Associate – Cross-Border M&A

Associate – Cross-Border M&A at Nishimura & Asahi

Nishimura & Asahi, Japan's largest law firm headquartered in Otemachi, Tokyo, is seeking a qualified bengoshi (弁護士) to join its market-leading Cross-Border M&A Practice Group. This role offers the opportunity to advise on some of the most significant inbound and outbound transactions involving Japanese corporations.

About the Role

As an Associate in our Cross-Border M&A team, you will work on complex international mergers, acquisitions, and corporate reorganisations governed by the Companies Act (会社法 / Kaisha-hō) and the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (金融商品取引法 / FIEA). You will collaborate with our global network of partner firms and advise clients on transactions listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) and other major exchanges.

Our Otemachi office, located in the heart of Tokyo's financial district, provides direct access to major corporate clients, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies. You will be expected to draft and review share purchase agreements, conduct due diligence on Japanese target companies, and liaise with foreign counsel on cross-border structuring.

Practice Areas

• Inbound and outbound M&A transactions under the Companies Act (会社法)
• Tender offers and squeeze-out procedures under FIEA (金融商品取引法)
• Antitrust filings with the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC / 公正取引委員会)
• Joint ventures and strategic alliances with multinational corporations
• Post-merger integration advisory and corporate governance reform

• Advise on inbound and outbound M&A transactions for domestic and international clients
• Draft and negotiate share purchase agreements, merger agreements, and joint venture documentation
• Conduct legal due diligence on Japanese target companies
• Coordinate with foreign counsel on multi-jurisdictional transaction structures
• Prepare antitrust filings for the JFTC and other regulatory submissions
• Advise on TSE disclosure requirements and tender offer regulations under FIEA
• Support partners in client relationship management and business development

• Registered bengoshi (弁護士) with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA / 日本弁護士連合会)
• 4-7 years of post-qualification experience in M&A or corporate law
• Completion of the Legal Training and Research Institute (司法研修所 / Shihō Kenshūjo) apprenticeship
• Strong knowledge of the Companies Act (会社法) and FIEA (金融商品取引法)
• Business-level English proficiency (TOEIC 900+ or equivalent)
• LL.M. from a US or UK law school preferred but not required
• Experience advising on cross-border transactions involving Japanese public companies