Portage Ventures: Investment in Bloomo Securities Inc.

Hikaru took the initiative in launching the firm’s ASEAN practice in 2010, and since she has supported various Japanese and international companies' new entry, expansion of their business, strategic investment, group restructuring, risk management, disputes, as well as exit deals. With her deep understanding of the nature of issues, as well as the business background and cultural and political context in each country, she is known for providing practical advice by working closely with the clients' business team in each jurisdiction. As a key member of our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, she has played a key role in many of our diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, particularly over the past few years. Our firm was named the winner of the region’s Law Firm: Diversity & Inclusion Category at FT Innovative Lawyers Awards Asia-Pacific 2021 and winner of Outstanding Firm for D&I (Regional) at Chambers D&I Awards Asia-Pacific 2020.

Jason is a Philippine and New York-qualified partner with considerable experience in advising clients on a wide range of corporate and commercial matters throughout Asia and the Pacific region. He has designed investment structures for multinational companies investing in both Japan and abroad, and has negotiated and advised clients on numerous contractual undertakings, including multibillion-dollar mergers and acquisitions (strategic acquisitions, investments, divestitures and joint ventures), IP-licensing agreements, and other cross-border transactions. His experience spans diverse sectors including construction & infrastructure, consumer & retail, energy, fintech, life sciences, manufacturing & industrial, and private equity. Jason has also represented and advised clients on international disputes, arbitration and litigation.

Jason has practiced law in Japan for almost two decades and, prior to joining Nishimura & Asahi, was a partner at a major Japanese law firm. He has been consistently recognized as one of The Best Lawyers™ in Japan for International Business Transactions. In addition to his work with clients, Jason is active in various international legal organizations and chambers of commerce in Japan. 
 

Yutaka has represented Japanese and international clients such as major manufacturing companies, general trading companies, real estate developers, general contractors, telecommunication companies, natural resource and energy companies, steel makers, PE funds, and venture capital companies in complex domestic and cross-border transactions, as well as commercial litigation involving cross-border matters. He regularly works on international transactions and provides services for international clients. When it comes to Japanese deals, he excels at handling carve-out transactions, which tend to have numerous, complicated issues.