About Our Firm

Okuno & Partners is a full-service independent business law firm that mainly specializes in M&A; corporate; finance; competition law; intellectual property; IT law & Fintech; employment law; and complex commercial dispute resolution. It also has a highly regarded restructuring and insolvency practice.

The firm, which was established in 1924, has been advising and representing international organizations, multinational corporations, financial institutions, small and medium-sized companies, and individuals from around the world for close to a century. During this time, it has built up an excellent reputation in both the domestic and international markets by delivering prompt, clear, and cost-effective solutions. It has an extensive network of business, accounting and tax professionals in Japan, and is able to provide clients with comprehensive solution and act as one-stop-shop.

In the international sphere, we have handled cases based on the principle that cooperation and coexistence between Japanese and foreign companies is important. We are well-known for our expertise in corporate advisory services, and cross-border transactions. Our lawyers have a wealth of experience in representing foreign clients before domestic courts and authorities. One of the most notable cases it has handled was the restructuring of a giant Japanese leasing company, in which it negotiated the transfer of its business to General Electric. Please see our EXPERTISE page for other cases we have handled.

As part of our commitment to quality, the international lawyers of Okuno & Partners are actively involved in prestigious legal associations, including the International Bar Association (IBA), the international divisions of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA) and the Japan Competition Law Forum. Additionally, the firm became a member of Alliance of Business Lawyers (ABL) to further broaden and strengthen its global network. These connections with a diverse range of international legal associations and law firms – from top-tier firms in each jurisdiction to trusted boutique firms – enable us to cater to varied needs of our clients, from prominent listed companies to closely held corporations and innovative start-ups.

ABL is a global network of qualified boutique business law firms, giving our clients access to fast, accurate, and reliable advice from anywhere around the world in a flexible manner. All member firms are broad-based corporate practices with litigation capabilities. Like us, our partners have English-speaking lawyers and embrace and use the latest technologies.

Our International Desk is administered by Ms. Masako BANNO and Mr. Hidetomo OMIZU, who between them have decades of experience in cross-border business.

For details and international legal updates please visit