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We provide practical solutions to clients’ issues which relate to their management problems based on our in-house legal work experience.

our visions

  1. Client's satisfaction with the result
    In providing legal services, we pursue exceeding clients' expectations by achieving the most effective result with the least cost and time.
  2. Client's satisfaction with the process
    In providing legal services, we pursue keeping clear reports to and timely communications with clients.
  3. Client's satisfaction with the future
    We pursue contributing to client's success by solving problems and growing together with clients.

major practice areas

  1. Information Technology (system integration, IT operation outsourcing, software license, etc.)
  2. General Corporate (corporate law, real estate, insurance, antitrust, life science/health care, M&A, intellectual property, etc.)
  3. International Transaction (support to cross border transaction, contract negotiation, etc.)
  4. Employment Laws
  5. Dispute resolution - Provide solutions to disputes relating to commercial transactions, real estate transactions, insurance law / regulations, IT related projects, and intellectual property rights, etc.
  6. Corporate Governance (support to domestic and global governance)
  7. Compliance and Crisis Management (support to business integrity, internal investigation and media relation, etc.)

attorneys

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    image Somuku Iimura Executive Partner

    Work Experience

    2020
    Senior Partner, Natori Law Office (currently ITN Partners)
    1991
    Partner, Nishimura & Asahi (–2019)
    1988
    Rogers & Wells, New York (–1991)
    1986
    Associate Lawyer, Masuda & Ejiri (currently Nishimura & Asahi) (–1988)
    1986
    Admitted to Japan Bar

    Education

    1981
    The University of Tokyo, LL.B.

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    image Tetsu Takahashi Executive Partner

    Work Experience

    2022
    External Director, McDonald’s Holdings Company (Japan), Ltd. (present)
    2020
    External Director (Audit & Supervisory Committee Member), Nomura Real Estate Holdings, Inc. (present)
    2016
    External Statutory Auditor, eBOOK Initiative Japan Co., Ltd.
    2015
    External Director (Audit & Supervisory Committee Member), Zoom Corporation
    2012
    External Director, Zoom Corporation
    2007
    External Statutory Auditor, Bit-isle Inc.
    External Statutory Auditor, Gro-Bels Co., Ltd.
    External Director, McDonald's Company (Japan), Ltd.
    External Director, McDonald’s Holdings Company (Japan), Ltd.
    2006
    External Statutory Auditor, Apple Japan Co., Ltd.
    2002
    Member of the Judicial System Research Committee (Commercial Law Subcommittee),
    Japan Federation of Bar Associations
    1996
    Vice-Chairperson of Legal Trainees Training Committee, Tokyo Bar Association
    1989
    Vice-Chairperson of Legal System Committee, Tokyo Bar Association
    1986
    Admitted to Japan Bar

    Education

    1984
    Legal Research and Training Institue, the Supreme Court of Japan (- 1986)
    1980
    Chiba University
    Hobbies
    Reading, listening to music, golf
    Message
    I provide expert legal advice for about 45 companies including listed companies in a variety of industries, such as nonlife insurance companies, life insurance companies, oil distributors, electrical and electronic machinery manufacturers, IT- related companies, real estate selling companies, construction companies, design companies, apparel companies, medical device-related companies, system development companies, food service companies, investor relations firms, cosmetics and supplements manufacturers, and universities. I also serve as a legal counsel in major cases for these companies.

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    image Katsuya Natori Managing Partner

