ENGLISH-SPEAKING LAWYER IN TOKYO
Doing business in Japan?
Entity choice, investment filings and acquisitions — explained in English by a Japanese lawyer who also knows the U.S. side.
Yusuke Abe, attorney
Admitted in Japan and New York · English & Japanese
- You are entering Japan with a branch or subsidiary
- You are investing in or buying a Japanese company
- You run a Japanese subsidiary and need local counsel
JAPANESE LAW
Three things to know
- 01
Register before you trade
A foreign company must register in Japan before carrying on business here continuously.
Companies Act, Art. 818
- 02
A representative in Japan
To trade continuously, a foreign company must appoint a representative in Japan, at least one living in Japan.
Companies Act, Art. 817
- 03
Some investments need a prior filing
Investments in designated sectors need prior notification; certain other investments need a report afterwards.
Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act, Arts. 27 and 55-5
General information as of November 2026. Your situation may differ — please ask us.
HOW WE HELP
What we can do
- Branch, KK or GK — choosing the right vehicle
- Foreign investment filings
- M&A: due diligence and share purchase agreements
- Ongoing corporate work for your subsidiary
Yusuke Abe
Representative attorney
- Admitted in Japan (2018) and New York (2024)
- Anderson Mori & Tomotsune; Anderson Mori & Tomotsune (Thailand)
- LL.M., Fordham University · Marshall Suzuki Law Group, San Francisco
- Fundamentals of M&A Practice, 3rd ed. (Shojihomu, 2025)
HOW IT WORKS
Three steps
- 01
Book a time
Pick a slot online, or send a short note through the form.
- 02
30 minutes, free
Online or in Otemachi, Tokyo — in English. No need to be in Japan.
- 03
Written estimate first
Approach and fees in writing. We start only once you agree.
FAQ
Quick answers
Can our directors all live outside Japan?
For a kabushiki kaisha, yes — representative directors no longer need to live in Japan. Banking and other practical steps can still be harder, so plan ahead.
Do you work with our head office lawyers?
Yes. We work directly with overseas counsel and keep a single point of contact on the Japan side.
Have you handled M&A?
Yes. Yusuke Abe practised M&A and corporate work at Anderson Mori & Tomotsune. His publications include Fundamentals of M&A Practice, 3rd ed. (Shojihomu, 2025).
CONTACT
Tell us what is happening — in English
The first 30 minutes are free — in Japanese or English, online or in person.
Book a free consultation