We would like to extend our sincere New Year greetings
Thank you very much for your exceptional support and kindness over the past year. We are truly grateful.
Last year, domestically, we experienced a second consecutive change in government, inflation marked by rising prices and soaring rice costs, labor shortages, and wage increases, all of which suggest further changes in the coming year. The impact on the corporate legal world is significant, as seen in the continued increase in M&A activities.
Earlier, the imposition of high tariffs based on a U.S. presidential order shook the world, and its legality was subsequently reviewed by the Supreme Court. Although the system is different here in Japan, it is an intriguing situation for legal professionals, as judicial decisions could potentially influence international economics and politics.
In the legal profession, we face numerous challenges that require a shift in thinking, such as increasing workforce mobility and exploring AI implementation. Law firm management is also under pressure to navigate these changes appropriately. Particularly in civil litigation procedures, under the revised Code of Civil Procedure and Rules Civil Procedure, which will be enforced by May 2026 at the latest, procedures will be fully digitized. This includes the introduction of electronic filing, electronic payment, and internet-based service and delivery, with online procedures becoming mandatory for lawyers and other litigation representatives.
In the corporate legal world, since February last year, the Ministry of Justice's Legislative Council has been considering revisions of discipline concerning issuance of shares, the conduct of general meetings of shareholders, and corporate governance, which will significantly impact on the corporate system.
In this context, our firm aims to further develop as a boutique law firm centered on Companies Act and Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. Last April, two new lawyers who completed their legal training joined us, and in the fall, a lawyer who completed his study in the U.S. returned, following the previous year. Together with our partner lawyers and existing team, we will address both new and ongoing challenges. On the other hand, last spring, a young lawyer was hired as a fixed-term public servant at a central government agency, gaining experience in areas closely related to corporate legal work. We aim to continuously refresh and circulate our talent, maintaining and enhancing the quality as expert group.
We look forward to your continued support and kindness this year as well.
2026
Iwaida Partners
Greeting
My name is Kotaro Sasaki, just completed legal apprenticeship and joined Iwaida Partners.
I will persevere in my effort so that I can provide the best services to the clients.
I appreciate your support and look forward to working with you.
Greeting
My name is Taku Naito, just completed legal apprenticeship and joined Iwaida Partners.
I will devote myself to my duty so that I can accommodate client’s request maximally.
I appreciate your support and look forward to working with you.
Here is the Greeting from him
I am pleased to announce that I have returned to Iwaida Partners after completing my study abroad program in the United States and working at a local law firm.At the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, where I studied, I learned the latest U.S. corporate law and practice including M&A and start-up investments. At Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP, where I worked after the graduation, I mainly engaged in securities litigation and other corporate legal matters. I have also passed the New York State Bar Exam. I will continue to make efforts in providing better legal service even more diligently making use of the knowledge and experience I learned while studying abroad. I would like to ask for your continued support in the years to come.
Here is the Greeting from her
I was appointed as a partner of Iwaida Partners.
Since registered as an attorney at law, I have handled a number of issues, ranging from preventive legal affairs to response to emergencies such as disputes, mainly in the fields of the Company Act and the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. In the future, I will continue my daily efforts to provide more specialized legal services in a timely manner and endeavor to respond precisely to the needs of our clients. I am looking forward to your continued support and encouragement.
Greeting
My name is Ryota Tasaka, just completed legal apprenticeship and joined Iwaida Partners.
I will devote myself to my duty so that I can provide the best services to the clients.
I look forward to a business relationship.
Greeting
My name is Mayu Oguri, just completed legal apprenticeship and joined Iwaida Partners.
I will devote all my effort to my job every day to help clients.
I look forward to a business relationship.
Greeting
My name is Ayumu Kurihara, just completed legal apprenticeship and joined Iwaida Partners.
I will devote myself to my duty so that I can provide the best services to the clients.
I look forward to a business relationship.
The news and legal issues in relation to the COVID-19 situation to the annual general meeting of shareholders originally scheduled to be held by the end of June 2020. Please see the newsletter entitled "Shareholders' Meetings in Japan in the situation on COVID-19 infection" from the link below.
Greeting
My name is Naoto Okuzono. I recently completed my legal apprenticeship and will be starting my career as an Associate at Iwaida Partners as of this January.
I look forward to working closely with our clients and providing the absolute best legal services possible.
Thank you for all the support and guidance.
Here is the Greeting from him
I am pleased to announce that I have made Partner at Iwaida Partners as of January 1, 2019. As Partner, I shall further devote myself to my day-to-day studies more than ever in order to ensure that our clients receive the highly professionalized top quality legal services they deserve. Furthermore, I hereby promise I shall do my absolute best to earn the trust of our clients and look forward to working with you in the near future. Thank you for all the support and guidance.
My name is Kohei Sugawara and I joined this firm as of this January after recently completing my legal apprenticeship. I look forward to putting in my sincere efforts in providing our clients with the highest standard of legal services they deserve.
Here is the Greeting from him
I am pleased to announce that I made Partner of Iwaida Partners as of January 1, 2017. In order to promptly provide highly professional legal services, I will devote myself to continue my day-to-day studies, and will provide thorough and fine support that meets our clients’ needs. I will do my best to earn the deep trust of our clients and I look forward to working with you in the future. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your continued guidance and support.
