60 Years of Growth: Partnership & InnovationCelebrating 60 Years
The foundations of our firm are built
through the trust of our clients and society.
The journey with our clients shaped us into the firm we are today,
as nearly 1,000 professionals supporting Asia and beyond.
In this time of profo und world change,
we aim to redefine what a law firm can be.
Going beyond the traditional roles of client and advisor,
our promise is to create value
and work with you to build a better society.
Managing Partner
Our Roots
Looking back on Nishimura & Asahi’s landmark cases through history
Thanks to your support, Nishimura & Asahi celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2026.
With over 900 professionals* across 22 offices worldwide, we are Japan’s largest international full-service law firm.
We look back on the journey we have taken since our founding, evolving with the times.
* Including Associate and Alliance offices
- 1960s to 1970s
- During Japan’s period of rapid economic growth, as many foreign companies expanded into Japan seeking new business opportunities, the demand for corporate legal services surged. In response, Japanese law firms specializing in international matters—rather than foreign-affiliated firms—emerged, forming the foundation of what is now Nishimura & Asahi.
- 1966
- Toshiro Nishimura established Nishimura Law Office (later to become Nishimura & Partners)
- 1976
- Hideki Matsushima established Matsushima Law Office (later to become Tokiwa Sogo Law Offices)
- 1977
- Takashi Ejiri established Masuda and Ejiri Law Office (later to become Asahi Law Office)
- 1980s
- Japanese companies expanded overseas, increasing M&A and foreign bond issuances. Nishimura & Asahi’s predecessor firms played key roles in many international financial transactions, including M&As with foreign companies and issuing yen-denominated “Samurai Bonds,” advancing the internationalization of their practice.
- 1990s
- After the bubble burst, as Japan’s economy was restructured. These predecessor firms handled cases including Jusen (housing loan company) resolution, corporate structuring and M&A, governance, and matters for foreign companies, expanding their legal knowledge.
- 2000s
- As the economic environment continued to evolve, the financial and insurance sectors underwent restructuring, and complex financial transactions advanced. Tax litigation and takeover defense strategies gained attention, while corporate governance, crisis management, and international trade practices expanded. In response to the era of global competition, professionals with diverse expertise came together to establish Nishimura & Asahi.
- 2004
- Nishimura & Partners merged with Tokiwa Sogo Law Offices
- 2007
- Nishimura & Partners and the international division of Asahi Law Offices integrated and established Nishimura & Asahi
- 2010-
- With the rise of business opportunities across Asia, we have proactively established new offices in the region to support companies in strengthening their competitiveness in the global marketplace.
Representative deals and matters from the 1960s to 1990s
- IBM Industrial Espionage Case – The beginning of intellectual property disputes
- Koito Manufacturing Shareholders’ Meeting – Questions over the motive behind stock accumulation
- Jusen Resolution Issue – Final-stage battle over the Jusen resolution proposal
- Acquisition of a Long-Term Credit Bank-affiliated Leasing Company by GE Capital
- Establishment of a Joint Holding Company by Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank, Fuji Bank,
and the Industrial Bank of Japan - Business Suspension Order for Toho Mutual Life Insurance and JPY 200 Billion Excess Debt
Representative deals and matters from the 2000s to the 2010s
- Expansion of Asset-Backed Securities Issuance by Corporations
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Sued Over External Standard Taxation
- Consolidation Between Daiwa Bank Holdings and The Asahi Bank
- Kanebo Accounting Fraud
- Citigroup’s Full Acquisition of Nikko Cordial
- Japan Airlines Business Rehabilitation
- Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal (now Nippon Steel Corporation)’s Lawsuit Against POSCO Over Technology Leakage
Toward a Global Era
In this age of profound world change, we have evolved from a traditional Japanese law firm into a global law firm with leading regional capabilities.
In 2023, we launched a joint enterprise with foreign law firms, expanding our professionals and locations. With optimal solutions that transcend conventional boundaries, we provide strong support for increasingly complex international transactions and regulatory compliance.
Latest representative deals and matters
- Sharp Corporation
- Out-of-Court Workouts Including Capital Injection (2016)
Restructuring & Insolvency
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
- International Construction Arbitration in South Africa Concerning Thermal Power Plant With Hitachi, Ltd. (2019)
Dispute Resolution
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
- Acquisition of Shire plc (2019)
M&A Finance
- Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance Co., Ltd.
- Business Integration Through Merger With Hitachi Capital Corporation (2020)
M&A Corporate
- Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd.
- Acquisition of Speedway from Marathon Petroleum Corporation (2020)
M&A Corporate
- Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho, Ltd.
- Provisional Injunction to Suspend Countermeasures Based on Emergency-Triggered Takeover Defense Measures Against Hostile Market Acquisitions (2021)
M&A Corporate
- Automotive Parts Manufacturers
- Establishment of Hitachi Astemo, Ltd. through the Management Integration *Current: Astemo, Ltd. (2021)
M&A Corporate
- MUFG Bank, Ltd.
- Acquisition of HC Consumer Finance Philippines, Inc. and PT Home Credit Indonesia (2022)
Asia Finance
- Government Agency
- WTO Dispute Settlement Procedures Concerning China’s Measure Imposing Anti-Dumping Duties on Stainless Steel Products Originating from Japan (2023)
Competition Law / Antitrust Law Corporate
International Trade / Foreign Investment Screening
- Toshiba Corporation
- Privatization through tender offer by Japan Industrial Partners (2023)
M&A Corporate
- Hibiki Wind Energy Co., Ltd.
- Development of and project financing for offshore wind power generation project in Fukuoka, Japan (2023)
Finance
- Nippon Life Insurance Co.
