Key Legal Issues : Entering the Video Game Market in Japan

Japan has long been a powerhouse in the video game industry, and is home to many famous developers and publishers that continue to lead the global market. However, the regulatory environment in Japan is evolving rapidly, as a result of legislative developments and the actions of industry associations. This article highlights key legal considerations for foreign companies looking to enter the video game market in Japan. One of the most distinctive features of Japan's regulatory framework for the video game industry is its treatment of in-game currency under financial laws. Unlike many other countries, in Japan in-game currency often is subject to stringent financial regulations, particularly those in the Payment Services Act. This unique approach reflects Japan's broader commitments to...To read the full article, please see the PDF file

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Yuki MATSUMOTO

Partner
Tokyo

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Yuki Matsumoto provides comprehensive and hands-on legal support tailored to each client’s needs, regardless of industry or scale. His practice spans a wide range of areas including domestic and cross-border M&A, litigation, regulatory compliance, crisis management, strategic alliances, and corporate governance. He has particular expertise in the entertainment sector—especially gaming, esports, and immersive technologies such as VR/XR—where he offers practical, industry-specific advice based on a deep understanding of business models and legal frameworks.

He has also supported IPOs as an outside auditor for listed companies and draws on secondment experience at a major securities firm and both domestic and international companies. This background enables him to provide legal advice aligned with management and investor perspectives. Actively involved in startup support, he advises on fundraising, governance for listing preparation, and has led the introduction of standardized seed financing documentation in collaboration with industry associations.

In recent years, he has expanded his practice in intellectual property, representing clients in patent infringement litigation and assisting with tailored patent filings. He also engages in complex regulatory work, including lobbying and compliance related to the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations, as well as the Entertainment Business Act, bridging both policy and legal practice.

At Nishimura & Asahi, he leads the firm's Game and Esports Practice Team, overseeing legal services dedicated to the gaming industry. In recognition of his continued contribution to the field, he was the only lawyer awarded the “Esports Distinguished Service Award” at the Japan Esports Awards in January 2024.

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