What are the most significant cases or transactions that you have been involved in over the past year?

The Acquisition of Altium Limited through Australian Scheme of Arrangement (total purchase price is approximately USD 6 billion); the Acquisition of Transphorm, Inc. (total purchase price is approximately USD 340 million); signing a 10-year Supply Agreement for SiC wafers with Wolfspeed, Inc. together with USD 2 billion deposit; and the transition of the corporate governance structure from the company with the board of corporate auditors to the company with the nomination committee, etc. by a special resolution at the annual general shareholders’ meeting held in a virtual-only format.

What innovations have you made to the way your legal team works in the past year?

Our legal department is evolving into a truly global team, with collaborations across regions such as Japan, APAC, the US, and EMEA, and functions including contracts, disputes, governance, compliance, trade compliance, IPs, and M&A, without borders and silos. By operating as one global team, we can provide comprehensive and high-quality services, tailored to each case by members best suited to handle specific needs efficiently and effectively. This approach also creates a unique and enjoyable environment for the legal team members, allowing them to work with colleagues from diverse countries and backgrounds, fostering growth through mutual learning. To promote this global team strategy, we have introduced various initiatives, including new social networking services (SNS) communication programmes, global all-hands events and meetings, several cross-regional or functional projects, and forums.

Based on your experience, what is the key to collaborating successfully with business partners?

Legal needs to be an ‘enabler’. It is crucial to first act as a ‘partner’ by deeply understanding the goals and background of our business clients. Beyond this, it is even more important to be an enabler who provides solutions to help overcome challenges. By promoting such approach and mindset, Legal will earn greater trust and reliance from the business functions, positioning itself as a competitive advantage.

How do you motivate and manage the other members of your legal team well?

Although it is not easy to motivate and manage team members, articulating clear visions and goals with concrete action plans to materialise them, communicating transparently on the challenges, thoughts and directions, and maintaining an atmosphere open and respectful to each other would be important. In addition, focusing on each member’s growth, skill development, and career, and striving to make the workplace desirable, are crucial for motivating the team and strengthening the Legal team.