Hiratsuka & Co is a boutique firm with a strong focus on international shipping and insurance, frequently representing mostly non-Japanese clients in Japanese court and arbitration proceedings. The practice is led by Makoto Hiratsuka, widely regarded as ‘a doyen of Japanese shipping law’. Yuji Miyazaki is known for his work on high-stakes litigation and complex disputes, with his expertise covering both wet and dry shipping mandates, including collisions, charterparty issues, and cargo claims, as well as challenging criminal cases related to shipping. Shinichiro Yamashita is also a key member of the team.

Nishimura & Asahi frequently advises lenders, lessors, lessees, and export credit agencies on a wide range of domestic and international asset finance transactions involving vessels and marine containers. The team is jointly led by Katsu Sengoku, who regularly acts for leasing companies, banks, trading houses, manufacturers, and investors on ship leading, finance, and trading mandates; and Kosuke Shibukawa, who is experienced in leasing, financing, and trading across various assets, including vessels, containers, and aircraft, representing both domestic and international clients. Adrian Joyce is another key figure, with a strong track record advising on commercial shipping matters, ship finance structures and limited recourse financing.

TMI Associates offers comprehensive legal support across all areas of shipping and maritime law, covering not only shipping finance but also dry shipping such as carriage of goods by sea and wet shipping, including vessel safety and marine casualties. The practice is led by Jumpei Osada, whose expertise spans both contentious matters such as litigation, arbitration, and casualty work, and non-contentious matters including ship finance, sale and purchase transactions. Masaaki Sasaki is another key member of the team, advising on international trade, bankruptcy-related matters, and shipping and insurance regulatory issues.

Atsumi & Sakai brings strong expertise in cross-border ship finance, regularly advising on corporate and commercial matters involving the sale and purchase of vessels, insurance, and contract drafting. The practice is jointly led by Kohji Hayakawa, who is known for handling charterparty and bill of lading disputes, ship collisions, and maritime restructuring; Yutaka Sakai, who has deep experience in structured finance, securitisation, project and ship finance, and aircraft leasing; Kohei Murakawa, who represents Japanese and oversees clients in international dispute resolution and commercial arbitration; and Takaya Konishi, who provides legal advice on project structuring and documentation in connection with shipping finance transactions.

City-Yuwa Partners’ shipping team is experienced in handling matters involving complex cross-border structures, regulatory sensitivities, and national energy security concerns. The practice is led by Reiko Yoshida, who offers comprehensive maritime and corporate advice to financial institutions, shipowners, and private equity funds investing in vessels. Yoshida also has deep expertise in both corporate and maritime law, including in offshore jurisdictions.