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International business law involving Japan and other countriesI am licensed to practice law in the United States, and am licensed in Japan as a Gaikokuho Jimu Bengoshi (foreign lawyer) or "Gaiben," authorized to handle U.S. and international law matters, litigation and transactions in Japan. Most other Gaiben (all but two or three) work in Tokyo, in branch offices of very large U.S. and European law firms. I am the only Gaiben in the Kansai area of Western Japan, which includes Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto and Nara. A Gaiben is an expert on trans-border and international business law and transactions. As a Gaiben, my work includes drafting and counseling on international agreements, advising on foreign laws and business practices and international litigation, and helping foreign companies to start operations in Japan. I also assist clients in negotiating licenses for trademarks and technology. In pursuing cross-border business, it is fair to say that you can expect misunderstandings. Assumptions based on doing business in one country lead one astray in others. This is especially the case as to dealings between Japan and Western countries. Good counsel and preparation can minimize problems and are worth the effort. My experience can help avoid hurdles, so business goals can be achieved with fewer problems. Work with other lawyers and consultantsJapanese regulations do not permit foreign lawyers, licensed or otherwise, to advise on Japanese law or to represent parties before Japanese authorities. On such matters I work with Japanese co-counsel, as noted below. In addition, lawyers from other countries who do not have a special visa in Japan may not handle international litigation matters, such as evidentiary depositions that must be obtained in Japan for law suits in another countries. If a foreign law firm or its client needs such services in Japan, as a Gaiben I can provide them. I also handle international arbitration issues. I have relationships with top-quality Japanese lawyers and law firms and I know what they can best achieve. If Japanese law is involved in a project, I bring in such counsel and coordinate their work, to assure that the needs of a foreign client are met promptly and efficiently. I can also explain the advice and activities of such counsel, so that the foreign client can fully understand what is required in Japan and why. In turn, frequently I work on behalf of Japanese clients, sometimes together with U.S. or other counsel, to make sure that their particular needs in other countries are satisfied. In practical terms, this support can be critical to the timely accomplishment of every client's goals, and is highly cost effective. How foreign residents of Japan can get personal legal servicesForeign residents in Japan often need advice on Japanese law regarding their local employment, immigration, family and other personal matters. For this, one must consult a good Japanese legal professional. I DO NOT
generally offer such services, since my practice concentrates on international
business transactions and disputes. However, if you need an international contract
or have a U.S. legal problem, I'm glad to help. In addition, free advice to foreigners in English and some other languages is offered by volunteer lawyers as a public service through the bar associations, generally on the first and third Saturday afternoons of each month or at other times, but normally by appointment only and not by telephone. To schedule an interview in the Kansai area, call one of the telephone numbers below at least two days in advance.
In Shikoku, call the Matsuyama District Legal Affairs Bureau, 188-6 Miyata-cho, Matsuyama-city at (089) 932-0888. Counselors are available periodically for foreign residents on human rights and Japanese law matters.
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