Our Japan Group Germany provides Japanese companies, banks, and trading houses with comprehensive legal support for their European operations. With decades of experience advising Japanese clients, we combine deep legal expertise, market insight, Japanese language capabilities and local presence to deliver solutions that align with both global strategy and Japanese business culture.
Seamless and integrated legal service
We understand the unique requirements of Japanese businesses, including the role of headquarters in Japan, internal governance and approval processes, and the importance of precision and trust. Several members of our core team in Germany are bilingual Japanese speakers and regularly conduct transactions in Japanese, ensuring seamless communication and execution.
Working closely with our Tokyo office, Japanese business networks, and local industry organisations, we offer a truly integrated cross-border service. Our advice is informed by commercial realities, political context, and sector-specific trends; supported by efficient project management and a commitment to practical, reliable solutions.
Sector-focused expertise
We advise Japanese clients across a wide range of industries, including:
- Energy, Infrastructure & Natural Resources
- Healthcare & Life Sciences
- Financial Services
- Telecommunications, Media & Technology
- Industrials & Automotive
- Real Estate
- ESG & Sustainability
Our team is known for delivering high-quality legal input with a pragmatic, business-oriented approach - whether supporting on strategic M&A transactions, project financing, regulatory compliance, or complex global reorganisations.
Trusted by clients and recognised by the market
We are proud of the long-term relationships we’ve built with Japanese clients, and of the recognition we receive in independent legal directories. Our commitment is to continue delivering value, trust, and strategic insight to Japanese businesses navigating the European market.
- “Clifford Chance is on top of fast-moving and complex challenges and provides multiple solutions."
Chambers Germany 2025: Corporate/M&A - "The service is excellent, the culture is absolutely prestigious and the outputs are user-friendly."
Chambers Europe 2025: Corporate/M&A - “Their teamwork is great, and they are not limited to Japan but have strong connections across the world."
Chambers Japan 2025: Banking and finance
Recent highlight
- Energy transition: Clifford Chance advises Kansai Electric Power Co. on agreement with Iberdrola for offshore wind farm project in Germany
- Clifford Chance advises Mitsui OSK Lines on US$1.715 billion acquisition of LBC Tank Terminals
- Clifford Chance advises Mitsui & Co. on acquisition of 50% of the shares in ITC Rubis
- Clifford Chance advises Hitachi on acquisition of MA micro automation
- Clifford Chance advises JBIC on EUR800 million financing for 5G Open RAN
- Clifford Chance advises Mitsui on its US$472.5 million majority acquisition of Celanese's Food Ingredients Business
- Clifford Chance advises Hitachi Rail on the acquisition of Thales’ Ground Transportation Systems for €1,660m
- Clifford Chance advises NTT DATA on plans for a data centre campus in Nierstein
Directories
- Band One in Corporate/M&A
Chambers Europe 2025 - Band One in Banking & Finance
Chambers Europe 2025 - Band one in M&A (large deals)
Legal 500 Germany 2025