- Acquisition of Resolution Life Group Holdings Ltd. and Business Integration of Resolution Life Australasia Ltd and MLC Ltd. (2024)
M&A Corporate
- ORIX Corporation
- Agreement on the development of an integrated tourist resort in Osaka (2024)
Finance
- The Blackstone Group Japan K.K.
- Acquisition of Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho (2025)
Finance
- Nippon Steel Corporation
- Acquisition of United States Steel Corporation (2025)
Competition Law / Antitrust Law Corporate
International Trade / Foreign Investment Screening
Strengthening our leadership and
expanding the scope of
our legal infrastructure
We received heartfelt messages from clients who share our vision and have been on
this journey with us.
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I recall engaging in repeated discussions that this case was meaningful for Japan’s industry and not merely a matter of a company’s interests… Nishimura & Asahi has gone beyond applying the law to shaping it, influencing society’s direction through system design and rulemaking.
― Steelmaker -
What defines Nishimura & Asahi is its spirit of challenge and flexibility. The firm provides solutions that align with our business realities and offers bold, forward-thinking advice that goes beyond legal frameworks. Nishimura’s support has been instrumental in our decisionmaking and business growth.
— Electronics Company
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We deeply appreciate your lawyer’s exceptional grasp of the background and stakeholder dynamics of each project. The ability to respond swiftly and accurately has been invaluable. The firm consistently offers thoughtful advice based on a thorough understanding of our perspective, providing timely, relevant information in an ever-changing environment.
— Financial Institution -
With Nishimura & Asahi’s broad coverage and deep specialization, we rely on your firm to support us both offensively and defensively. Your lawyers understand our organizational structure and social responsibilities, and even in urgent matters, are able to swiftly assemble the right team to support us. We look forward to your firm’s continued excellence and unwavering client-focused dedication.
— Financial Institution
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We see the essence of your firm in the accurate advice, comprehensive knowledge, proactive leadership, and genuine clientfirst approach by your lawyers. The ability to incorporate past experience while aligning guidance with our company’s values is a testament to your tireless dedication as a leading provider of legal services in Japan and abroad.
— Foreign Investment Fund -
In situations where decisions must be made from both legal and business perspectives— especially during contract drafting and negotiations—Nishimura & Asahi goes beyond legal advice to offer insights into the business implications of each option from a legal standpoint. Your lawyer’s client-focused approach has greatly strengthened our ability to assess facts objectively and make clear, wellreasoned decisions.
— Financial Institution
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Nishimura & Asahi has shown remarkable agility and flexibility across a wide range of matters including international cases. As globalization and AI continue to reshape the legal landscape, we are confident that the firm is fully equipped to navigate these waves of change.
— Telecommunications Company -
Nishimura & Asahi’s deep expertise and exceptional resources allow your lawyers to provide immediate responses to any client inquiry. Even in high-stakes litigation, your strong team structure helped turned the tide in our favor. We consider your firm to be one of the most reliable law firms.
— Telecommunications Company
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Your firm consistently stands by us, offering not only legal guidance but also thoughtful and swift support that anticipates the future of our business. This dedication truly reflects the essence of Nishimura & Asahi, and we deeply value your longstanding expertise and trust.
— Electronics Company -
When solutions seem limited within conventional frameworks, Nishimura & Asahi creates effective options and strives to expand our possibilities. We are deeply impressed by your lawyer’s ability to translate cutting-edge theory and practical know-how into corporate legal solutions.
— General Trading Company
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For over 30 years, your firm has supported us across areas ranging from M&A to antitrust and risk management. The ability to ask, “is this truly the best for your company?” from our perspective is invaluable. Nishimura & Asahi is like a trusted parent, a guiding teacher, and a lifelong friend—always close, always dependable.
— Electronics Company -
We greatly value your firm’s exceptional expertise and tenacious negotiation skills. In complex matters such as cross-border M&A, your lawyers’ precise analysis and unwavering commitment inspire deep confidence. The proactive approach and ability to anticipate our needs distinguish you as a top Japanese law firm on par with leading global firms.
— Insurance Company
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Nishimura & Asahi lawyers consistently provide accurate and prompt advice, even in complex, highly specialized cases. We are impressed by your lawyer’s ability to offer multifaceted solutions and your meticulous attention to practical details. The professionalism and teamwork are truly unique.
— Financial Institution -
Nishimura & Asahi has a thorough understanding of our business and offers creative yet practical solutions, even for the most challenging matters. Your lawyer’s support has been indispensable, as the firm continues to introduce excellent lawyers for our new or large-scale cases.
— Heavy Industry Manufacturer
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We believe that what truly distinguishes Nishimura & Asahi is its unwavering clientfirst approach—demonstrated by your lawyers’ commitment to employing all possible means to ensure favorable outcomes in both transactions and litigation. Your support has led to groundbreaking results for our organization in both transactional and dispute contexts, which in turn have significantly contributed to enhancing our corporate value.
— Energy Company -
We rely on your firm’s legal advice for business restructuring, M&A, legal consultations, and government relations. Nishimura & Asahi’s proactive recommendations during contract preparation, combined with your commanding negotiation strategies during contract discussions make your lawyers an exceptionally dependable partner.
— Transportation Equipment Manufacturer
As we reflect on the last 60 years,
we once again express our deepest gratitude to our clients and supporters who have stood beside us.
These past six decades represent the history of each lawyer's drive for knowledge and the spirit of challenge,
supporting the decisions made by our clients and by extension, society.
Today, we are in a time of great transformation.
Entering this era, we will redefine the very concept of a law firm.
We are going beyond traditional boundaries of legal services and advisory, to build value together with you.
We look forward to beginning the next decade of the firm's history together with you.
