TOKYO · OTEMACHI — LAW OFFICE
Japanese law, explained in English.Counsel admitted in Japan and New York.
For foreign companies operating in Japan and Japanese companies working across borders — M&A, contracts, employment, IP and data, and disputes. Individuals living in Japan are welcome too.
You work directly with Yusuke Abe, a Japanese bengoshi also admitted in New York, who previously practised at Anderson Mori & Tomotsune. We explain what Japanese law requires, what your options are and what the next step involves — in plain English. Your first 30-minute consultation is free, online or at our office in Otemachi, Tokyo.
Yusuke Abe · Japan & New York bar
· English & Japanese · 30 min free
FOR INTERNATIONAL CLIENTS
What international clients usually ask us about
You can describe your situation in English. We will tell you whether it is something we handle, what Japanese law means for you, and what the next step would be.
Running a company in Japan
Setting up or operating a Japanese subsidiary, board and shareholder matters, and M&A.
Learn moreContracts with Japanese partners
Drafting and negotiating English-language agreements, governing law and dispute clauses.
Learn moreEmployment and HR
Hiring, rules of employment, non-competes, dismissals and workplace investigations.
Learn moreIP, IT and personal data
Trademarks and licensing, software and SaaS contracts, data breaches and privacy compliance.
Learn moreDisputes and foreign judgments
Claims against or by Japanese companies, and enforcing foreign judgments in Japan.
Learn morePersonal matters
Inheritance, divorce and other legal issues for people living in Japan.
Learn more
Not sure where your issue fits? The first 30 minutes are free, in English, online or in person.
Book a free consultationATTORNEY
Attorney
Every matter is met with the full weight of experience and background.
Yusuke Abe
Managing Attorney
Dai-Ichi Tokyo Bar Association (Registration No. 57972)
At Anderson Mori & Tomotsune, he handled M&A, corporate and restructuring, intellectual property, IT and data protection, media & entertainment, and dispute resolution. Following a posting at Anderson Mori & Tomotsune (Thailand) Co., Ltd., an LL.M. from Fordham University, and a stint at Marshall Suzuki Law Group, P.C. in San Francisco, he was admitted to the New York State Bar. He advises on matters from cross-border corporate work to personal consultations, fully bilingual in Japanese and English.
CAREER
- 2009Azabu High School
- 2014University of Tokyo, LL.B.
- 2016University of Tokyo School of Law (J.D.)
- 2018Admitted to Japan Bar (71st Class)
- 2018-2026Anderson Mori & Tomotsune, Tokyo
- 2022Anderson Mori & Tomotsune (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
- 2023Fordham University LL.M.
- 2023-2024Marshall Suzuki Law Group, P.C., San Francisco (Sept 2023 – May 2024)
- 2024Admitted to New York State Bar
- 2026Founded Abe International Law Office
PUBLICATIONS
WHY US
Why clients choose us
You speak with the attorney himself
From the first consultation, you talk directly with Yusuke Abe — the attorney who handles your matter. You explain the situation once, in English, and get a straight answer on what Japanese law means for you.
Admitted in Japan and New York
A Japanese bengoshi who also holds a Fordham LL.M., worked at a San Francisco firm and is admitted in New York — so Japanese law is explained with common-law contracts and U.S. practice in mind.
Big-firm experience, direct access
Eight years at Anderson Mori & Tomotsune, one of Japan's largest law firms, including a posting at Anderson Mori & Tomotsune (Thailand) — M&A, IP, IT, data protection and disputes — now available directly through an independent office.
EXPERTISE
Areas of Expertise
Centred on M&A and corporate work, with IP, IT, data protection, international (New York) law, and media & entertainment — advice informed by both Japanese and New York law.
M&A
M&A in Japan, in English
From structure selection to negotiation and closing, focused on M&A and business succession for small and mid-sized companies and startups.
IP
Intellectual Property
From trademarks, patents, copyright and trade secrets to rights issues in the age of generative AI—IP strategy that keeps your business moving.
IT
IT & Technology
System development contracts, SaaS and cloud, AI development and cyber-incident response—preventive lawyering that translates technical uncertainty into sound contract structures.
