Hiratsuka & Co

Senior Partner: Makoto Hiratsuka

Number of Partners: 4

Number of other lawyer: 1

Languages: Japanese and English

Hiratsuka & Co. ("HCO") is a Tokyo law firm providing a full range of domestic and cross-border Japanese legal services. HCO is known for clear and sensible advice, which is supported by wealth of experience, thorough research and commitment to providing the highest standards of protection for the rights and interests of clients. Since being founded in 1976, HCO has been instructed by corporations and individuals from all around the globe.

Maritime & Shipping

HCO is renowned for its expertise in both “wet” and “dry” shipping, having advised on various high-profile cases some of which attracted much media scrutiny. HCO's work in this field covers collisions, fires, groundings, pollution, salvage, general average, damage to marine facilities, bills of lading and sea waybills, charterparties, contracts of affreightment, ship management, shipbuilding, sale and purchase of ships, towage and pilotage, marine labour contracts, marine insurance, ship arrests and releases, administrative regulations, criminal procedures, etc.

Insurance & Reinsurance

HCO handles various types of insurance, typical and non-typical, and has advised both insurer (reinsurer) and insured (reinsured) on matters such as fire insurance, earthquake insurance, liability insurance, erection insurance, satellite insurance. HCO also regularly provides advice on Japanese insurance regulations and assist non-Japanese companies to obtain insurance licenses in Japan.

International Trade

HCO provides contract review services for cross-border contracts involving Japan, including sale and purchase contracts, distributorship agreements, agency agreements, investment agreements, loan agreements, guarantees, labour contracts etc. HCO also provides advice regarding potential contractual disputes, such as preservation of evidence and pre-dispute negotiations.

Litigation & Arbitration

Although HCO has represented various clients in Japanese litigations and arbitrations, HCO is particularly known for welcoming non-Japanese clients’ claim against Japanese entities. HCO believes that litigation provides the basis for both contentious and non-contentious legal skills, and has focused on honing the skills in this department since its establishment. HCO's service expands to provisional disposition before filing suits, execution of judgments and representing clients in solvency/administrative proceedings.