East Asia - Japan

Hiratsuka & Co

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‘Fabulous’ boutique law firm Hiratsuka & Co is especially well-known for its work in international shipping and insurance, with experience handling arbitration, litigation and cargo claims. The team is headed up by Makoto Hiratsuka, who is described by clients as the ‘doyen of Japanese shipping law’ and commended for his ‘unparalleled’ experience. The practice also offers clients assistance in cases arising from fires and collisions, with many claims involving multiple jurisdictions around the world. Other key names within the practice include Shinichiro Yamashita and Yuji Miyazaki, who make up the ‘very responsive’ team.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Fabulous influence and scope to deal with every facet of marine claims and risks.'
  • 'Makoto Hiratsuka is the doyen of Japanese shipping law. His experience is unparalleled and I would not hesitate to choose this firm for advice on Japanese shipping law.'
  • 'An excellent firm - very responsive and reliable.'
  • 'Great pedigree from the legendary Makoto Hiratsuka.'
  • 'Very clear and practical advice.'
  • 'Makoto Hiratsuka is the leading Japanese shipping lawyer with a huge amount of experience and influence.'
  • 'Most established and influential maritime boutique law firm.'
  • 'Makoto Hiratsuka is a living legend. Leading lawyer in Japanese maritime law. Sound knowledge and experience both in Japanese law and English law. Well connected with the lawyers abroad, as well as P&I clubs. Shinichiro Yamashita - known for skillful work. Advice is precise and practical. Yuji Miyazaki - has a deep knowledge of the law, his English language skills are the best of any lawyer in Japan.'

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Makoto Hiratsuka

Hall of fameHiratsuka & Co

Senior partnerSince founding Hiratsuka & Co. in 1976, I handled a large number of cases in the fields of maritime, shipping and insurance laws for foreign (English, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Israeli, etc.) clients as well as for Japanese clients. These include, but not limited to, collisions, fires, explosions, grounding, charterparty disputes, cargo claims, disputes between insurers and reinsurers cases.On a number of occasions, I provided expert advices on the position under Japanese law with respect to cases pending before foreign courts / arbitration tribunals.

Leading individuals: Bengoshi

Yuji Miyazaki

Hiratsuka & Co

Specialist in Litigation, Arbitration and Negotiation of all Maritime matters including Charterparty, Contract of Affreightment, Shipbuilding contracts and disputes, Sale/Purchase of Ships, Collisions, Fire, Grounding, Pollution, Arrest/Release of Ships, Cargo Claims and Personal Injury Defense. Also undertakes International insolvency, Product liability, Insurance and Reinsurance and General corporate matters.

Shinichiro Yamashita

Hiratsuka & Co

Main practice areas are Litigation and Arbitration, Maritime matters such as Cargo claim, Charterparty, Contract of Affreightment, Shipbuilding, Sale/Purchase of vessel, Collision, Fire, Grounding, Pollution and Arrest/Release of vessel, Insurance and Reinsurance, International insolvency, Product liability and General corporate matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Makoto Hiratsuka

Other key lawyers

Shinichiro Yamashita, Yuji Miyazaki