Data Protection
Data Protection
Cross-jurisdictional data protection compliance designed to work alongside your business, not against it.
International
International (New York Law)
Admitted in New York, we support cross-border contracts, U.S. litigation and overseas fundraising.
Media
Media & Entertainment
Content licensing, talent agreements, music and neighboring rights, streaming-platform negotiations and advertising/stealth-marketing compliance—legal support that keeps the creative flowing.
Not sure which area applies? Our free 30-minute consultation will help sort it out.
Book a free consultationFLOW
From first call to resolution
Even for a first legal consultation, a clear path makes it easier. Your first consultation is free, and fees are always set out before any work begins.
Book a free consultation
Our contact form is open at any time. A brief note on your situation helps us prepare.
First consultation (30 min, free)
Online or in person, in Japanese or English. We listen, then share an outlook and a way forward.
Approach & estimate
Before any work begins, we set out the approach and the fees in writing. We proceed only once you agree.
Engagement & action
After you formally engage us, we see the matter through end to end, keeping you informed throughout.
FEES
About our fees
The cost is often the biggest concern. We keep it transparent and make the fees clear before any work starts.
Reach out with no cost concerns — discuss your situation and outlook. Available in Japanese or English.
We propose the fee structure best suited to the matter and explain the basis up front.
We set out expected fees in writing before we begin. No unclear charges later.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
INSIGHTS
Latest articles
Consumer Affairs Agency Issues Premiums and Representations Act Order Over "Limited-Time % OFF" Claims for Overseas Wi-Fi Rental (6 November 2026)
On 6 November 2026 Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency announced a cease-and-desist order under Article 7(1) of the Premiums and Representations Act concerning discount claims on the website for the "HIS Wi-Fi" overseas mobile router rental service, finding they fell under Article 5(ii).
Setting Up and Running a Company in Japan as a Foreign National: The New Business Manager Visa Criteria (from 16 October 2025) and Company Formation
A guide for foreign founders who want to incorporate a company in Japan and run it under the Business Manager status of residence, based on the new criteria in force from 16 October 2025 (JPY 30 million in capital, at least one full-time employee, B2-level Japanese, three years of experience or a master's degree, review by a business expert) and the incorporation procedure under the Companies Act. Also covers the transitional rule for current holders and what is checked on renewal.
MIC Issues Administrative Guidance to NTT DOCOMO over Provision of About 344,000 Users' Phone Numbers to Amazon Without Valid Consent: "Specified User Information" under the Telecommunications Business Act (6 November 2026)
On 6 November 2026 Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) issued written administrative guidance to NTT DOCOMO, INC. over a leak of "specified user information". According to MIC, after the online application flow was revised, the notice on third-party provision was missing, and the phone numbers and user identifiers of 344,213 people were sent to Amazon Japan G.K. without valid consent. MIC has asked for a written report on the preventive measures by the end of December.
PRACTICE
Practice areas
From corporate and international law to everyday matters — criminal, inheritance, divorce and more.
See our IP, IT, data protection, international and media practicesCorporate (M&A, Governance, Restructuring)
M&A and business succession, governance, commercial contracts, compliance, disputes, and restructuring — supporting your company through both growth and crisis.
02International & Cross-Border
Drafting and reviewing English-language contracts, overseas transactions and market entry, and negotiations and disputes with foreign parties — moving matters forward from both Japanese and global perspectives.
03Criminal Defense
Prompt response from arrest and detention through settlement negotiations and trial defense — moving quickly where early action shapes the outcome.
04Personal & Civil Matters
Inheritance and wills, divorce and family matters, employment, traffic accidents, and debt — the everyday legal issues of daily life. Clear, approachable guidance, even if it is your first time consulting a lawyer.
ACCESS
Visit us
- Address
- Tokyo Sankei Bldg. 27F, 1-7-2 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004
- Hours
- Weekdays 8:30–17:30
- Phone
- 03-3242-3445
- FAX
- 03-3242-6445
- info@abe-legal.jp
CONTACT
Let's talk.
Your first consultation is free — in Japanese or English.