Over two decades ago, when I was a young lawyer

starting out—at a time when our firm had just around 50 lawyers—our founding partner, Toshiro Nishimura, said to me, “One day, I hope this firm will become a platform of knowledge that supports the rule of law.” Since becoming Managing Partner in 2021, I often reflect on those words and am humbled by how far we’ve come. While our roots remain deeply planted in Japan, our reach and vision have expanded significantly. Today, with over 800 professionals across 22 locations on three continents, we are proud to advise on some of the most significant and complex cross-border matters around the globe. We continue to grow, to explore new legal and business territories, and to meet new challenges with determination. Mr. Nishimura’s vision still drives us. We are deeply committed to delivering exceptional legal services, but equally to our broader mission—to contribute to society and to build a just and prosperous future grounded in the rule of law. This mission has been a core part of our firm’s identity since its founding in 1966.

What may sound idealistic is in fact our everyday reality. We strive to put our values into practice—in the way we work, the culture we foster, and our engagement with the world. We are actively building a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and bring their full selves to their roles. We believe this is essential to fulfilling our promise to our clients and our communities. In a world where business is increasingly fast-paced and globally connected, we are continuously investing in our people and systems to stay ahead. While some see us as a Japanese law firm, we see ourselves as something more: a growing, evolving, and forward-thinking global partner. I am proud to lead this firm during such a dynamic time and look forward to growing together with our clients and stakeholders—wherever their businesses may take them.

Ryutaro Nakayama,

Managing Partner