Hall Of Fame

Next Generation Partners

Sport: Independent local firms in Japan

Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu

Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu's team advises international athletes, sports teams, and event organisers, amongst others, on the broad range of sports matters, from sponsorship deals to stadium development projects. Takashi Itokawa routinely represents athletes on team affiliations, while Shiro Kato specialises in international cases, regularly negotiating sponsorship agreements for both corporate and sports organisations. The pair spearhead the group.

Responsables de la pratique:

Takashi Itokawa; Shiro Kato


Les références

‘They have extensive experience engaging with various major sports from multiple perspectives, enabling them to provide high-quality legal services efficiently. Their ability to identify issues, offer insightful proposals, and suggest improvements in contract structures and business schemes is both precise and appropriate. They are a reliable partner, offering reassurance through their proactive support and guidance.’

‘Shiro Kato handles both complex negotiations and a high volume of contract matters with calm efficiency and speed. He provides precise and relevant background information, making him an extremely reliable asset for moving projects forward.’

‘They are well-versed in the customs and practices of the Japanese sports business world and primarily provide legal advice from the perspective of sponsor companies when entering into sponsorship agreements with sports teams or leagues. Their expertise in corporate law allows them to accurately suggest the viewpoints that companies should recognise, contributing to the prevention of contractual disadvantages. Additionally, their response to client requests is very prompt.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the client on the transfer of NTT Sports Community Co., Ltd., the management company for Omiya Arjida (a J. League football club) to Red Bull GmbH.
  • Advised the client and his management company, Agon Management, on his team affiliation for the upcoming and future seasons.
  • Advised the client on the share transfer of the management company for HOKKAIDO YELLOW STARS (a V. League Volleyball club) to TakedaGead Co., Ltd.

Nishimura & Asahi

Nishimura & Asahi‘s practice has a strong focus on sports governance, IP and regulatory work concerning sports betting. Sports data licensing and betting matters are areas of expertise of ‘outstanding lawyer’ Hironori Inagaki, who heads up the offering. Inagaki regularly acts for professional sports organisations, athletes, event management companies and digital entertainment companies. Masayuki Obata is primarily involved in sports mandates with a corporate nexus and is also noteworthy.

Responsables de la pratique:

Hironori Inagaki


Autres avocats clés:

Masayuki Obata; Naohisa Tsutsumi


Les références

‘The team is well-versed in rights issues concerning sports clubs and athletes, and demonstrates a strong ability to clearly define challenges within the Japanese sports business landscape. They proactively engage stakeholders to drive effective solutions. I particularly feel that their strength lies in their ability to build and leverage networks.’

‘I have worked especially closely with Hironori Inagaki, who is an outstanding lawyer. He has deep expertise in the sports business and possesses an extensive network. He is also highly personable – humble and courteous in his demeanour.’

‘Hironori Inagaki has provided a lot of useful information to rugby team members, especially in compliance area. His explanation is very kind and easy to understand for foreign professional members. We appreciate his knowledge and support in establishing a compliance system for the rugby team.’

Principaux clients

Mynet Inc.


Council for Sports Ecosystem Promotion


TENTIAL Inc.


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the client on a government-commissioned research project concerning rights issues related to sports data in foreign jurisdictions.
  • Advised the client on a government-commissioned research project aimed at enhancing the appeal of sports content under the FY2023 Sports DX Promotion Project.
  • Represented the client in a landmark lawsuit against a YouTuber concerning the unauthorized use of shogi match data, resulting in the first-ever Japanese court decision recognizing tort liability for such use.

TMI Associates

TMI Associates‘ team is well-placed to advise national sports federations, professional leagues and affiliated clubs across all major sports on various matters. Alongside sponsorship and licensing work, the team is well-versed in sports governance, misconduct, and anti-doping disputes. Tomohiro Tohyama is experienced advising on regulatory and compliance aspects of international sporting events, and leads the team alongside Katsuro Tanaka. Yoichiro Kuriyama‘s areas of expertise include marketing, brand protection, contractual, and regulatory compliance matters. Atsushi Igarashi specialises in IP licensing and data privacy, while Masaki Sakaida focuses on international anti-doping disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Katsuro Tanaka; Tomohiro Tohyama


Autres avocats clés:

Atsushi Igarashi; Masaki Sakaida; Yoichiro Kuriyama; Satoshi Arakawa


Les références

‘TMI team always understood our situation well and immediately proposed an appropriate response. In particular, Atsushi Igarashi had a wealth of experience and was extremely reliable.’

‘Probably the strongest sports law team in Japan. Absolutely top to work with. Strong, passionate, precise, diligent, fast.’

‘Yoichiro Kuriyama is a great leader, has unique knowledge in sports-related matters and has the ability to deal with complex cases in a very efficient and successful manner. He is the lawyer to go to for sports-related matters. Satoshi Arakawa has exceptional experience in sports-related matters and fantastic knowledge.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Represented a Japanese investor in connection with an investment in a football club belonging to the Dutch second division (MVV Maastricht).
  • Provided advice to a sports league governing body regarding changes to the annual salary system of the league based on the Anti-Monopoly Act.

Atsumi & Sakai

Atsumi & Sakai‘s team is led by ‘standout’ practitioner Ian Scott who is particularly experienced assisting international sports federations, professional teams and sporting organisations. Major sports committees and organisations also feature in the team’s client roster. The group advises on all aspects of major events, including ticketing, procurement contracts, commercial arrangements, advertising and merchandising. Kenta Nobe is an integral member of the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ian Scott


Autres avocats clés:

Kenta Nobe


Les références

‘Ian Scott is truly global in his expertise and his skills can be applied to any major sporting event – his knowledge is probably the best globally.’

‘Ian Scott stands out as one of the best within his field.’

‘An excellent group of lawyers – very experienced.’

Principaux dossiers


Oh-Ebashi LPC & Partners

Oh-Ebashi LPC & Partners' team is noted for its expertise advising individuals and professional teams in the sports industry on disputes and arbitration matters. So Miyamoto routinely represents individuals in arbitration, while Ryotaro Yamamoto and Motonobu Wakabayashi are both well-equipped to handle contractual matters; the three are the triumvirate at the helm of the practice.

Responsables de la pratique:

So Miyamoto; Ryotaro Yamamoto; Motonobu Wakabayashi


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised as legal counsel a coach who filed for arbitration with Japan Sports Arbitration Agency against World Stake Japan.
  • Served as one of three arbitrators for JSAA-AP-2024-010 under Japan Sports Arbitration Agency arbitration proceedings.

Mori Hamada

Mori Hamada's team represents an array of clients, including sports associations, on a range of matters including athletes’ image and merchandising rights. The sports practice is led by Yutaka Miyoshi who is trusted to provide comprehensive support for large sporting events.

Responsables de la pratique:

Yutaka Miyoshi


Principaux clients

Japan Football Association (“JFA”)


Japan Professional Football League (“J-League”)


Japan Handball League (“League H”)


Fédération Internationale de Football Association (“FIFA”)


Principaux dossiers