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Court Observation and Roundtable Discussion - Koen Girls’ Junior and Senior High School
- Nishimura & Asahi's legal education project
Program Background and Preparation
As part of Nishimura & Asahi’s 2024 legal education initiative, associate Yurara Hirayama, an alumna of Koen Girls’ Junior and Senior High School, expressed a strong desire to bring legal education to her alma mater. In collaboration with Academic Director Ms. Satoko Tsukada, she organized a court observation and roundtable discussion for third-year junior high and first-year high school students.
Partners Takeshi Nemoto, Ichita Matsunaga, and associate Yurara Hirayama accompanied the students to the Tokyo District Court, where they observed criminal trials. Following the court visit, the group returned to our Tokyo office for a briefing session on criminal proceedings.
After the explanation and Q&A, students broke into small groups for roundtable discussion with second-year female lawyers: Yurara Hirayama, Mayu Shindo, Moe Wada, Chisaki Inabetsu, Mirei Ota, and Megumi Miyano. The students were encouraged to ask questions about the legal profession, career paths, work-life balance, and the lawyers’ experiences as students.
Criminal Trial Observation and Debrief
Students were divided into three groups and attended hearings involving charges such as fraud and violations of the Stimulants Control Act. Some groups observed full proceedings from the opening session, while others joined sessions focused on character witnesses testimony and defendant examination. To prepare, students reviewed materials on the criminal trial process and read pamphlets provided by the court.
After the trials, a short debriefing was held, during which students asked thoughtful questions and shared their impressions:
- “Why do prosecutors carry documents in a furoshiki (traditional wrapping cloth)?”
- “How long does it take to write a verdict?”
- “How do witnesses prepare before testifying?”
- “I was surprised the defendant wore plain clothes and entered from the public gallery without handcuffs.”
Roundtable Discussion
In small groups settings, students engaged in lively Q&A sessions with the lawyers. Topics included the nature of legal work, their motivations for pursuing law, study methods during exam preparation, and future aspirations. Students asked about the reasons for choosing the career, experiences during the exams, work-life balance, and future dreams. There were active questions about how a corporate law firm is involved in criminal defense, study methods during the exams, and what their career goals were. The 30-minute session flew by, filled with energetic and meaningful exchanges.
Reflections from Students and Faculty
Student Comments:
“I realized trials affect not only the defendant but also their families. I felt that a trial is a place where many people’s lives can change, and it should be observed with respect.”
“Through the testimony, I learned about the defendant’s emotions and family relationships. Trials aren’t just about punishment—they’re about preventing future offenses.”
“When the attorney said, ‘People who come to court are those who, for various reasons, cannot live ordinarily. That’s why we help them,’ I felt the legal profession is a powerful way to support others.”
“I saw how attorneys’ and prosecutors’ questions guide judges toward fair decisions. A defendant’s future can hinge on those questions.”
“I learned that law firms also handle corporate transactions, which deepened my interest in legal law.”
“Seeing a real trial and learning about corporate law made me want to study law even more.”
“I appreciated the advice and experiences shared about career choices.”
“Seeing judges and attorneys up close made me think they were really cool. I want to consider law school.”
“My view of career options expanded— I now see becoming a lawyer as a real possibility, not just a dream.”
Comment from Ms. Satoko Tsukada, Academic Director:
“The students were both excited and nervous about this opportunity, and they participated with great enthusiasm. For many, stepping into a professional setting like a courtroom or law office was a first. Being able to learn directly from practicing attorneys was incredibly valuable.
They not only observed a trial but also toured the office and joined roundtable discussions roundtable discussion. These experiences gave them a clearer picture of what it means to work in law and offered guidance on how to approach their student years.
We’re deeply grateful they had this opportunity during such formative stages of their education. We look forward to seeing how they grow from here.”
Reflections from Participating Lawyers
Yurara Hirayama, Associate
“As someone who spent 12 years at Koen—from elementary through high school—it was deeply moving to reconnect with my former teachers and meet the current students. I was impressed by their pure curiosity, insightful questions. Many expressed genuine interest in legal careers, and some even asked about the credibility of testimony during the trial. I hope the experience helped them visualize legal professions more clearly and broadened.”
Ichita Matsunaga, Partner
“Although we knew the students had volunteered to join the program, their enthusiasm exceeded our expectations. For most, it was their first time seeing a real trial, and we were concerned about how they’d respond to the complexity of actual proceedings. But they asked one question after another, showing deep interest.
Some students already aspire to become lawyers, and we’re honored to support them. Legal professionals deal with real-life events and societal issues, and experiencing this firsthand is invaluable. Whether or not they pursue law, everyone interacts with the legal system in some way. We hope to continue offering opportunities like this to help students better understand the world of law.”
Project MembersMember
Takeshi has handled many complex M&A transactions and provides sincere advice to his clients. He has extensive experience in M&A-related disputes, and is well versed in the various issues facing companies with founding family shareholders. In recent years, he has been involved in many cases involving business and human rights, impact investing, and advises companies from the perspective of sustainability. He is also actively involved in pro bono work and is one of the most experienced in Japan.