Services
In order to familiarize yourself with situations in which I could be of assistance, here are brief, simplified summaries of the key services I provide. If you would like to discuss related matters, please contact me either by phone or the contact form.
Main Areas of Practice
Criminal Defence in Japan
Japan’s criminal justice system has distinct characteristics that set it apart from those of other countries. If you find yourself facing criminal proceedings in Japan, it is crucial to engage a reliable and experienced criminal defense lawyer who understands Japanese legal procedures.
The criminal justice process in Japan is divided into two main stages: the investigation stage and the trial.
Investigation Stage
During the investigation stage under the Japanese criminal justice system, suspects may be arrested and detained for long periods of time, during which investigative authorities (police officers and public prosecutors) usually conduct multiple interrogations. In order to effectively counter these interrogations and respond appropriately, it is strongly advised to appoint a criminal defense lawyer as promptly as possible.
In many instances, a formal prosecution can be avoided if a settlement is reached with the alleged victim during this stage. In most cases, pursuing a settlement requires the involvement of a criminal defense lawyer, emphasizing the need to secure legal representation during the investigation phase.
If you are detained following arrest, a court-appointed lawyer will be appointed at your request. However, the choice of lawyer is out of your hands in that case. While you or your family may instead appoint a lawyer of your choosing, if that lawyer does not speak English, you will have to pay interpreter fees in addition to the lawyer’s fees. For ease of communication and to avoid additional interpreter costs, it is advisable to appoint an English-speaking criminal defense lawyer.
I operate from an office in Chiba Prefecture and can respond quickly to cases involving individuals arrested in Chiba, Tokyo and neighbouring regions. Given there are not many English-speaking lawyers in Chiba, if a family member or friend has been arrested, I may be able to assist.
Narita International Airport is located in Chiba Prefecture, and sees numerous cases of drug importation. With extensive experience in handling such cases, I encourage you to contact me immediately if you, a family member, or friend encounters such a situation.
Trial
The Japanese criminal justice system operates differently than systems you may be familiar with, as it does not include a traditional jury system. For serious crimes, lay jurors work with a judge to hear cases. In these instances, lay jurors have equal voting power to the judge when determining whether the defendant is guilty or not, as well as the severity of the sentence.
Effective communication with the defendant is critical in any trial, not just in lay juror cases. Depending on the circumstances, it may be necessary to contact family members overseas and request their appearance in court. If the defendant or family members are English speakers, appointing an English-speaking criminal defense lawyer is highly recommended, especially for trials.
It goes without saying that strong presentation skills in court are essential for criminal defense lawyers handling serious cases. I possess extensive experience in courtroom presentation and provide training to less-experienced lawyers in this area. If you require an English-speaking lawyer for a lay judge trial in Chiba or Tokyo, please contact me to arrange an initial consultation by phone.
Legal Services for Small Businesses
Japan’s criminal justice system has distinct characteristics that set it apart from those of other countries. If you find yourself facing criminal proceedings in Japan, it is crucial to engage a reliable and experienced criminal defense lawyer who understands Japanese legal procedures.
The criminal justice process in Japan is divided into two main stages: the investigation stage and the trial.
Ad-hoc Service
Even if your business doesn’t typically deal with Japan, there may be times when you need to handle a Japanese customer or work with a Japanese business. In such instances, I offer one-off legal services, including contract drafting and negotiations in Japanese.
Additionally, if your business faces a legal dispute in Japan — such as breach of contract or compensation claims — consider engaging me on an as-needed basis. When Japanese law is involved, it’s crucial to have a lawyer experienced in the local legal system. One-off services are available at a one-time fee, offering you legal support at a relatively affordable cost.
Ongoing Advisory Services
If your business regularly engages with Japanese customers or businesses, you may benefit from an advisory contract for ongoing legal services. Under such an arrangement, I can provide you with daily legal advice, addressing concerns and issues related to dealings and transactions in Japan.
An advisory agreement ensures prompt, prioritized support should any legal trouble arise. While ongoing legal services come with a monthly advisory fee, this proactive approach helps mitigate legal risks in Japan, offering long-term peace of mind along with economic benefits.
Japan-related Inheritance Matters
Inheritance issues arise globally, but the legal rules governing inheritance can differ significantly from one country to another. The most suitable country or region for resolving these matters also varies by case. When dealing with inheritance issues related to Japan, it is often advisable to seek the assistance of a Japanese lawyer familiar with the local laws and processes.
When a Relative of Japanese Nationality Passes Away
If your deceased relative was a Japanese national, Japanese law will likely govern the inheritance process (though this is not guaranteed in all cases). Inheritance laws vary greatly between countries, and Japanese law also has many unique rules. Therefore, when Japanese law applies, it is advisable to hire a lawyer knowledgeable in Japanese inheritance law.
If the deceased resided in Japan, it becomes even more important to engage a Japanese lawyer to help navigate the legal procedures efficiently. For those living outside Japan, managing inheritance matters can be particularly challenging. Consulting with a Japanese lawyer can greatly ease the process and ensure that everything proceeds as smoothly as possible.
When the Deceased's Assets Are in Japan
If your deceased relative held assets in Japan, you will likely need to go through certain procedures in Japan to inherit those assets. For instance, inheriting real estate in Japan requires updating the ownership at a Japanese land registration office. Similarly, if there were deposits or securities held with a Japanese financial institution, you will need to complete the necessary procedures at the financial institution.
Managing these processes on your own can be challenging, particularly when it comes to preparing documents and dealing with the relevant institutions in Japan. To ensure the smoothest possible process, it is advisable to seek assistance from a Japanese lawyer.
Dispute Resolution for Civil Cases
You or your family may become involved in various legal issues in Japan, including traffic accidents, real estate disputes, or fraud. If the other party involved is an individual residing in Japan or a Japanese business, pursuing dispute resolution in Japan can often be an effective approach.
Effective communication with the opposing party is crucial for resolving legal troubles. Therefore, if the other party is Japanese, it is advisable to seek assistance from a Japanese-speaking professional. While there are several means of dispute resolution available in Japan, consulting with a Japanese lawyer is a prudent step to navigate the process effectively.
Negotiation and Mediation
In many instances, the process of resolving legal disputes begins with voluntary negotiations between the parties involved. Often, the quickest way to reach a resolution is through direct negotiation, leading to a mutually agreeable solution. By hiring a Japanese lawyer, you can effectively advance negotiations with Japanese individuals or businesses and work towards resolving the dispute.
Alternatively, if negotiation is unsuccessful, arbitration procedures can be conducted in court to facilitate resolution through discussion. Arbitration is one of the most accessible and commonly-used methods for dispute resolution in Japan. However, since the arbitrators involved in these proceedings typically only speak Japanese, it is essential to engage a Japanese lawyer to navigate the arbitration process for you effectively.
Civil Lawsuits
If a legal dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation or mediation, you should consider filing a civil lawsuit. In Japanese courts, civil proceedings generally require representation by a lawyer licensed in Japan (with some exceptions for cases involving small claim amounts). Therefore, if you are contemplating a civil lawsuit in Japan, you will need to engage a lawyer based in the country. The same applies if a civil lawsuit has been filed against you or a family member in Japan.
If you win a civil lawsuit and the court orders the opposing party to pay damages, but they fail to comply, it may be possible to forcibly seize their assets within Japan. Additionally, in certain situations, you can obtain information about the opposing party’s assets through the court. For these procedures, it is usually necessary to hire a Japanese lawyer to guide you through the process effectively.
