Baker McKenzie (Gaikokuho Joint Enterprise)‘s group specialises in handling complex tax and transfer pricing matters and advises on the full gamut therein, including advising on tax planning and structuring in both domestic and international contexts. Spearheading the team is Ryutaro Oka who is especially adept at handling the tax aspects of M&A and reorganisations as well as outbound work. Inbound tax specialist Shinichi Kobayashi is active in international taxation cases, in particular. Tax litigator Hideyuki Yamamoto is also recommended, as is transfer pricing expert Yukiko Komori. Luke Tanner is highlighted for his expertise in cross-border tax planning. Edwin Whatley retired in September 2024.
Tax: International firms and joint ventures in Japan
Baker McKenzie (Gaikokuho Joint Enterprise)
Responsables de la pratique:
Ryutaro Oka
Autres avocats clés:
Shinichi Kobayashi; Hideyuki Yamamoto; Yukiko Komori; Luke Tanner
Les références
‘Their tax expertise strengthens them in all areas, particularly real estate.’
‘Luke Tanner is an exceptionally thoughtful lawyer. He takes his clients’ interests to heart, and provides a diligent, thoughtful and timely service. He is a genuine pleasure to work with.’
‘What makes this practice unique is its regional expertise with global reach, the strength and capabilities of its integrated advisory service, and its consistency and scalability compared with other firms’.’
Principaux dossiers
Withers Japan
Withers Japan‘s team has a varied client roster which features multinational companies and private equity firms. Eric Roose oversees the team and has considerable experience in corporate international tax planning matters, atop his capabilities advising ultra-high net-worth individuals on income and inheritance tax planning. Alongside Roose at the team's helm is Kohei Kobayashi who assists clients with the full gamut of cross-border tax matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Eric Roose; Kohei Kobayashi
Principaux clients
PAG Real Assets SCREP VIII Fund
Pacific Alliance Group REN I fund
PAG Real Estate Property Fund IV
FLOW Digital Infrastructure
Principaux dossiers
DLA Piper Tokyo Partnership Gaikokuho Kyodojigyo Horitsu Jimusho
Drawing on its global network, DLA Piper Tokyo Partnership Gaikokuho Kyodojigyo Horitsu Jimusho's team has a workload which prominently features international tax matters, including structuring, advisory and disputes work. Practice head Keitaro Uzawa advises both Japanese and multinational clients in the industrial and tech sectors, in particular.
Responsables de la pratique:
Keitaro Uzawa
Les références
‘The team’s practice stands out for its exceptional client-centric approach, deep legal expertise, and innovative mindset.’
‘We, the client, consistently appreciate the team’s responsiveness, strategic thinking, and ability to deliver practical solutions tailored to complex legal challenges.’
‘DLA Piper’s collaborative culture and cross-disciplinary capabilities ensure seamless service across various practice areas.’
Principaux dossiers
Jones Day
Jones Day‘s practice handles both international taxation matters as well as various tax disputes. Practice head Koichi Inoue is experienced advising clients on the tax aspects of transactions and restructurings. Taku Osawa regularly handles transfer pricing matters. Dual-qualified in New York and Japan, Kyosuke Katahira is also noteworthy for his ‘deep expertise in international tax matters and cross-border transactions’.
Responsables de la pratique:
Koichi Inoue
Autres avocats clés:
Taku Osawa; Kyosuke Katahira
Les références
‘They are especially skilled at communicating clearly in English with law firms worldwide. This enables them to quickly and accurately gather essential information regarding challenges with Japanese Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) rules and tax treaties. What truly sets them apart is their remarkable ability to explain these complicated tax matters in a way that is very easy for clients to understand.’
‘They respond very quickly, and they really understand what we need and what we’re trying to achieve. The advice they give us is always detailed and very easy to understand. Our conversations with them are always full of good ideas and make us think.’
‘They deliver comprehensive, solution-oriented legal and tax services by thoroughly analysing both actual and potential risks, while carefully considering every detail alongside the broader business objectives of their clients. Their approach is designed to achieve optimal outcomes, ensuring that clients receive advice and support tailored to their unique circumstances.’
Principaux dossiers
PwC Legal Japan
PwC Legal Japan’s practice covers tax litigation, investigations and the tax aspects of various corporate transactions. Managing partner of the Tokyo office Michito Kitamura regularly acts for clients on both contentious and non-contentious matters. Kozo Kuromatsu assists Kitamura advising on the full range of tax issues.
Responsables de la pratique:
Michito Kitamura
Autres avocats clés:
Kozo Kuromatsu