Akira Watanabe

Chie Yakura is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Intellectual Property Law and Litigation. Chie, who practices law in Tokyo, Japan, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Chie is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Hiromasa Ogawa is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Hiromasa, who practices law in Tokyo, Japan, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Hiromasa is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mitsuru Misawa is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Energy Law. Mitsuru, who practices law in Minato-ku, Japan, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mitsuru is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Yuko Ino is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Yuko, who practices law in Tokyo, Japan, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Yuko is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Akio Kawamura is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Asset Finance Law and Investment and Investment Funds. Akio, who practices law in Tokyo, Japan, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Akio is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stephen DeCosse is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Stephen, who practices law in Tokyo, Japan, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Stephen is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Hiroyuki Nezu is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law and Criminal Defense. Hiroyuki, who practices law in Tokyo, Japan, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Hiroyuki is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kazuya Sato is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Structured Finance Law. Kazuya, who practices law in Tokyo, Japan, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kazuya is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Randy Laxer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate and Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Private Equity, Private Funds and Venture Capital Law. Randy, who practices law in Tokyo, Japan, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Randy is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Partner at Chuo Sogo Law Office; on loan to the Insurance Business Division of the Supervisory Bureau of Financial Services Agency (FSA) in Japan as a fixed-term governmental official (2005-07); member of the "Working Group on the Provision of Insurance Products and Services” of the Financial System Council, FSA (2012-13); member of the “Safety Nets of Housing Warranty Insurance System” study group of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (June 2017 - M...