City-Yuwa Partners‘ team brings its ’top-notch service’ to represent clients in both disputes and transactions, with a focus on areas such as banking and large-scale financial litigation. The team is led by Shigeaki Ito, who is well-versed in real estate and construction-related disputes. Hideo Ozaki represents clients in the pharma and chemicals industries in patent litigation cases, while Masaaki Sawano specialises in bankruptcy-related disputes. Other key members include Tomohiro Tanamura, who is experienced in dispute resolution, including court litigation and ADR, and Yoko Maeda, whose practice centres around international commercial litigation. In January 2024, Yohei Shibuya was promoted to partner.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'City-Yuwa has a lot of lawyers experienced in multi-discipline areas with a wide global network. The team is efficient, practical, and very responsive.'

  • 'City-Yuwa delivers top-notch service, with an intimate understanding of the nuances and dynamics within each client's local market. This knowledge allows it to devise tailored strategies that navigate the specific legal and cultural landscapes its clients operate in.'

  • 'The attorneys possess impressive expertise across a range of dispute resolution disciplines, from commercial litigation to arbitration. Crucially, they also demonstrated a track record of success in achieving favourable outcomes for their clients. Compared to larger, more impersonal firms, this practice stands out for its personalized, collaborative approach.’
  • 'Yoko Maeda is responsive and works hand-in-hand with clients. She has an unwavering commitment to collaboration and transparency and fosters an inclusive work environment. These qualities make them a joy to work with.'
  • 'The team is highly specialised and capable of dealing with a wide range of areas, has a deep understanding of clients requirements, and provides timely implementation of practically useful advice.'

Key clients

  • Contrack Watts Inc.
  • FTI Consulting
  • Midea Group
  • Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO)
  • Toshiba Lifestyle Products & Services Corporation
  • Y. Jacobs Medical Inc.
  • Resona Bank, Limited
  • RB Real Estate K.K.
  • RISA Partners, Inc.
  • Sojitz Corporation
  • Sojitz Pla-Net Corporation
  • Sanki Engineering Co., Ltd.
  • Sojitz Aerospace Corporation
  • Nissho Electronics Corporation
  • Orc Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

Work highlights

  • Advised Tokyo Electric Power Co. on claims for damages.
  • Advised FTI Consulting over alleged fraud in relation to investment by J Trust Asia Pte, Ltd. to Global Lease PCL, subsidiary of Showa Holdings.
  • Advised Contrack Watts Inc. in dispute between two JV partners, related to cash contribution to the JV and the interpretation of the JV agreement.

Lawyers

Leading partners: Bengoshi
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Shigeaki Ito

Other key lawyers

Hideo Ozaki, Masaaki Sawano, Tomohiro Tanamura, Yoko Maeda