    Work Experience

    2023
    External Director, TOYO CONSTRUCTION CO.,LTD. (Present)
    Outside Audit & Supervisory Board Member, Hino Motors, Ltd. (-2023)
    2021
    External Director, TOKYO ROPE MFG.CO.,LTD (Present)
    2020
    External Director,TaUNS (-2022)
    Substitute Audit & Supervisory Board Member, Hino Motors, Ltd. (-2023)
    Outside Audit & Supervisory Board Member, circlace Inc. (Present)
    Outside Audit & Supervisory Board Member, Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd. (Present)
    2019
    External Director, Chairman of Audit Committee, Olympus Corporation (-2021)
    2016
    Supervisory Director, Global One Real Estate Investment Corporation (Present)
    2015
    External Director, MORITEX Corporation (Present)
    External Director, Mitsui Ocean Development & Engineering Co., Ltd. (-2021)
    2014
    External Director, 45 Corporation Co., Ltd. (currently 45 eyes Co., Ltd.) (-2017)
    2012
    External Statutory Auditor, Olympus Corporation (-2019)
    2012
    Founder, Natori Law Office (-2020)
    2010
    Vice President, Global Process Services, IBM Japan, Ltd. (-2011)
    2004
    General Counsel, IBM Japan, Ltd. (-2009)
    2002
    General Counsel and Executive Officer for Store Development, Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. (-2003)
    1998
    General Counsel, Sun Microsystems K.K (-2002)
    1995
    General Counsel, Apple Japan, Inc. (-1997)
    1993
    Counsel, Esso Sekiyu K.K. (currently JTXG Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation) (-1994)
    1991
    Visiting Lawyer (part time), Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering (currently Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP) (Washington, D.C.) (-1993)
    1990
    Visiting Lawyer, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP (Seattle) (-1991)
    1986
    Associate Lawyer, Masuda & Ejiri (currently Nishimura & Asahi) (Tokyo) (-1989)

    Education

    1991
    Graduate School of Business Administration, Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.) (M.B.A. degree granted in June, 1993)
    1989
    Graduate School of Law, University of Washington (Seattle) (LL.M. degree granted in June, 1990)
    1984
    Legal Research and Training Institute, the Supreme Court of Japan (-1986)
    1978
    Keio University (B.A. in Economics granted in March, 1982)
    Teaching Experience
    2013
    Visiting Professor, Bunkyo Gakuin University (-2014)
    2004
    Adjunct Professor, Graduate Law School, Keio University (-2018)
    2004
    Professor, Beasley School of Law at Temple University, Japan Campus (-2017)

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    image Takashi Ejiri Senior Partner

    Work Experience

    2019
    Director (Co Auditor) of AXEL MARK, INC. (Present)
    2017
    Senior Partner of Natori Law Office (currently ITN Partners) (Present)
    Director of OBIC Co., Ltd (Present)
    2015
    Statutory Auditor of Whiz Partners Inc. (Present)
    1998
    The Trilateral Commission (Member) (-2012)
    1995
    Secretary General of Inter-Pacific Bar Association (-1999)
    1977
    Masuda & Ejiri (currently Nishimura & Asahi) (-2017)
    1971
    Anderson, Mōri & Rabinowitz (currently Anderson Mōri & Tomotsune) (-1977)
    1969
    Admitted to Japan Bar

    Education

    1969
    Harvard Law School (LL. M.) (Boston) (-1970)
    1967
    Legal Training and Research Institute of The Supreme Court of Japan (-1969)
    1967
    Graduated from Tokyo University (LL.B.)
    Publications
    2011
    “Birth and Development of Law Firms in Japan” (Shoji Homu)

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    image Shu Sugita Senior Partner

    Work Experience

    2017
    Senior Partner, Natori Law Office
    2013
    Of Counsel, Ushijima & Partners
    2010
    General Counsel, IBM Japan, Ltd. (-2012)
    1992
    Staff Counsel, IBM Japan, Ltd.
    1991
    Nagoya District Public Prosecutors Office
    1987
    Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office
    1983
    Research and Training Institute of the Ministry of Justice
    1976
    Public Prosecutor, Osaka District Public Prosecutors Office

    Education

    1974
    Legal Research and Training Institute of the Supreme Court (-1976)
    1974
    Kyoto University, BA in Law

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    image Koudai Ohtani Of Counsel

    Work Experience

    2020
    Of Counsel, Natori Law Office
    2018
    Superintending Prosecutor, Sendai High Public Prosecutors Office
    2016
    Chief Prosecutor, Yokohama District Public Prosecutors Office
    2015
    Chief Prosecutor, Kyoto District Public Prosecutors Office
    2014
    Deputy Director, Criminal Trial Affairs Department of Supreme Public Prosecutors Office
    2012
    Chief Prosecutor, Fukui District Public Prosecutors Office
    2010
    Chief Professor of Prosecution, Legal Training and Research Institute of the Supreme Court
    Director, Criminal Affairs Department of Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office
    2008
    Director, General Affairs Department of Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office
    2007
    Deputy Director, Criminal Trial Affairs Department of Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office
    2005
    Director of the Legislative Division of the Criminal Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Justice
    2004
    Director of the Judicial System Division of the Minister’s Secretariat, Ministry of Justice
    2003
    Director of the Investigation and Remedies Division of the Human Rights Bureau, Ministry of Justice
    2001
    Counsellor of the Human Rights Bureau, Ministry of Justice
    1999
    Director of the Civil Affairs Fifth Division of the Civil Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Justice
    1984
    Public Prosecutor, Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office

    Education

    1982
    Legal Training and Research Institute of the Supreme Court (-1984)
    1981
    Graduated from Tokyo University (LL.B.)

