Jones Day opened its Tokyo Office in 1989 to provide legal services to companies doing business in Japanese and international markets. In January 2002, Jones Day merged with the Japanese firm Showa Law Office and became one of the major firms with substantial local law capability in the Tokyo market. Since the merger, Jones Day Tokyo has steadily grown both in size and scope of practice and is currently a full-service office with approximately 60 lawyers.
Jones Day Tokyo's M&A and finance lawyers advise Japanese and international businesses on domestic and cross-border transactions in a variety of industries, including life sciences, consumer products, electrical equipment, automotive, and telecom. The diverse legal needs of our clients in Japan also are served by the deep knowledge and experience of lawyers in our commercial and IP litigation, antitrust, government regulation, and tax practices.
Our lawyers in Tokyo work as integrated members of Jones Day’s worldwide network, collaborating closely with lawyers in Jones Day’s other offices to serve Firm clients whose headquarters are located outside Japan. We also act as a local portal to the Firm’s international offices for our local clients, among which are many Japanese-listed companies.
Jones Day Tokyo attorneys are involved in the activities of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations and local bar associations. As part of their pro bono activities, our lawyers serve as state-appointed counsel in criminal cases and offer low cost legal advice to those who need it. Some Tokyo attorneys serve on committees of public organizations, such as the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, and give seminars and lead workshops. The Tokyo Office is a member, and supports the activities, of the Japan Chapter of the Asian Society of International Law. Our lawyers also contribute to the knowledge of international law in Japan by lecturing at educational institutions and publishing in newspapers, journals, and law reviews.