Educated at the University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Law, Junichi was admitted to the bar in Japan in 2008 (bengoshi in Japanese), and commenced practice with Law Office Sirius in Chiba in 2009, where he continues to practice to this day. As a member of the Chiba Bar Association, he is actively involved as a member of the Foreigner Rights Committee (千葉県弁護士会の外国人の権利委員会). The remit of the committee is to provide easy-to-understand explanations of immigration laws and laws applicable to non-Japanese residents, as well as to deepen ties and exchange opinions with organisations to improve legal access for the foreign community of Chiba Prefecture. At the same time, he is Chair of the Chiba Bar Association’s Lay Judge Law Project Team.

Junichi’s commitment to providing legal services to international clients stems from his personal experiences and dedication to bridging the language and cultural gaps often faced by non-Japanese speakers in Japan. During his university years, Junichi witnessed a Korean friend struggle with a visa issue, a situation he felt powerless to address at the time. This experience inspired him to pursue a career in law to better assist others facing similar challenges.

Early in his legal career, Junichi encountered his first criminal case involving an English-speaking client. The language barrier highlighted the need for clear communication to provide effective legal representation. Recognising the growing demand for bilingual legal support, Junichi decided to specialize in handling cases for non-Japanese clients. To enhance his ability to serve these clients, he pursued advanced legal studies in England at City, University of London (now City St George’s, University of London) obtaining his Graduate Diploma in Law followed by a Master of Laws (LLM) with a focus on advocacy, conflict resolution, and criminal law. As part of his Masters study, Junichi received several accolades, including:

• The City Law School Prize for Excellence in “International Criminal Law: Crimes and Institution”
• The City Law School Prize for Excellence in “Advocacy: Trial Stories”
• The City Law School Prize for Excellence in “Forensic Psychology”

These achievements not only reflect his academic dedication but also his practical commitment to applying this knowledge in his legal practice in Japan. Junichi passed the bar exam in England and Wales, bolstering his expertise in international law.

Over his career, Junichi has handled more than a hundred cases for non-Japanese clients both domestically and abroad, as well as Japanese clients with international affairs, addressing a wide range of legal matters including but not limited to:

Criminal Law: drug offenses, visa issues, assault cases, victim settlements

Civil Lawsuits: contract disputes, personal injury from traffic accidents, property seizure cases

Inheritance: assisting with Japan-related inheritance cases involving international complexities

Small Business Assistance: negotiation, contract drafting and execution, compliance with Japanese legal regulations

While supported by experienced staff in handling cases, Junichi personally handles all aspects requiring English communication, such as correspondence, client interactions and documentation drafting. As Japan-based businesses look to new opportunities overseas, he also assists individuals and small enterprises engage with foreign markets through the negotiation of terms of service and execution of commercial agreements. His bilingual abilities and international experience enable him to provide effective, empathetic and professional representation for his clients.