In tandem with the firm’s tax practice, the private wealth practice at Mori Hamada & Matsumoto provides a ‘unique’ one-stop-shop service to its clients, spanning M&A, corporate reorganisations and estate planning. Practice co-head and ‘leading expert’ Atsushi Oishi advises an extensive client list, including both wealthy individuals and listed and private companies, on cross-border transactions. The firm’s strong litigation practice further bolsters the private wealth team; Makoto Sakai, who leads the team alongside Oishi, has a wealth of experience in tax investigations and tax litigation for high-net-worth individuals and Hiroshi Oyama handles tax disputes, providing ‘accurate and reliable’ advice. Senior associate Yoshihiko Abe advises high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals on a range of wealth management planning matters. Promoted to partner in 2023, Koyo Madakoro is a licensed tax accountant who specialises in wealth management. Tax accountant Yuko Maruyama is another name to note.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Their answer is always satisfactory to the client and the client respects their professional attitude and advice in practice.'
  • 'Mori Hamada & Matsumoto has a unique offering in the field of private wealth that is not seen in other law firms in Japan. They have specialised expertise and strengths not only in legal matters, but also in taxation and trusts.'
  • 'We consider Oishi to be a leading expert in family governance in Japan. When supporting family governance for large family businesses, we heavily rely on Oishi's expertise.'
  • 'Oyama has gained high trust in taxation judgment due to his experience as a secondee to the National Tax Authority. Not only do we rely heavily on Oyama for supporting family businesses, but we also rely on him for cases where taxation is a difficult problem. We always find Oyama's advice accurate and reliable.'
  • 'The firm covers both legal and tax practices for UHNW individuals and families in Japan. The team also maintains a tax accountant office. For business families, such nature of MHM's Wealth Management team is positively accepted.'
  • 'Atsushi Oishi is the partner leading MHM's wealth management practice team. He is active in sourcing potential clients from major financial institutions, wealth managers, and within their firm. His way of thinking is to avoid legal disputes among family members and/or families against other stakeholders for the benefit of his clients. It makes wealth management clients a bit comfortable compared with other major law firms to face legal disputes.'
  • 'Koyo Madokoro is a certified tax accountant in Japan and a partner of MHM's wealth management team. His expertise is rooted in his experience at tax accounting firms and it makes wealth management clients more comfortable'.

Lawyers

Leading associates: Bengoshi
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners: Bengoshi
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners: Bengoshi
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Atsushi Oishi, Makoto Sakai

Other key lawyers

Hiroshi Oyama, Koyo Madakoro, Yoshihiko Abe, Yuko Maruyama