At Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu, the private wealth team has particular strengths in trust matters and structured finance; Masayuki Fukuda is an expert in both trusts and inheritance matters. With its established reputation in the tax market, the firm is also able to advise high-net-worth individuals from both a legal and a tax perspective. Along with Yushi Hegawa, who has ‘extensive working experience in dealing with cross border wealth management’, Shigeki Minami brings tax and M&A expertise to the team. In addition to advising on domestic matters, the practice has a strong cross-border component; Singaore-based M&A expert Yoshikazu Hasegawa advises Japanese clients on their asset successions and investments, providing ‘a blend of Singapore and Japanese expertise.’

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu team is well-versed in local and foreign investments and is very responsive. Whenever we have any questions regarding our private wealth clients' activities in Asia, it is our "go-to" firm. In addition to offering solid legal advice, it is also sensitive to the commercial aspects of transactions and also to local concerns.'
  • 'The private wealth group is not only responsive to questions, but also goes above and beyond by also considering the commercial and other issues that may be raised. This comprehensive advice is exactly what clients demand, and combined with the firm's regional expertise means that we can rely on the team to cover all the bases on a transaction or matter.'
  • 'We have been particularly impressed with and recommend Mr. Yoshikazu Hasegawa (partner, Singapore), who always offers timely legal advice and appreciates the commercial and other sensitivities of the cross-border investments typically pursued by our clients.'
  • 'It is rare to find Japanese firms that understand common law trusts. The firm's Singapore office has just that practice group and will be a good resource for Japanese clients seeking to establish trusts in Singapore.
  • 'In any situation, this team will solve the problem politely and reliably. Innovation is also important, but stability is the most important, so I am satisfied with this team.'
  • 'I always consult with Yoshikazu Hasegawa of the Singapore office. There are many lawyers in Japan, but there are few lawyers who can properly handle cross-border asset tax. He is not only in the cross-border corporation matter, but also in the field of private assets, has experience, and is very reliable.'
  • 'Hasegawa Yoshikazu is always excellent to work with. Instructions given are clear and matters are handled with speediness and efficiency.'
  • 'Yushikazu Hasegawa provides very practical and easy tax advice for private wealth management and inheritance tax area. He has extensive working experience in dealing with cross-border wealth management.'

Work highlights

  • Provided an expert tax law opinion in support of the client’s appeal in tax litigation in Japan, where the client is seeking cancellation of an income tax assessment.
  • Advised a client on establishing trusts, preparing a family office structure and assisting the setup of a family office involving assets in multiple jurisdictions.
  • Advised on an international transfer of ownership of real estate involving tax law, bankruptcy law, matrimonial law, and real estate registration law issues.

Lawyers

Leading partners: Bengoshi
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Other key lawyers

Masayuki Fukuda, Shigeki Minami, Yushi Hegawa, Yoshikazu Hasegawa, Tsutomu Endo