Akasaka International Law, Patent & Accounting Office.

Our Practice

Japan Legal Services for Foreign Firms

Want to succeed in Japan? Indeed, you need a good legal partner. Our firm supports foreign companies here. We explain complex local rules, for instance. We also offer guidance on culture. Our team has over 20 years of experience. Therefore, you can focus on growth while we handle the details.


Our Legal Services for Foreign Companies

We offer specialized legal support. Specifically, our services match your business phase. In short, we help you at every stage in Japan.

Phase & Target Company Key Legal Services Primary Benefit
① Market Entry
For companies starting in Japan
Incorporation, Licenses, Visas Reduces setup time
② Operations
For currently operating companies
Contracts, Labor, Compliance Ensures full compliance
③ Expansion & M&A
For companies acquiring or restructuring
M&A, Startup Investment Maximizes deal value
④ Disputes & Exit
For companies managing risk or leaving
Litigation, Liquidation Minimizes legal risks

① Market Entry Legal Services in Japan

We help you launch in Japan. In fact, our legal services are efficient. We handle the full setup process. This includes company formation, licenses, and visas. As a result, you save time. You can then focus on your main business.

Company Setup and Visas

  • Corporate Formation
  • Licenses & Permits: Additionally, we get needed permits. This is for finance, IT, and other sectors.
  • Visa Support: Our team helps your staff get visas.

Initial Contracts and Advice

  • Initial Contracts: We draft compliant contracts. This includes employment agreements. Because we know Japanese business practices, you are protected.

② Ongoing Legal Support for Operations in Japan

We help your business stay stable. Also, we ensure full compliance. Our experts manage your legal risks. They understand local customs well. Consequently, your business is protected. You can avoid fines and disputes.

Compliance and Risk Management

  • Compliance: We make sure you follow the law. This includes the Companies Act. It also covers privacy rules.
  • Labor & Employment: Moreover, we create work rules. We offer expert guidance on labor issues.

Contracts and IP Protection

  • Contract Management: We draft and review contracts. Our bilingual team helps negotiations.
  • Intellectual Property: In addition, we protect your IP. This includes trademarks and patents.

③ M&A and Strategic Expansion Legal Services

We help you grow your business, for example, through M&A or investment. Our team has great experience. We have handled over 50 deals. Specifically, we manage the entire process. This means you get the best results.

  • Cross-Border M&A: We manage your acquisitions. Our support is end-to-end.
  • Joint Ventures: We can also structure partnerships. We create strong JV agreements.
  • Startup Investment: Finally, we support investors and startups. We handle due diligence and agreements.

④ Dispute Resolution & Business Exit Strategies

We protect your company’s interests. We help with disputes or exits. First, we seek low-cost solutions like negotiation. Litigation is a last resort. For exits, however, we ensure a smooth process. This minimizes your costs and liability.

Resolving Legal Disputes

  • Dispute Resolution: We offer tailored support. This includes negotiation. It can also involve arbitration or court.

Smooth Business Exit Strategy

  • Business Exit: We manage your liquidation. We ensure it is fully compliant.
Expert Advice: In Japan, there is a tendency to favor negotiation and mediation over litigation for dispute resolution. A strategy that understands this cultural background leads to a swift and low-cost resolution.

Global Reach & Multilingual Support

Our team serves global clients. In fact, we work with over 30 countries, such as the U.S. and France. We offer full support in English. In addition, we also support French and Chinese. Therefore, communication is always clear.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Q. Which of your legal services is right for my company?
    A. The right service depends on you. So, we offer a free consultation. It lasts 20 minutes. During this time, we learn about your needs. Then, we propose a legal strategy. This plan helps you meet your goals.
  • Q. Do my company’s representatives need to speak Japanese?
    A. No, Japanese is not needed. Our lawyers and staff are fluent. They speak English, French, and Chinese. This means communication is easy. Above all, we ensure everything is accurate.

Author Information

Akasaka International Law & Accounting
Shinji Sumida, Attorney-at-Law