A&O Shearman’s M&A team operates across a variety of sectors, including manufacturing, tech, finance, and consumer goods. The team provides a well-rounded service, covering joint ventures, divestitures, take-privates, and corporate reorganisations. Co-head Nick Wall is a go-to for both Japanese blue-chip clients and multinational corporations. Cross-border M&A transactions also make up the bulk of fellow co-head Tokutaka Ito‘s practice, regularly handling the transactional aspects of major joint ventures, acquisitions and investments. Recent instructions for Ito include advising MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings on the conditional sale of its 15.1% stake in ASX-listed Challenger Limited to TAL Dai-ichi Life Australia Pty Ltd. Karl Pires has over two decades of experience advising on cross-border transactions, including equity investments and acquisitions. Another key individual is Taro Nakashima, who routinely assists with technology transactions.

Baker McKenzie (Gaikokuho Joint Enterprise) has a richly resourced corporate and M&A department, acting for a substantial proportion of technology and chemicals companies. The department draws on its global offices to provide comprehensive advice on cross-border matters, spanning corporate acquisitions, joint ventures and business restructurings. The team is led by Jiro Toyokawa, who is deeply experienced in both public and private M&A, with particular expertise in handling major outbound transactions. Co-managing partner of the Tokyo office, Akifusa Takada, focuses on domestic transactions, regularly instructing Japanese companies across the pharmaceutical, food and consumer goods industries. Kiyoshi Endo has a broad practice, advising on both inbound and outbound M&A. Within the team, Tetsuo Tsujimoto and Yutaka Kimura are other highlighted members.

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP maintains an impressive presence in Tokyo, advising on a broad range of transactions, from Japanese take-private deals to distressed acquisitions. The firm is home to an enviable roster of clients in the manufacturing and financial sectors. Ken Lebrun is reputed for his experience in high-value global deals, including recently advising Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd. on its $2.3 billion acquisition of AOC from Lone Star Funds. Paul Lee supports the team across the full spectrum of mandates for Japanese corporations, asset managers and private equity funds.

Linklaters is a go-to for major financial institutions and is active in advising financial sponsors on public M&A and take-privates involving listed companies. Tracy Whiriskey and Yoshiyuki Asaoka co-lead the team. Whiriskey has deep expertise in matters involving cross-border M&A, joint ventures and strategic investments. The ‘highly experienced’ Asaoka routinely handles the Japanese law aspects of significant multijurisdictional transactions, including recently advising Meiji Yasuda on its acquisition of Legal & General America Inc.

Morrison Foerster has a distinguished M&A practice in Tokyo, especially noted for its capabilities in the technology sector. The department is regularly instructed by an enviable client roster, including advising Softbank on its USD 40 billion venture investment in OpenAI. Ken Siegel heads up the team and is highly reputed for his experience representing leading high-tech companies on acquisitions and joint ventures. Gary Smith is a go-to at the firm for life sciences clients, leading on inbound and outbound buyouts. Randy Laxer is noted for private equity buyouts and investments, while Jeremy White focuses on acquisitions and disposals. Nozomi Oda is well-positioned to advise on strategic investments and alliances. Stephen DeCosse is well-known for his experience in cross-border M&A.

Corporate & M&A is a key focus for White & Case LLP - White & Case Law Offices (Registered Association)‘s Tokyo office, which is especially active in the TMT, manufacturing, and private equity sectors. The team draws on its global network to advise on complex cross-border mandates, including advising Toyota Tsusho Corporation and Toyota Group on its landmark US$1.34 billion acquisition of RadiusRecycling, Inc. Jun Usami is well-versed in management and leveraged buyouts. Nels Hansen is sought after for his deep experience advising on shareholder activism situations. Shino Asayama has a broad practice, including advising on corporate matters related to foreign direct investment.

The corporate and M&A team at Clifford Chance (Gaikokuho Kyodo Jigyo) is noted for its expertise in advising both domestic and overseas clients, drawing on the firm’s global network. The firm’s expertise spans TMT, energy and industrials. Qualified in England and Wales, co-head. Natsuko Sugihara has experience in both inbound and outbound M&A. Co-head Michihiro Nishi is highlighted for handling transactions involving public companies. Masafumi Shikakura is singled out for deals in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Jeff Schrepfer joined the firm as a partner in March 2025 and is well-versed in cross-border investments, acquisitions and joint ventures.

DLA Piper Tokyo Partnership Gaikokuho Kyodojigyo Horitsu Jimusho‘s Tokyo office stands out for its capabilities in advising clients on cross-border venture capital investments. The firm handles M&A and equity financing deals for its client roster of prominent technology and energy companies. ‘Extremely knowledgeable’ team lead Masahiko Ishida is dual-qualified in Tokyo and New York and is a go-to for the firm’s multinational Japanese clients. Peter Armstrong specialises in energy and natural resources and handles cross-border acquisitions, joint ventures, and licensing agreements. Beelian Tay comes recommended for assisting with the full gamut of corporate mandates, while Edward Mears is another name to note.

Outbound transactions form the bulk of Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP‘s corporate practice in Tokyo. The office is distinguished for drawing on its global network to advise Japanese blue-chip clients. Joseph Fisher leads the team and has a particular focus on the TMT sector. Graeme Preston is an expert in advising major Japanese corporations on their investments across a broad range of industries, including the pharmaceutical, healthcare and consumer industries. Sydney-based Damien Roberts regularly instructs on cross-border joint ventures across Japan and Australia.

