Department profile
Atsumi & Sakai

Competition/Antitrust

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : Japan

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Atsumi & Sakai

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Competition/Antitrust - Japan

Band 3

What the Team is Known For
Atsumi & Sakai is very active in domestic and international cartels, covering dawn raids, leniency applications, and criminal and civil litigation. The firm is frequently instructed by domestic clients in the automotive, manufacturing, shipping and financial services sectors on highly contentious matters. The team also provides compliance training outside of formal investigations, as well as advice on vertical restraint issues under Japanese law. It regularly works in conjunction with international counsel and advises on the Japanese law aspects of multi-jurisdictional mandates. The team is capable of advising domestic corporations on the competition law aspects of their transactional activity.
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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They have a remarkable level of commercial awareness, are familiar with the clients' business concerns and models and able to think commercially while resolving legal issues.

    Competition/Antitrust respondentAsia-Pacific

  • The firm has many experienced partners who can not only provide concise advice but also advice in English.

    Competition/Antitrust respondentAsia-Pacific

  • They have the ability to respond quickly from a comprehensive and multiple perspectives.

    Competition/Antitrust respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Setsuko Yufu
    Setsuko Yufu

    Setsuko Yufu

    Setsuko Yufu advises on contentious behavioural work, such as cartels and unfair trade practices, as well as advising Japanese companies on compliance matters.

    • Setsuko is the senior stateswoman of competition law and is a strong voice in the room.

      Competition/Antitrust respondentAsia-Pacific

    • She provides client-oriented advice and warnings regarding the latest updates on regulations.

      Competition/Antitrust respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Junya Ae
    Junya Ae

    Junya Ae

    Junya Ae regularly advises clients on mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures as well as global cartel investigations. His clients include leading trading conglomerates and large manufacturing businesses in Japan.

    • We always receive prompt and high quality service.

      Competition/Antitrust respondentAsia-Pacific

    • I really appreciate his user-friendly approach and advice.

      Competition/Antitrust respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Tatsuo Yamashima
    Tatsuo Yamashima

    Tatsuo Yamashima

    Tatsuo Yamashima is known for his expertise in handling cartel cases. He provides a full-service offering, with a focus on behavioural mandates.

    • We received very valuable advice from Yamashima Sensei, which is generally sensible and practical in guiding us through the ever-changing regulatory landscape in Japan.

      Competition/Antitrust respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Tatsuo is a very experienced antitrust lawyer in Japan. He is definitely the go-to person for complex antitrust matters in Japan.

      Competition/Antitrust respondentAsia-Pacific

    • With an overwhelming backbone, there is a sense of trust that he provides all kinds of services, especially in overseas matters.

      Competition/Antitrust respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Saori Hanada
    Saori Hanada

    Saori Hanada

    Saori Hanada is the head of Atsumi & Sakai's competition team and possesses rich experience working in cartel cases and on merger control matters.

    • She has in-depth knowledge in the field of competition law and smoothly collaborates with other firms on cross-border matters.

      Competition/Antitrust respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Saori goes above and beyond for her clients. She is the perfect mix of commercially savvy and acutely aware of client requirements.

      Competition/Antitrust respondentAsia-Pacific
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Ranked Individuals at Atsumi & Sakai (4)

Japan

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