Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP‘s practice is well-placed to advise its clientele on the establishment and operation of funds in Japan. The team also handles the full breadth of regulatory matters for asset managers. Practice head Carol Tsuchida is a go-to for institutional and sovereign wealth investors, whom she advises on investments across a broad range of asset classes, from infrastructure to private equity. Tomoko Fuminaga is an expert in regulatory matters and is a key contact for banking and securities companies based in Japan and abroad. Tadao Horibe continues to advise on the financing aspects of investment fund transactions.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP's offering is reputable for its Japan-focused buyout fundraisings work. Domestic and global sponsors feature in the team's client roster, and it has strong capabilities assisting with energy, infrastructure and real estate-focused funds, in particular. David Azcue oversees the team and has considerable experience advising on the formation and launch of major funds. Hong Kong-based practitioners Adam Furber and Michael Ceulen support Azcue at the helm.

White & Case LLP - White & Case Law Offices (Registered Association)‘s practice is well-regarded for its capabilities advising major fund managers and Japanese institutional investors, amongst others. The team is well-positioned to advise on both GP and LP-side mandates, particularly in the private equity and real estate sectors. Team lead Eriko Sakata has a broad practice which encompasses fund formation, fundraising, fund investments and regulatory matters. ESG expert Sayako Shiraki regularly assists clients with cross-border fund structuring, formation and management, while Mao Muraguchi advises on sovereign wealth and pension funds.

Clifford Chance (Gaikokuho Kyodo Jigyo)'s practice draws on the firm's global network to advise on cross-border structuring, launches and operational matters. Regulatory work is a key element of the team’s workload, wherein it is experienced advising both sponsors and investors. Natsuko Sugihara advises Japanese and international clients, and co-leads the team alongside Leng-Fong Lai. Yoshiaki Shimizu comes recommended for his real estate fund mandates expertise.

King & Spalding's team has a funds offering that is relied upon by fund sponsors, managers and investors, amongst others. The team is well-versed in advising on matters spanning the range of asset classes, including infrastructure and energy transition funds. The ‘proactive and creative’ Mark Davies is a seasoned practitioner who handles fund formation and asset management advice and heads up the practice.

PwC Legal Japan's team has a specialism handling the range of regulatory investment funds matters. Team head Tomohiro Kandori has particular experience with real estate funds and REITs, handling mandates therein both domestically and internationally. Makoto Hibi regularly assists Kandori with regulatory matters and in handling structuring issues. Both are noted as being 'well-respected in Japan and overseas’ by clients.