Mori Hamada is one of Japan’s “Big Four” law firms. As a full-service law firm with headquarters in Tokyo, the root of the firm can be traced back to 1971 with the establishment of Mori Sogo. In December 2002, Mori Hamada & Matsumoto was established by the merger of Mori Sogo and Hamada & Matsumoto.
The firm now has more than 700 lawyers including 155 foreign lawyers in offices across major cities and regions such as Beijing, Shanghai and Singapore. The firm also offers broad local and international capability in ASEAN countries including Thailand (Chandler MHM), Myanmar (Myanmar Legal MHM), Vietnam (MHM Vietnam), and Indonesia (ATD Law in association with MHM). Apart from its Tokyo office, the firm also has branches in Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka and Takamatsu.
The firm is best known for banking and finance, capital markets, M&A, private equity and project development, often assisting domestic and overseas conglomerates, financial institutions and government organisations.
The firm’s banking and finance team was very busy advising clients in major transactions and related regulatory mandates on corporate loans, structured finance, real estate finance, acquisition finance and mezzanine finance. Recent deal highlights include advising JIC Capital on acquisition finance for a tender offer bid for JSR Corporation.
In M&A and private equity, the firm was preoccupied in major domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions advising both buyside. and sellside, including advising Hulic on its acquisition of Raysum.
In the project space, the firm leads on transactions in the energy sector including offshore wind, biomass, photovoltaic, and PFI/PPP/infrastructure, and represented several major utilities in domestic and foreign projects assisting sponsors, lenders and other stakeholders.
Key clients include Apollo Management, Bain Capital, Blackstone, The Japanese Bankers Association (JBA), MUFG Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Mizuho Bank, Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley, Daiwa Securities, Mizuho Securities, SoftBank, Japan Post Holdings, KKR, Tepco Renewable Power, and Tokyo Gas.
"Industry knowledge, responsiveness and quality of legal works." (Asset finance client)
"High quality for legal advice and stable transaction." (Banking and finance client)
"They have a lot of knowledge about LBO loans that we need and they respond quickly."(Banking and finance client)
"Prompt response, detailed analysis." (Banking and finance client)
"Mori Hamada & Matsumoto has excellent expertise and can support us even with risks that we are not aware of." (Banking and finance client)
"We value Mori Hamada's ability to provide high-quality legal advice and prompt document preparation services." (Capital markets client)
"Mori Hamada possesses unparalleled expertise in the field of capital markets in Japan. Our company is an asset management firm for a J-REIT, and their support is indispensable for fundraising in the capital markets for the J-REIT. Particularly in highly innovative projects, the practical advice provided by Mori Hamada's lawyers enables us to tackle new challenges without any issues. They consistently stay abreast of the latest legal regulations and practices, ensuring appropriate solutions even when faced with unprecedented situations." (Capital markets client)
"Mori Hamada & Matsumoto has deep experience in J-REIT-related matters and real estate transactions, which allows them to quickly identify and address industry-specific legal issues. We value their proven track record in successfully handling similar equity financing and large-scale property deals, which makes us confident in the reliability and quality of their work. In addition, their team of experts is well organized, and communication is always smooth. They proactively share updates and anticipate potential issues, which helps us stay ahead in the process."(Capital markets client)
“Professional skill and wide range of knowledge." (Capital markets client)
"Professional and friendly advice." (Leveraged finance client)
"They know much about the trend of M&A deals and how to proceed with the deal advantageously to the client." (M&A client)
"Extensive knowledge of M&A." (M&A client)
"The team at Mori Hamada & Matsumoto is extremely kind and responsive, addressing our concerns with great care. Their advice is always accurate and practical, making it highly valuable for our business operations. Additionally, their ability to explain complicated legal issues in a clear and understandable manner sets them apart. We also appreciate their collaborative approach and professionalism." (M&A client)
"They have a strong understanding of our business and its specific characteristics, which enables them to provide appropriate legal advice on each matter. In particular, they demonstrate a clear understanding of our objectives, and even when the originally planned approach poses legal issues, they provide guidance on alternative ways to achieve our goals." (M&A client)
"Deep understanding on banking regulations in Japan." (M&A client)
"Detailed knowledge and knowhow on M&A and very reliable without errors and mistakes." (M&A client)
"Flexibility in advice based on our needs." (Private equity client)
"Strategic and practical, not battling style." (Private equity client)
"Responsiveness, in-depth expertise in the field of energy in Japan." (Project development client)
"Their industry and market knowledge is exceptional. Their advice is grounded in extensive experience from past projects and solid legal expertise. They also maintain strong connections with the Japanese government through various interactions, including secondment arrangements and committee activities, which further enhance their competency." (Project development client)
"They have very experienced and skilled lawyers." (Project development client)
"They possess a comprehensive understanding of our business and industry, coupled with extensive knowledge of pertinent laws and regulations, derived from substantial project experience. Additionally, they maintain strong governmental relationships, which further substantiate their profound understanding of the industry, market, and regulatory framework."(Project development client)
"High level of expertise and fast response." (Project finance client)
"I liked the fact that they were able to accurately grasp the facts and the arguments of both sides, and then gave me appropriate, considerate advice that took into account both parties' positions." (Project finance client)
"Advising on the legal strategies against shareholders activism."
"He communicates efficiently, shows a precise understanding of our issues, and provides prompt responses."
"Good at general corporate law, M&A, litigation."
"Wide range of legal knowledge, finds solutions and well-balanced advice taking legal perspective and business perspective."
"Thorough job in a short period of time."
"For the renewable energy power generation projects we handle through project finance, we are able to quickly respond to frequently changing systems and provide appropriate advice based on an understanding of the complex relationships with stakeholders."
"She is a legal professional specializing in the financial industry, with particular expertise in capital markets and asset management.
She is one of the most active lawyers in the real estate finance industry in Japan. She has worked on a variety of cases, including capital increases and merger projects, and has led these projects to success with her excellent legal advice."
"He knows the recent trend and market standard in M&A industry and how to lead his clients to achieve contractual terms advantageous to them in domestic and international deals. He has prominent English communication skills."
"Very good communication skills and responsiveness with excellent industry knowledge."
"Good at renewable energy field in general.”
"We appreciate that Mr. Nemoto has a broad knowledge of finance in general and is able to solve even complex problems quickly and with rational judgement."
"He demonstrates a strong understanding of our company and consistently offers flexible and well-considered advice."
"Long experience and excellent expertise on M&A, in particular, PE fund transactions. He can take appropriate risk."
"He has broad experience of fund management."
"He possesses extensive expertise in J-REITs overall and can be relied upon to handle tasks with great confidence."
"He provides services for us in the field of finance, paying close attention to the details of contracts."
"Finance and legal knowledge. Kind advice."
"Innovative and good knowledge about our business."
"He has a good knowledge of structured finance."
"Matsuda demonstrates exceptional professionalism and expertise in handling complex legal matters. He provides clear, accurate, and practical advice, which is highly beneficial for our business operations. His approachable and kind demeanor makes communication seamless and efficient, and he consistently goes the extra mile to address our concerns thoroughly."
"Leads the team. Provides necessary inputs at the right time.”
"He possesses a deep understanding of our business and industry, consistently providing legal advice that is not only appropriate but also practical and tailored to our specific needs. His insights help us navigate complex legal landscapes with confidence."
"He must be one of the best lawyers in our industry. He has extensive knowledge and experience across all phases of project development. From early-stage planning and consortium governance to construction, financing, and execution. He provides strategic, commercially sound legal guidance that consistently adds value. His deep understanding of complex project structures and regulatory landscapes makes him an indispensable partner in navigating high-stakes transactions."