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    image Toshiya Natori Partner

    Work Experience

    2021
    External Director, Mirainovate Co.,Ltd. (Present)
    External Director, ASANTE INCORPORATED(Present)
    2020
    External Director, Japan Enerise Co.,Ltd. (-2021)
    Outside Auditor,TOBISHIMA CORPORATION (Present)
    Partner, Natori Law Office
    2016
    Counsel, OH-EBASHI LPC & PARTNERS (Tokyo Office) (–2020)
    2016, 2015
    Prosecutor, Supreme Public Prosecutors Office
    2015
    Chief Prosecutor, Morioka District Public Prosecutors Office
    2012
    Director of the Secretarial Division, Ministry of Justice (–2015)
    2012
    Director of the Criminal Affairs Division of the Criminal Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Justice
    (2011-2012) Director of the Public Security Division of the Criminal Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Justice
    2010
    Deputy Executive Director, Criminal Affairs Department of Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office (–2011)
    2009
    Senior Researcher, Research Department, Research and Training Institute, Ministry of Justice (–2010)
    2007
    Counsellor, Ministers Secretariat (–2009)
    2006
    Prosecutor, Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office
    2004
    Attorney, Correction Bureau, Ministry of Justice (–2006)
    2001
    Private Secretary to the Minister of Justice (–2003)
    1999
    Prosecutor, Osaka District Public Prosecutors Office (–2001)
    1995
    Attorney, Criminal Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Justice (–1999)
    1995
    Prosecutor, Chiba District Public Prosecutors Office
    1994
    Prosecutor, Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office
    1991
    Attorney, Litigation Bureau, Ministry of Justice (–1994)
    1989
    Prosecutor, Naha District Public Prosecutors Office (–1991)
    1988
    Prosecutor, Yokohama District Public Prosecutors Office

    Education

    1986
    Waseda University (LL.B.)

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    image Yuko Katsuta Outside Auditor

    Work Experience

    2020
    Outside Auditor, Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    2016
    Partner, Natori Law Office
    2010
    Counsel, Chief Privacy Officer (CPO), IBM Japan, Ltd. (2013~)
    2004
    Counsel, IBM Japan, Ltd.
    1999
    Partner, Suzuye & Suzuye Patent Law Firm (currently Suzuye & Suzuye Intellectual Property Law)
    1997
    Associate, Araki Law Office
    Admitted to Tokyo Bar Association and Japan Federation of Bar Associations

    Education

    2009
    University of Washington (LL.M)
    1995
    Legal Training and Research Institute of the Supreme Court of Japan (-1997)
    1988
    Chuo University, Tokyo, Japan B.A (LL.B)

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    image Asako Yamagami Partner

    Work Experience

    2021
    Outside Directors, NEC Capital Solutions Limited.
    2020
    External Director, Audit and Supervisory Committee Member, Nikon Corporation
    External Director, Audit and Supervisory Committee Member, Kagome Co., Ltd.
    2016
    Director, Office of International Affairs, Japan Federation of Bar Associations ( - 2018)
    2015
    External Director, Audit & Supervisory Committee Member, Musashi Seimitsu Industry Co.,Ltd.( - 2019)
    2012
    Partner, Natori Law Office
    Office/Attorney, Office of International Affairs, Japan Federation of Bar Associations
    2006
    Attorney, IBM Japan, Ltd.(-2010)
    2005
    Attorney, The Walt Disney Company (Japan) Ltd.(- 2006)
    2004
    Paul Hastings LLP (Beijing office)( - 2005)
    2003
    Paul Hastings LLP (LA office)(- 2004)
    1999
    Taiyo Law Office (currently Paul Hastings LLP)(- 2002)

    Education

    2004
    University of Southern California Law School (LL.M.)
    1999
    Legal Research and Training Institute Registered with Dai-ichi Tokyo Bar Association
    1997
    Sophia University Graduate School (LL.M.)
    1992
    Sophia University Faculty of Law, International Legal Studies (LL.B.)

