Capital Markets: Domestic
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : Japan
Band 1
About
Provided by Mori Hamada & Matsumoto
We have built our solid position as the Asian leading law firm in the capital markets area, and frequently act in mega cutting-edge deals of equity, debt, J-REITs, securitisation and derivatives. We also advise on disclosure, corporate governance, response to activist shareholders, investigations on accounting fraud and insider trading and securities litigations. We consistently receive the highest evaluation from the market players.
Our recent deals include the first case of S-1 type global IPO by Kioxia Holdings, global IPOs by Astroscale, SBI Sumishin Net Bank, Ltd. and Integral Corporation, concurrent global IPOs of Japan Post Holdings, Japan Post Bank and Japan Post Insurance and their follow on global offerings, periodic global offerings by Nippon Prologis REIT, the leading J-REIT focusing on logistics facilities, the first listing and public offering by a foreign company using the Japan Depository Receipt structure, a global IPO by SoftBank Corp., the first IPO which attracted corner stone investors through allocation designated by the issuer, a USD-denominated senior notes and EUR-denominated senior notes offering by NTT Finance, the security token offerings(STOs) including the Japan’s first FIEA compliant asset-backed STOs by Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank and Tosei Asset Advisors, a novel financing for Spiber through a “value securitization” and legal counsel for Japan Bank for International Cooperation on all of its derivatives transactions.
Chambers Review
Mori Hamada & Matsumoto is a highly thought-of firm that acts for clients on a variety of debt and equity transactions, including convertible bonds, MTN programmes, J-REIT offerings and high-profile global IPOs. The firm works with top-tier issuers and underwriters. The team demonstrates impressive expertise in structured finance products and derivatives matters, including receivables, tokenised derivatives and non-recourse property finance lending.
Work Highlights
- Mori Hamada & Matsumoto acted for Asahi Group Holdings as issuer and eight shareholding financial institutions on a USD1.3 billion offering of secondary shares in overseas markets.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Mori Hamada & Matsumoto understood everything from the big picture to the finest details, and they always looked at things from the client's perspective, pursuing our best interest."
"Their performance exceeded our expectations, and we received impeccable advice and checks on a daily basis."
"Mori Hamada & Matsumoto understood everything from the big picture to the finest details, and they always looked at things from the client's perspective, pursuing our best interest."
"Their performance exceeded our expectations, and we received impeccable advice and checks on a daily basis."
Notable Practitioners
Akira Ehira's practice includes capital relief transactions, securitised lending and various types of derivatives transactions.
"He has a deep understanding of his clients and can provide accurate advice even for difficult issues."
"Ehira Akira is not like partners at other law firms. He's flexible, good at budgeting and easy to work with, but he isn't so conversative. He gives us options, not just black and white."
Katsumasa Suzuki is a vastly experienced adviser who is frequently entrusted by issuers to lead sophisticated equity offerings.
"Suzuki gave us really spot-on advice."
Masanori Sato is sought after for his knowledge of transaction structuring and documentation. His work includes advice on derivatives transactions, regulatory issues and securitisation deals, including margin loans and receivables.
"We were able to receive accurate advice on cutting-edge and complex financial matters."
Taro Omoto is noted for his aptitude for REIT offerings and is equally popular with underwriter and issuer clients. He also demonstrates skill as counsel on equity and debt offerings, including global IPOs.
Toshimitsu Nemoto is recognised for his established reputation in global offerings and is a frequent adviser to major Japanese corporations.
"I knew he had a very good reputation but found he is an excellent person, not only in terms of his knowledge and experience but also in terms of his attitude, behaviour and dealings with clients."
"From matters that were difficult to deal with, to dealing with the media and investors, he presented reasonable solutions and response proposals which were very helpful."
Yasuhiko Fujitsu comes recommended by market sources for his track record of handling REIT offerings on behalf of issuers.
Katsuyuki Tainaka has expertise in debt and equity issuances, including advising on overseas issuances. He is also known for his expertise regarding green and sustainable bonds.
"We received extremely flexible and prompt support regarding foreign bond agreements."
Ranked Lawyers at
Mori Hamada & Matsumoto
Japan
Members
Provided by Mori Hamada & Matsumoto
Fuyuki Uchitsu
Head of Department
Kei Shirakawa
Masahito Saeki
Masakazu Kumagai
Head of Department
Masayuki Ishibashi
Suguru Miyata
Takafumi Goto
Takahiro Sato
Yoshihito Kuramochi
Yuki Matsuda
