client base that includes major domestic and international tech companies, financial institutions, start-ups, blue-chip corporations, venture capital firms and private equity funds, amongst others. The team has deep expertise in telecoms, radio wave regulation and data protection; it frequently supports clients launching telecoms infrastructure and operations in Japan. The practice is jointly led by Koichiro Iida who advises TMT clients in complex matters, Hiromi Hayashi who has strong expertise in licensing and regulatory issues under the Telecommunications Business Act and the Radio Wave Act, and Atsushi Okada who advises international and domestic clients across areas including data protection, telecoms, AI and fintech, on the range of compliance matters. Other notable team members include Norihito Sato and Daisuke Tsuta.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'One of the team’s standout qualities is its ability to navigate not only legal risk but also operational and reputational considerations. Their advice is clear, concise, and immediately implementable which is an invaluable trait when dealing with high-stakes data incidents, cross-border transfers, or internal privacy governance strategy matters.'
- 'Atsushi Okada stands out as a trusted advisor with a rare blend of legal rigour and commercial insight. He has a deep understanding of global privacy frameworks and is particularly adept at helping us navigate multi-jurisdictional data protection issues and compliance strategies.’
‘The team at Mori Hamada possesses a profound understanding of the latest technologies, which complements their deep legal expertise. They also have a sophisticated grasp of the evolving trends and stances of regulatory authorities.'
- 'They consistently propose practical, actionable solutions that are thoughtfully tailored to our company's specific policies and commercial objectives. Furthermore, their ability to flexibly and effectively handle unprecedented requests sets them apart, providing us with reliable guidance even in uncharted legal territory.’
‘Hiroyuki Tanaka is a distinguished expert in the Act on the Protection of Personal Information and in AI-related legal matters. He possesses a remarkable command of highly complex and cutting-edge technologies, including digital advertising and Privacy Enhancing Technologies.'
- 'Takuya Futagami is skilled and reliable in applying legal frameworks to new technologies.'
‘Norihito Sato has quick responses and deep knowledge about the business. Kunihiro Watanabe provides quick responses, deep analysis, and quite efficient work.'
‘The team provides the service for the best interests of clients but also well-balanced advice.’
Key clients
- Hitachi Ltd.
- Toshiba Corporation
- Z Holdings Corporation
- Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT)
- SoftBank Group Corp.
- Safie, Inc.
- Japanese Government
- Nippon Television Holdings, Inc.
- Internet Initiative Japan Inc.
Work highlights
Advised NTT on its acquisition of NTT Data Group for JPY 2.37 trillion through a tender offer, making the second-largest tender offer transaction in Japan.
Acted as the lead legal counsel of the transaction in which Nippon Television Holdings announced that four affiliated television stations of subsidiary Nippon Television Network will integrate their operations on April 1 next year.
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
Koichiro Iida; Hiromi Hayashi; Atsushi Okada
Other key lawyers
Norihito Sato; Daisuke Tsuta; Kunihiro Watanabe; Hiroyuki Tanaka; Takuya Futagami