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1
Asia-Pacific Guide 2023
Japan Competition/Antitrust
1
Band 1

3 Ranked Lawyers

About

Provided by Nishimura & Asahi

Our firm have been involved in many major domestic merger cases in Japan, and has produced results for our clients incomparable to any other firm in Japan. We are advising on most of the high-profile or “hard” cases that are subject to the Second Phase review at the Japan Fair Trade Commission (the JFTC). Further, we are regularly selected as local counsel to handle merger filings in Japan for many high-profile cross border and offshore M&A cases.

Our firm has proactively filed leniency applications from the outset of the introduction of the program in cartel and bid-rigging investigations, by which we gained a great deal of experience with the reforms. We have been advising on a large bid-rigging case among major Japanese construction companies on the linear motorcar (Japan’s superconducting Maglev train), which was unveiled in 2017. Moreover, in order to deal with international cartel cases, we have strengthened our partnerships with leading foreign law firms and are able to support Japanese companies when they face cartel investigations by competition agencies of both western and emerging countries as well as providing foreign companies with legal advice in relation to investigations by the Japanese Fair Trade Commission.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers
Competition/Antitrust - Japan
1
Band 1
What the team is known for

Nishimura & Asahi is widely acknowledged as a leading name in merger clearance and cartel cases, both domestic and international. The firm houses additional expertise in handling deregulation and market liberalisation matters. The team regularly works on merger filings in respect of domestic and cross-border acquisitions, and excels in assisting clients with Phase II merger investigations. It assists clients from a diverse range of industries spanning energy, finance, hospitality, pharmaceuticals, technology, shipping and steel, among others. Its key clients include Advanced Micro Devices, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi HC Capital.

Work Highlights

Provided by Nishimura & Asahi
  • Nishimura & Asahi advised Advanced Micro Devices on the preparation of submissions to the JFTC in relation to the USD35 billion acquisition of Xilinx Inc and on the related merger filings in Japan.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers
Kozo Kawai
N
Kozo Kawai
1
Band 1

Kozo Kawai has long been called upon for his sector-leading knowledge of non-contentious and contentious antitrust issues, including those relating to M&A transactions, cartels and unilateral behaviour.



"Kozo Kawai has a wealth of experience and knowledge that is very difficult to match. He is a great listener with a sharp mind who quickly grasps the issues and who never loses sight of the end-game."

Madoka Shimada
N
Madoka Shimada
3
Band 3

Madoka Shimada has a strong track record advising on merger filings and antitrust-related issues. She proactively represents clients in cross-border transactions including international cartels.



"Madoka Shimada is a stellar lawyer who impresses clients and colleagues alike for her expertise, know-how, business insight, availability and responsiveness."

"She is always close to customers and gives appropriate advice."

"I appreciate the trust, support and responsiveness. The communication is smooth and efficient and pleasant."

Kazumaro Kobayashi
N
Kazumaro Kobayashi
U
Up and Coming

Kazumaro Kobayashi is an up-and-coming practitioner who focuses on antitrust, competition and international trade work.



"Kaz is a young lawyer in the N&A competition team who deserves special praise for his dedication and agility in getting matters done."

Ranked Lawyers at
Nishimura & Asahi

Provided by Chambers
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Japan

Competition/Antitrust

Kozo Kawai
1
Kozo Kawai
1
Band 1
Madoka Shimada
3
Madoka Shimada
3
Band 3
Kazumaro Kobayashi
U
Kazumaro Kobayashi
U
Up and Coming

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Provided by Nishimura & Asahi

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Provided by Nishimura & Asahi

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