Japan
For nearly four decades, Skadden has advised Japanese companies, financial institutions and investors on their most significant cross-border transactions, disputes, investigations, financings and governance matters worldwide. With our Tokyo office established in 1987 as the firm’s first international office and an integrated team spanning key global financial centers, we help clients navigate complex matters with practical, business-oriented advice grounded in market-leading experience across jurisdictions and industries.
Skadden operates in Japan as a gaikokuho kyodo jigyo (foreign law joint enterprise), enabling integrated collaboration among our foreign-qualified lawyers and bengoshi, who are licensed to practice law and appear before Japanese courts. Our Japanese- and English-speaking attorneys regularly advise senior management, in-house counsel and boards on sophisticated cross-border matters, supporting informed decision-making and internal alignment at every stage. This on-the-ground presence, combined with the resources of one of the world’s leading law firms, enables us to deliver advice informed by the legal, commercial and cultural considerations that matter most to our Japanese clients operating globally.
Many Japanese companies face increasingly demanding legal and regulatory environments that require careful coordination across jurisdictions and stakeholders. Skadden’s integrated team of Japanese and international counsel helps organizations align strategic counsel with commercial priorities, build internal consensus and manage cross-border risk effectively. Our attorneys bring an understanding of Japanese business practices and decision-making processes to every engagement, supporting headquarters teams and local decision-makers through each phase of a matter.
Skadden’s longstanding relationships with leading Japanese companies span industries including trading companies and diversified industrial conglomerates, financial services, telecommunications, entertainment, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.
Our attorneys in Japan and across Skadden’s international offices provide unified guidance on matters involving mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, debt and equity financings, litigation and arbitration, government investigations, shareholder activism, investment fund matters and restructurings.
Skadden and its attorneys are consistently recognized as leaders in the Japanese market by Chambers Asia-Pacific, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific, IFLR1000 and Asia Business Law Journal.
Capabilities
Our attorneys have considerable experience across a vast range of Japan-related matters, including:
Mergers, Acquisitions and Joint Ventures
Skadden structures and negotiates a wide variety of public and private mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures involving Japanese and international entities in Japan, the U.S., Europe and other global markets. We are deeply familiar with the cultural and commercial dimensions of complex, cross-border M&A in Japan and possess the geographic reach and diverse capabilities necessary to provide coordinated advice on areas critical to completing the most sophisticated multijurisdictional transactions.
Skadden is recognized as a leading firm for Corporate/M&A in Japan in Chambers Asia-Pacific, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific and IFLR1000.
Capital Markets
Skadden has a proven record of completing high-profile capital markets transactions by Japanese issuers, including landmark IPOs and multibillion-dollar debt issuances. Our team includes attorneys fluent in both Japanese and English, and our experience encompasses the complete spectrum of equity, debt and hybrid instruments issued by companies in global markets.
Skadden ranked first among international firms for Japan equity and equity-related offerings by deal value and deal count when representing issuers, according to 2025 league tables published by LSEG. We are also consistently ranked in Band 1 for Capital Markets in Japan in Chambers Asia-Pacific, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific and IFLR1000.
Litigation, Arbitration and Investigations
Skadden has represented and continues to represent leading Japanese companies across a broad range of high-stakes U.S. and international litigation, arbitration and government investigation matters spanning multiple forums and jurisdictions. For Japanese companies navigating international disputes, our team provides strategic insight and guidance at every stage. Our fluency in Japanese language and customs allows us to engage directly with Japan-based stakeholders and operate seamlessly across legal systems relevant to Japanese multinationals. In cross-border matters, this alignment is critical to effective decision-making and execution.
Shareholder Engagement and Activism
We advise Japanese corporations and their boards of directors on engagements with institutional and activist shareholders. Our attorneys counsel clients on developing outreach initiatives and communications plans aimed at improving alignment and consensus with shareholders. We also support clients in forming dedicated teams of internal personnel and outside professionals to identify and prepare for activism-related issues before they arise. When an issue emerges, our attorneys work closely with clients to evaluate proposals and all available strategic alternatives, seeking either a negotiated settlement or a successful proxy fight.
Investment Funds
Our attorneys support the creation of investment funds and private equity vehicles focused on Japanese companies and real estate investments. We also advise offshore fund managers seeking to offer funds in Japan on fund structuring, licensing and navigating Japan’s regulatory requirements. Our established presence in Tokyo and internationally, combined with our command of complex securities laws, local regulatory frameworks and international tax considerations, positions Skadden to handle a wide variety of investment fund transactions involving Japan.
Corporate Restructuring
Skadden attorneys have deep experience in every major type of corporate restructuring and reorganization, including internal corporate restructurings, spin-offs, divestitures and other techniques for refocusing value. We also advise companies on Chapter 11 proceedings, as well as financial institutions as creditors in workouts and other bankruptcy-related situations.
Extended Capabilities
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