Hogan Lovells Horitsu Jimusho Gaikokuho Kyodo Jigyo has a well-established corporate department, with strengths in the manufacturing and industrial, automotive, and energy transition sectors. The firm is particularly active in Japanese inbound transactions, where it excels in combining its transactional and regulatory expertise. Leadership is split between Jacky Scanlan-Dyas and Wataru Kamoto. Scanlan-Dyas was appointed as practice head in October 2024 and covers cross-border M&A, exits and joint ventures. Kamoto acts for both Japanese and international clients, including advising on the acquisitions of start-ups in the life sciences industry. Viet Nguyen is highlighted for his expertise in private M&A and public takeovers, while Jumpei Seto regularly assists on mandates involving major US companies.

Jones Day‘s Tokyo office regularly advises trading companies on outbound M&A. The department is active in life sciences and energy M&A transactions. Sydney-based Chris Ahern heads up the team and has a strong track record of handling large cross-border M&A deals and court-approved mergers by scheme of arrangement. New York-qualified lawyer Benjamin Lang advises on the full breadth of transactional matters for life sciences companies, from public and private M&A and spin-outs to licensing transactions. Yuichiro Mori draws on over three decades of experience to advise Japanese and international clients on buyouts, joint ventures, and business restructurings.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP‘s corporate offering covers both public and private M&A. Recent highlights for the office include advising Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. on its acquisition of Jnana Therapeutics Inc. Leading the team is Mitsuhiro Kamiya who is relied on for high-value domestic and international acquisitions, while Akira Kumaki also comes recommended for handling high-profile cross-border transactions. Louis Artime is another key name to note for his expertise in general corporate matters, including spin-offs, divestitures, and financings.

Latham & Watkins Gaikokuho Joint Enterprise, whose presence in Japan dates back three decades, is well-positioned to advise clients on corporate matters from the Tokyo office, leveraging the firm’s wider network throughout Asia, including South Korea, China and Singapore. Dual qualified in Japan and New York, Hiroki Kobayashi assists Japanese clients with both inbound and outbound M&A. Hiroaki Takagi regularly advises on cross-border M&A transactions involving both Japan and the US. Yohei Nakagawa is highlighted for his strength in the technology, life sciences, and media sectors.

Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP‘s Tokyo office is well known for its focus on technology and life sciences-related transactions. The team’s expertise spans M&A, joint ventures, and venture capital financing. Motonori Araki leverages over three decades of experience to advise Japanese clients, from machinery companies to financial services companies, on transactions involving the US. Mitsuyoshi Saito has a broad corporate practice, representing clients in manufacturing, electronics, chemicals and IT.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP‘s Tokyo office maintains a strong track record in cross-border venture capital investment matters. The team has a robust client base of early-stage companies and VC funds in the life sciences and healthcare industries. Praised for his ‘ability to navigate complex cross-border transactions’, practice head Hiroki Sugita, who is dual-qualified in Japan and New York, stands out for his expertise advising technology companies.

Ropes & Gray LLP advises major global private equity firms and their portfolio companies on a wide range of corporate matters. A recent instruction of note for the team is advising Bain Capital on the proposed acquisition of 29 grocery, speciality and other retail businesses from Seven & i Holdings. Tsuyoshi Imai and Saeko Inaba co-lead the team and are active in advising on cross-border tender offers involving both Japanese and US figures.

Squire Gaikokuho Kyodo Jigyo Horitsu Jimusho is adept at advising on both inbound and outbound M&A matters across a multitude of sectors, from chemicals and pharmaceuticals to technology and automotive. Practice head Steven Doi is the managing partner of the Tokyo office and represents private and public companies on general corporate matters, including joint ventures and strategic investments. Praised for ‘bridging the negotiation gap between international and local partners’, Jun Mamiya is a go-to for major Japanese institutional clients. Stephen Chelberg is well-versed in high-value cross-border transactions, while Ken Kurosu is regarded for his longstanding experience advising listed multinational companies.

Norton Rose Fulbright‘s Tokyo office focuses on advising international and Japanese clients on corporate matters in the energy and transportation sectors. Practice head George Gibson regularly assists clients with the corporate aspects of energy projects, including joint venture and shareholder agreements. Paul Coggins and Akihiko Takamatsu specialise in maritime law and aviation law, respectively, assisting clients on cross-border transactions related to the building, sale and purchase of ships and aircraft.

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP routinely advises Japanese corporates and Japan-based private equity firms on their acquisition transactions. Team lead Tong Yu is a ‘well-known practitioner’ who handles cross-border transactions for domestic and international clients. Recent highlights for Yu include advising Apollo Global Management in its acquisition of an 80% stake in Panasonic Holdings Corporation’s automotive business.

PwC Legal Japan maintains a high level of activity on acquisitions and investments of Japanese companies. Heading up the team, Satoshi Mogi is well-versed in M&A transactions in the manufacturing, retail and TMT sectors. Rounding out the team, Yasuyuki Iwasaki and Hiroki Yamada cover both domestic and cross-border M&A.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP’s M&A team is well-equipped to advise top-tier private equity firms on major tender offers and acquisitions. Noritaka Kumamoto and Jonathan Stradling regularly handle inbound and outbound corporate mandates across Japan and the US for both private equity sponsors and public and private companies.