FAQ
Questions before you contact us
Answers to the questions people most often ask Abe International Law Office before getting in touch.
About the firm and the attorney
- Is there an English-speaking lawyer in Tokyo who can advise on Japanese law?
- Yes. At Abe International Law Office in Otemachi, Tokyo, Yusuke Abe — admitted in both Japan and New York — advises clients in English or Japanese. Everything from the first consultation to drafting and negotiating contracts can be done in English.About the firm
- What is the attorney’s background?
- Yusuke Abe handles every matter himself. At Anderson Mori & Tomotsune he worked on M&A, corporate and restructuring, IP, IT and data protection, and dispute resolution. After a posting at Anderson Mori & Tomotsune (Thailand), an LL.M. from Fordham University and work at a San Francisco law firm, he was admitted to the New York State Bar. Publications include Fundamentals of M&A Practice, 3rd ed. (Shojihomu, 2025).Full profile
- Do you advise companies, individuals, or both?
- Both. Our focus is corporate work (M&A, contracts, governance, employment, IP, IT and data protection) and cross-border matters, and we also help individuals with inheritance, divorce and other personal issues in Japan.Corporate practice
Foreign companies and individuals
- We employ foreign staff in Japan. What should we watch for on dismissals and overtime?
- Japanese employment rules apply to people working in Japan regardless of nationality, and Article 3 of the Labor Standards Act prohibits discriminatory treatment on the basis of nationality. Dismissals and overtime pay are judged by the same standards as for Japanese employees, so it is worth reviewing your employment contracts and rules of employment together.Employment guides
- Can you review an English contract with a Japanese company?
- Yes — we draft, review and negotiate English-language agreements. Governing-law and dispute-resolution clauses decide where and under which law a dispute will be fought. Even when a contract chooses foreign law, some Japanese rules may still apply regardless of that choice.International practice
- Can a foreign court judgment be enforced in Japan?
- A foreign judgment is recognized in Japan if it meets the requirements of Article 118 of the Code of Civil Procedure, and can then be enforced after obtaining an enforcement judgment from a Japanese court. Whether the requirements are met depends on the judgment and the country.Enforcing foreign judgments
How consultations work
- Is the first consultation free?
- Yes, the first 30 minutes are free. If you decide to instruct us, we set out the approach and fees in writing before starting, and begin only once you agree.
- Do I need to visit the office?
- No. You can consult online (Zoom etc.), including from overseas, or visit us in Otemachi, Tokyo.
- Is what I tell you confidential?
- Yes. Attorneys in Japan are bound by a duty of confidentiality under Article 23 of the Attorney Act.
- How do I book?
- Pick an available time on our online booking page. You can also use the inquiry form or call us.Book a free consultation
CONTACT
Talk to us before you decide
The first 30 minutes are free — in Japanese or English, online or in person.
Book a free consultation