Clifford Chance has worked for more than 40 years on Japan related matters. We understand Japanese business and have a strong track record of high-profile work for international clients investing in Japan, and for Japanese companies building their overseas business.
A well-established team in Japan
The firm has advised Japanese clients since 1974 and opened the Tokyo office in 1987. Our lawyers know the culture and practicalities of Japanese business and advise clients on both international and Japanese law. Our fully-integrated practice of Japanese and foreign lawyers working side-by-side ensures that we are familiar with both local and international legal and business practices, enabling us to provide relevant and culturally-attuned advice. We have top-ranked teams across practices: Capital Markets, Corporate/M&A, Real Estate, Finance, Litigation & Dispute Resolution and Arbitration.
A proven track record in Japan's inbound and outbound legal transactions
We have longstanding relationships with Japanese companies, banks, and institutions. When we work with these clients on cross-border matters their team often includes domestic lawyers and specialist lawyers from our 22-country network. We're used to working in these extended teams to cover every aspect of a deal – from fund- raising and regulatory filings to documenting international-law issues in Japanese.
A proactive approach supporting Japanese and international clients
Our lawyers work hard to keep clients briefed on new developments. These range from technical updates on regulatory changes and new forms of finance, to sharing our partners' deep sector-knowledge of market trends and opportunities. We are also always searching for innovative ways to deliver the best service to our clients.
Recent highlights
- Advised Prime Strategy on strategic alliance and public tender offer by GMO Internet Group
- Advised Mitsui OSK Lines on US$1.715 billion acquisition of LBC Tank Terminals
- Advised JERA and other Sponsors on Rumah 2 and Nairyah 2 IPP Projects
- Advised Japan's MISUMI Group on its US$350 million acquisition and merger with Fictiv in the US
- Advised JBIC on EUR800 million financing for 5G Open RAN
- Advised Mitsubishi Corporation on strategic increase of stake and business alliance with Thai Union Group
- Advised the bookrunning mandated lead arrangers on Acciona's debut green loan Samurai facility, the first green loan Samurai facility for a European borrower
- Advised CVC on its 100% acquisition of Japan's Sogo Medical Group
- Advised MUFG Bank on sale of shares in a Japanese listed company
- Advised Kansai Electric Power Co. on agreement with Iberdrola for offshore wind farm project in Germany
- Advised Daibiru on landmark UK debut with acquisition of Capital House
- Advised Hitachi Rail on the acquisition of Thales’ Ground Transportation Systems for €1,660m
Directory and client comments
Directory Listings
Chambers & Partners, Asia Pacific 2026, Japan
- Band 1 in Banking & Finance (Domestic Firms)
- Band 1 in Capital Markets: International: Asia and Euro Markets
- Band 1 in Capital Markets: Securitisation & Structured Finance
Legal 500 Asia Pacific, Japan
- Tier 1 in Banking & Finance: International firms and joint ventures
- Tier 1 in Capital Markets: International firms and joint ventures
- Tier 1 in FinTech: International firms and joint ventures
- Tier 1 in Real Estate and Construction: International firms and joint ventures
IFLR 1000 Rankings, Asia Pacific, Japan
- Tier 1 in Banking - Foreign
- Tier 1 in Capital Markets: Debt – Foreign
- Tier 1 in Capital Markets: Structured finance and securitisation – Foreign
- Tier 1 in Project finance - Foreign
Client comments
- "Their advice helps the lenders in progressing a deal with difficult requests from the borrower, protecting the lenders’ rights and benefits."
- "Clifford Chance have the ability to deliver a good blend of commercial and legal advice, which differentiates them from their peers."
Chambers Asia Pacific, Japan, Banking and Finance: International, 2026
- "Clifford Chance is well versed in the operations of capital markets and has a good understanding of clients' businesses."
- "They have a wealth of experience in this field, have a deep understanding of the client's business situation and provide detailed services."
Chambers Asia Pacific, Japan, Capital Markets: International: Asia and Euro Markets, 2026
- "The law firm offers a smooth cooperation with local oversea offices, consistent quality of legal services and a full service."
- "Clifford Chance offers a good mix of local and international capabilities."
Chambers Asia Pacific, Japan, Corporate M&A: International, 2026
- "Clifford Chance showed leadership that allowed them to lead tough negotiations. They were also able to accurately understand our needs and quickly reflect them in negotiations and contract drafting."
- "We appreciated the practicality of their advice, taking the actual business situation into consideration."
Chambers Asia Pacific, Japan, Projects & Energy: International, 2026
- "The team has a very good understanding of Japanese law and is able to utilise it based on commercial arrangements."
- "They understand the needs of not only our domestic team but also our investors and our overseas team. They can respond quickly and appropriately to each of these needs."
Chambers Asia Pacific, Japan, Real Estate, 2026
Awards
- Asia-Pacific Law Firm of the Year
Chambers Asia Pacific and Greater China Region Awards 2025 - International Firm of the Year
IFLR Asia Pacific Awards 2024 - M&A Team of the Year
IFLR Asia Pacific Awards 2024 - Securitisation and Structured Finance Team of the Year
IFLR Asia Pacific Awards 2024 - Specialist Award: Financial Services Regulatory – International
IFLR Asia Pacific Awards 2024
