Japanese Law Firms Expand Global Footprint with European Focus

Several prominent Japanese law firms are establishing new offices in Europe to meet the growing demand for specialised legal support as Japanese companies expand their operations, particularly in light of Japan’s Economic Security Promotion Act.

This was a theme that came up frequently during research for the Japan chapter of the 2025 guide, with interviewees highlighting “the growing interest in economic security,” as well as concerns about “geopolitical risks” and “disruption of the international order.” The Act encourages businesses to diversify their supply chains and, as they do so, law firms are positioning themselves to provide the necessary support.

For instance, Nishimura & Asahi plans to open offices in London and Brussels by early 2025. This follows the earlier establishment of offices in Frankfurt and Dusseldorf in 2020. Indicative of the firm’s commitment to this move, the Brussels office will be led by Chambers Band 1 International Trade partner Kojiro Fujii.

Similarly, Anderson Mōri & Tomotsune and Atsumi & Sakai have already expanded their European presence this year by opening offices in Brussels, complementing their existing London operations. Both firms promise advice on mergers and acquisitions, foreign direct investment and particular expertise in competition law.

TMI Associates is also opening a Brussels office to enhance its capabilities alongside its existing locations in London and Paris. Mizuki Koshimoto, who is ranked by Chambers for his expertise in projects & energy will lead the Brussels team.

Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu is set to open its first European office in London in January 2025. This marks a significant step for the firm, which has maintained a presence in New York for several years. Kiyoshi Honda, another Chambers-ranked projects & energy practitioner will lead the London office.

Meanwhile, Mori Hamada & Matsumoto’s expansion has taken a slightly different tack, focusing on its presence in the United States, opening a New York office in 2023 and launching in San Francisco in November 2024.

The expansion of these firms is driven not only by the increasing complexity of international legal matters but also by the growing presence of Japanese businesses in global markets amid changing geopolitical dynamics. The new offices will enable these firms to provide more comprehensive support to their clients, particularly in areas such as M&A, finance and regulatory compliance.

Such needs have attracted the attention of international firms, too, with Bird & Bird’s recent Tokyo opening positioning partner Hiro Iwamura to leverage the firm's international reach to assist Japanese businesses in their global expansion.