ENGLISH-SPEAKING LAWYER IN TOKYO
A contract or dispute with a Japanese company?
We read the Japanese side for you — before you sign, and when things go wrong.
Yusuke Abe, attorney
Admitted in Japan and New York · English & Japanese
- You are about to sign with a Japanese partner
- A Japanese company is not paying or performing
- You hold a foreign judgment against a Japanese party
JAPANESE LAW
Three things to know
- 01
You can choose the governing law
Parties may agree which country’s law governs their contract.
Act on General Rules for Application of Laws, Art. 7
- 02
Foreign judgments need four conditions
A foreign judgment works in Japan only if jurisdiction, service, public policy and reciprocity are all met.
Code of Civil Procedure, Art. 118
- 03
Claims do not last forever
Contract claims generally expire 5 years after you know you can claim, or 10 years after you could.
Civil Code, Art. 166(1)
General information as of November 2026. Your situation may differ — please ask us.
HOW WE HELP
What we can do
- Review and negotiate English or Japanese contracts
- Demand letters and negotiation in Japanese
- Litigation in Japanese courts
- Enforcing foreign judgments in Japan
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
Should our contract be governed by Japanese law?
It depends on where you would enforce it and against whom. We look at where the assets are before recommending a governing law.
Can you review a contract that is only in Japanese?
Yes. We explain it to you in English and flag what matters.
Do I need to come to Japan?
Usually not. Consultations and most of the work can be done online and by email.
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