Comprehensive support for Chinese companies entering and doing business in Japan
MAXWIN Law Office provides legal support to Chinese companies establishing businesses in Japan, launching local operations, and investing in Japanese companies.
We work closely with judicial scriveners, labor and social security attorneys, tax accountants, and other professionals. We also coordinate with administrative scriveners on visa and residence status matters, allowing us to provide integrated support across corporate establishment, employment, taxation, immigration, and related matters.
For Chinese companies doing business in Japan, obtaining the necessary licenses and residence statuses is only one part of the process. Contracts and commercial arrangements must also be carefully reviewed.
Depending on the business model, activities may be subject to specific regulations under laws such as the Consumer Contract Act and the Act on Specified Commercial Transactions.
Because Japanese regulations vary significantly depending on the industry and nature of the business, legal review by counsel experienced in assisting overseas companies entering the Japanese market is essential.
When a client is considering an acquisition of or investment in a Japanese company, legal due diligence is particularly important.
This involves carefully reviewing the target company’s business operations, financial condition, contractual relationships, and potential legal risks.
Cross-border investments may also be subject to regulations under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act and other applicable laws. Failure to identify these requirements at an early stage can result in delays or unexpected obstacles to the transaction or subsequent business operations.
Certain industries are also governed by sector-specific regulations. For example, pharmaceutical and healthcare businesses may be subject to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act, which regulates areas such as manufacturing, distribution, and advertising.
For this reason, investments and acquisitions should be preceded by careful research into both the relevant industry and the applicable regulatory framework.
Our role does not end at the completion of an acquisition. We also advise clients on post-acquisition compliance, management improvements, and measures necessary to ensure that the business continues to operate lawfully following changes in ownership or management.
Partner attorney Noriaki Masumura previously handled numerous China-related matters at a major law firm in cooperation with Chinese lawyers and developed trusted professional relationships with attorneys experienced in corporate law.
These relationships have continued following the establishment of MAXWIN Law Office, and we have frequently been recommended as a trusted legal partner for Chinese companies seeking to enter the Japanese market.
We also assist Japanese companies expanding into China by working with local Chinese counsel on matters including local entity formation, joint venture agreements, technology alliances, anti-counterfeiting measures, intellectual property infringement, Chinese-language contract drafting, and negotiations.