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    image Katsuhiko Ito Partner

    Work Experience

    2023
    External Director (Audit & Supervisory Committee Member), Hazama Ando Corporation (present)
    2021
    External Director (Audit & Supervisory Committee Member), Zoom Corporation (present)
    2020
    Auditor, Nippon Taiko Foundation (public interest incorporated foundation) (present)
    2012
    Vice-Chairperson of Legal Trainees Training Committee, Tokyo Bar Association
    2011
    Member of Judicial Committee, Tokyo Summary Court (present)
    2008
    Auditor, Nippon Taiko Foundation (incorporated foundation)
    Member of Legal Trainees Training Committee, Tokyo Bar Association (present)
    2003
    Partner, Kasumigaseki Partners Law Office
    2001
    Statutory Auditor, Nihon Itomic Co., Ltd. (present)
    2000
    Admitted to Japan Bar

    Education

    1995
    Keio University (LL.B)
    Publications
    2003
    “Strategic Analysis And Basic Knowledge Required For Restructuring Current Asian Investments” (Inter field)

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    image Kentaro Ikegami Partner

    Work Experience

    2015
    Member of Japanese Society of Insurance Science (present)
    2014
    Partner, Kasumigaseki Partners Law Office
    2010
    Member of Dispute Mediation Committee, Tokyo Bar Association
    2007
    Admitted to Japan Bar

    Education


    Kyoto University

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    image Aya Aoki Partner

    Work Experience

    2022
    Partner, ITN Partners (Present)
    2021
    Adjunct Lecturer, Seikei University (– 2023)
    2020
    Senior Associate, Natori Law Office (currently ITN Partners)
    2009
    Associate, Nishimura & Asahi (– 2020)
    Admitted to Daini Tokyo Bar Association and Japan Federation of Bar Associations

    Education

    2008
    The University of Tokyo, School of Law (J.D.)
    2006
    The University of Tokyo (LL.B.)
    Publications
    2019
    “Japanese-English Model Work Rules - Third Edition” (Chuokeizai-sha,) [Co-author and co-editor]
    2018
    “Work-Style Reform and Labor Laws in the Age to Come” (Shoji Homu) [Co-author]
    2017
    “Model Bullying Prevention Class by Lawyers, for Elementary School” (Shimizu Shoin) [Co-author]

    And others

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    image Emi Kunitomo Partner

    Work Experience

    2022
    Partner, ITN Partners (Present)
    2022
    Counsel, Nishimura & Asahi
    2014
    MUFG Bank, LTD., Legal Division (- 2015)
    2012
    Lecturer, The University of Tokyo, School of Law (- 2013)
    2009
    Associate, Nishimura & Asahi
    Admitted to Daini Tokyo Bar Association and Japan Federation of Bar Associations

    Education

    2008
    The University of Tokyo, School of Law (J.D.)
    2006
    Keio University Graduate School of Law (LL.M.)
    2003
    Keio University (LL.B.)
    Publications
    2017
    “Corpus Juris Finance - Completely Revised Edition (second volume)” (Shoji Homu) [Co-author]
    2016
    “Real Estate Investment Trust - Second Edition” (Minjiho Kenkyukai) [Co-author]
    2014
    “The Environment multi-jurisdictional guide 2013/14 (Japan Chapter)” (Practical Law Company) [Co-author]
    2013
    “The Environment multi-jurisdictional guide 2012/13 (Japan Chapter)” (Practical Law Company) [Co-author]
    2011
    “The Environment multi-jurisdictional guide 2011/12 (Japan Chapter)” (Practical Law Company) [Co-author]
    2010
    “PLC Cross-border Handbooks Environment 2010/11 (Japan Chapter)” (Practical Law Company) [Co-author]

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    image Seiya S. Takeuchi Special Councel Patent Attorney

    Work Experience

    2019
    District Vice-President, Japan Patent Attorney Association (Present)
    Arbitrator/Mediator, IP Disputes ADR Center, WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization), United Nations (Present)
    2016
    Academic Visiting Scholar, Faculty of Law, University of Oxford (UK) (-2020)
    Special Patent Attorney, Natori Law Office (Present)
    2015
    Professor, Graduate School of Innovation & Technology Management, Yamaguchi University (Present)
    2013
    Deputy-Senior Manager Patent Attorney, IP Law Department, IBM Japan, Ltd.
    2003
    IP Law Specialist, Law and Intellectual Property Division, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

