TMI Associates‘ team harnesses advisory and disputes expertise across a wide range of IT and IP matters, in particular. Its workload includes handling patent applications for IT systems, software-related contracts, website creation and compliance, domain name protection, digital content rights and online infringement matters, amongst others. The team is led by Atsushi Igarashi who assists clients in matters of data privacy, IP licensing, e-commerce, litigation and with search engine-related issues. Mihoko Shintani brings expertise in the deep tech sector, covering emerging fields such as AI, robotics, drones, satellite data and food tech. Takuya Yamago has experience assisting both domestic and international clients in establishing telecoms operations in Japan.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘TMI Associates has consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism and a deep understanding of the needs of start-ups, particularly in the tech and data sectors. One of the standout aspects of the team is its diversity of skill sets — from legal advisory to business consulting — which enables them to provide well-rounded and practical support to clients.'
- ‘Shohei Suzuki has consistently stood out for his careful, professional and highly knowledgeable approach.'
- ‘Mihoko Shitani is excellent.’
- ‘The team provides pragmatic and solutions-oriented advice that facilitates an efficient implementation of compliance efforts.’
- ‘Takuya Yamago offers pragmatic and actionable legal advice which is informed by a first-hand understanding of regulatory priorities and trends.’
- ‘Mihoko Shintani is arguably the leading Japanese lawyer providing legal services in the field of space law. Few lawyers can offer expert advice on space-related matters, and her advanced expertise is effective in reducing our risk when negotiating with overseas enterprises.’
- ‘Shohei Suzuki has deep knowledge and experience on not only Japanese data protection law but also global data protection law (such as, GDPR), Hw always proposes practical solutions even on difficult issues. ’
Key clients
- ARM Treasure Data Inc.
- LY Corporation
- avatarin,inc.
- Synspective, Inc.
- Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
Work highlights
Advised Mitsubishi Electric Corporation on its JPY 6 billion investment in Synspective, a Japanese company that develops small SAR (synthetic aperture radar) satellites and provides services utilising satellite data, and sigining a memorandum for a strategic partnership with Synspective.
Advised avatarin Inc. on its second round of funds in 2024 (JPY 3.7 billion; cumulative amount of JPY 7.7 billion).
Advised the client on its investment up to $100m in AALTO through HAPS JAPAN Corporation, a consortium in which Mizuho Bank, Ltd. and Development Bank of Japan Inc. participate as members.
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.
Mihoko Shintani
Takuya Yamago
Practice head
Atsushi Igarashi
Other key lawyers
Mihoko Shintani; Takuya Yamago; Shohei Suzuki