kitsunaguEnglish-speaking corporate lawyers in Japan
This page lists law firms in Japan that handle corporate and commercial work and show signs of working in English. Use the map and the list to find a firm near you, narrow the search by area, and open a firm's page to see its languages, contact details and website. It is a starting point for founders, foreign companies and international teams who need business legal advice in English.
What a corporate lawyer can help with
- Setting up a company or a branch in Japan
- Drafting and reviewing contracts, including bilingual ones
- Investment, shareholder and partnership agreements
- Buying or selling a business
- Disputes with customers, suppliers or shareholders
- Regulations that apply to your industry
Before you contact a firm
- Ask whether you can work with them fully in English, including calls, emails and documents
- Ask how they charge for a first consultation, and how fees are worked out after that
- Ask whether they offer consultations online or by phone if you cannot visit the office
- Ask whether they work with companies of your size and in your industry
- Prepare a short description of your business and the contracts or correspondence involved
How our listings work
Every firm in this directory is registered with a Japanese bar association, and our list is built from the bar association's registry. We include the firms that show signs of offering their services in English. kitsunagu is a directory, not a referral service: we do not recommend one firm over another, so check the details directly with the firm before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Can a corporate lawyer here help a company based outside Japan?
Ask about their experience with clients from your country, whether they can meet online, and how they handle meetings across time zones.
Do all these lawyers speak English?
Every firm listed here shows signs of working in English, but how much varies from firm to firm. Before you book, ask who will handle your case and how they will communicate with you.
Is it free to use kitsunagu?
Yes. Searching the directory is free. You contact firms directly, and any fees are agreed between you and the firm.