    Education

    2013
    Program Certificate, Graduate Presessional Program, University of Oxford
    2012
    Research LL.M Degree, Graduate Research Law Program, Faculty of Law, University of Edinburgh(-2013)
    2001
    LL.M., Chuo University Graduate School of Law (-2003)
    1996
    LL.B., Faculty of Law, Keio University (-1998)
    1992
    B.A in Economics, Faculty of Economics, Keio University (-1996)
    Committee Member and others
    2010 - 2011
    Committee Member, Trilateral Committee, Japan Intellectual Property Association
    2013 - 2015
    Committee Member, IP License Committee, Japan Intellectual Property Association
    2015 - Present
    Group Member, SEP Study Group, Ministry of Economics, Trade and Industry (2015- Present)
    2016 - 2020
    Group Member, ISS Study Group, Oxford IPR Centre, University of Oxford

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    image Yasumasa Gomi Senior Advisor

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    image Wayoh (Kazuhiro) Suzuki Senior Advisor

    Work Experience

    2019
    Senior Adviser, Natori Law Office (Present)
    2018
    Chairman and Representative Officer, Cisco Systems G.K. (Present)
    2016
    Managing Director, Strategic Business Development Group, TOKYO2020 Olympic Project Office, Innovation Center Tokyo (-2018)
    2014
    Managing Director, Cisco Consulting Service, Cisco Systems G.K. (-2016)
    2011
    Managing Director, Enterprise Sales Operation, Cisco Systems G.K. (-2014)
    2006
    Executive Officer, Commercial Sector, Microsoft Japan Co.,Ltd (-2010)
    2004
    Senior Director, Server Platform Business Group, Microsoft Japan Co.,Ltd (-2005)
    2003
    President & CEO, Double Click Japan (was listed in Heracles:4841) (-2004)
    2001
    President, Tivoli Systems Japan (Temporary assignment from IBM) (-2002)
    2000
    Senior Manager, IBM Japan, Ltd. (-2001)
    1983
    Joined IBM Japan, Ltd.

    Education

    1983
    B.A. in Economics, Keio University, Tokyo, 1983
    External Activity
    Committee Member of Japan Association for Corporate Executives (KEIZAI DOYUKAI )
    Vice-Chairperson, Regional Revitalization Committee (KEIZAI DOYUKAI)
    Committee Member of JANE(Japan Association of New Economy (SHINKEIREN)

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    image Hiroyuki Kato Senior Advisor

    Work Experience

    2021
    External Director, OBAYASHI CORPORATION (–present)
    2020
    Advisor, Kasumigaseki Partners Law Office
    Advisor, Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (–2023)
    2018
    Non Executive Director, Sims Limited (publicly listed company in Australia) (–present)
    Counselor, Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
    2016
    Representative Director, Executive Vice President, Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
    2014
    Representative Director, Senior Executive Managing Officer, Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
    2012
    Executive Managing Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Energy Business Unit 1, Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
    2010
    Managing Officer, Managing Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Energy Business Unit 1, Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
    2008
    General Manager of E&P Division, Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
    2006
    General Manger of Coal and Nuclear Fuel Division, Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
    2003
    Senior Vice President, Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc.
    1988
    Joined New York Headquarters, Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
    1979
    Joined Mitsui & Co., Ltd.

    Education

    1996
    MIT Sloan School (M.B.A.)
    1979
    Keio University (B.A. Business and Commerce), Tokyo
    Visiting Professorship
    University of Lyon 3 Jean Moulin, Lyon, France(2017)
    Munich Technical University, Munich, Germany (Visiting Professorship from State of Bavaria)(2016)
    University of Strasbourg, CEIPI, Strasbourg, France(2011-Present)
    Osaka Institute of Technology, Intellectual Property Department, Osaka, Japan(2004-Present)
    Tokyo Medical Dental University, Tokyo, Japan(2004-Present
    Visiting Scholarship(Invited)
    Max Planck Institute for Patent, Copyright and Unfair Competition Law, Munich, Germany(1993 , 1995. 2010 and 2011)

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access

West 30F, Ark Mori Building, 1-12-32 Akasaka, Minato-ku,Tokyo 107-6030, Japan

Tel: +81-3-3568-3570
Fax: +81-3-3589-5505