Akimoto Kawamura | Atsumi & Sakai

Overview

Publications & Seminars

Awards

Admitted

Japan (1991) and New York (1997)

Bar Association

Daini Tokyo Bar Association

Education

The University of Tokyo (LL.B., 1989)
The Legal Training and Research Institute of the Supreme Court of Japan
University of Michigan Law School (LL.M., 1996)

Background

Hamada & Matsumoto (Currently Mori Hamada & Matsumoto) (1991-1999)
Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Chicago Office（1996-1998）
Baker & McKenzie (1999-2012)
Secondment with the Legal Division, Credit Suisse First Boston (Tokyo Office) (Currently Credit Suisse) (2001-2002)
General Manager, Legal Division/Japan General Counsel, Citigroup Global Markets Japan Inc. (2012-2018)

Publications

Techniques for Utilizing Regional Financing, Kinzai Institute for Financial Affairs (2022) [Co-author]
Practical Handbook of M&A, CHUOKEIZAI-SHA, INC. (2010) [Co-author and co-editor]
Q & A Financial Instruments and Exchange Law, Sanseido Publishing Co., Ltd. (2008) [Co-author and co-editor]
“Practical Questions about Regulations for Takeover Bids and Substantial Shareholding Reporting System in Relation to M&A,” Finance Law Journal No.1825, Kinzai Institute for Financial Affairs, Inc. (2008)

Web articles

“Court ruling on Makino’s takeover defence against NIDEC,” Asia Business Law Journal (August, 2025) [Co-author]
“M&A Guide 2025: Japan,” IFLR (March, 2025) [Co-author]
“What In-house Counsel of Japanese Companies Should Bear in Mind When Dealing with M&A Matters During the Covid-19 Pandemic,” ASIAN LEGAL BUSINESS, Japan Edition (August, 2021)
“Japan: Cryptoasset businesses to face tougher registration requirements,” IFLR Fintech Leaders 2019 (February, 2020)
“Japan: financial instruments businesses,” IFLR Fintech Leaders 2019 (July, 2019)

Seminars

“Practical Topics in Cross-Border M&A,” hosted by Atsumi & Sakai, September 30, 2025
“Corporate Legal Research Seminar,” hosted by the Second Association of Regional Banks, March 11, 2024
“Asia M&A Investment Seminar,” hosted by Atsumi & Sakai, March 6, 2024
“Notes on Legal Affairs when Considering M&A in the Business Growth Process of Drug Development Ventures” at a seminar for health-care startups entitled “Lawyers Explain! Legal Points to Keep in Mind in Dealing with M&A of Drug Development Ventures in the Life Science Industry,” hosted by Atsumi & Sakai, November 21, 2023
“Responding to Increased Sophistication of Compliance Risk Management at Regional Banks” at the Banking Legal Affairs Research Seminar, hosted by Regional Banks Association of Japan, March 10, 2023
“Legal and Practical Aspects of M&A for Listed and Listing Companies – Legal Points to Keep in Mind and Co-operation with Outside Counsel From the Point of View of a Client,” hosted by Financial Management Forums, Inc. (2019)
Lecturer at a session on Legal Issues at a seminar entitled “Basics of International Securities,” hosted by the Japan Securities Dealers Association (2002-2009)
and seminars on Financial Regulations, M&A, Takeover Bids, Substantial Shareholding Reporting System and Internal Investigationa

The Best Lawyers in Japan 2026
- Banking and Finance Law
- Corporate and Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Corporate Governance and Compliance Practice
- Financial Institution Regulatory Law
Thomson Reuters “Stand-out Lawyer”
The Best Lawyers in Japan 2025
- Banking and Finance Law
- Corporate and M&A Law
- Corporate Governance & Compliance Practice
The Best Lawyers in Japan 2024
- Banking and Finance Law
- Corporate and M&A Law
- Corporate Governance & Compliance Practice
- Financial Institution Regulatory Law
The Best Lawyers in Japan 2023
- Corporate and M&A Law
- Corporate Governance & Compliance Practice
- Financial Institution Regulatory Law
The Best Lawyers in Japan 2022
- Corporate and M&A Law
- Financial Institution Regulatory Law
The Best Lawyers in Japan 2021
- Corporate and M&A Law
- Financial Institution Regulatory Law
The Best Lawyers in Japan 2020
- Corporate and M&A Law
- Financial Institution Regulatory Law