Stephenson Harwood has a comprehensive record in assisting Japanese clients on international transactions, as well as advising clients doing business in and with Japan. We also regularly work in collaboration with Japanese law firms.

Over the years we have developed an excellent knowledge of Japanese business culture and the professional ways of life in Japan. This experience has given us an in-depth understanding of the specifics of the Japanese market, which helps us to progress cases and transactions efficiently for our clients.

Many of our clients based in, or trading with Japan include leading international shipowners, P&I clubs, banks, airlines, corporates including energy companies, correspondent lawyers, lessors, trading houses and brokers.

Our strong shipping, aviation and energy practices are complemented by our highly regarded finance, corporate, competition, intellectual property, and tax practices, which enables us to provide wide-ranging services for our international clients.

LNG newbuild

Advised on a financing of an LNG newbuild for a Japanese consortium.

Commodity export transaction

Acting for a major Japanese trading house in respect of a commodity export transaction with Russian counterparts.

Shipping disputes

Acting for Japanese traders in respect of disputes arising due to the insolvency of a major shipping group.

Shipping documentation and disputes

Acting for Japanese charterers in respect of shipping documentation and disputes arising thereunder.

LNG consortium

Advising leading Japanese shipowners on important legal issues relating to joint venture operations.

Shipbuilders

Advising a leading Japanese shipbuilder on legal issues relating to construction of offshore oil and gas vessels.

Japanese operating lease

Advised the lending bank on a leveraged Japanese operating lease (JOL) of marine assets.

Aviation

Advised on a joint venture with Japan's largest carrier, All Nippon Airlines, to create AirAsia Japan, a new low-cost carrier business serving the Japanese market. AirAsia Japan was founded in 2011.

Japanese multinational conglomerate

Advised a group of lenders including Japanese banks on a multimillion dollar facility in respect of establishing a turbine manufacturing facility in Chennai, India. The transaction was guaranteed by a Japanese multinational conglomerate.