INTRODUCTION

  1. TOP
  2. INTRODUCTION

Over Matsuo & Kosugi’s storied 60-year history, we have represented countless clients across a broad range of practice of areas. We have extensive experience in litigation, both domestic and abroad, with a particular expertise in arbitration, multilateral disputes and parallel bankruptcy cases. Although our approach to litigation may sometimes be considered unconventional  by traditional Japanese legal standards, we believe that adopting a flexible, creative, and client-first approach towards litigation yields the best results for our clients.

While six decades of dogged trial experience has earned us a reputation as one of Japan’s premiere litigation firms, we also regularly assist corporate clients with their business operations in Japan. Whether it is assistance with first establishing a Japanese base of operations or managing an existing subsidiary, Matsuo & Kosugi provides all the legal services necessary for clients to smoothly conduct business in Japan. Using our network of partner firms, accountants and payroll specialists, Matsuo & Kosugi acts as a one-stop service provider so that clients can focus on business instead of the red tape.

Matsuo & Kosugi also has an extensive Mergers and Acquisitions practice with a focus on small and mid-cap transactions across all industries. Our M&A team has a wealth of experience in both leading transactions and assisting as local Japanese counsel in large scale, multi-jurisdictional mergers.

Firm History.

Matsuo & Kosugi was first founded in 1963 by Tasuku Matsuo who endeavored to establish a law firm that was based on the core principles of sincerity, selflessness, and strength. Mr. Matsuo, who still practices law today, was a pioneer in many areas of Japanese law including cross-border litigation, corporate re-structuring and criminal law. Some years later in 1979, Mr. Matsuo partnered with Takeo Kosugi and formed the legal partnership of Matsuo & Kosugi. Mr. Kosugi, who began his legal career as a judge of the Osaka District Court, brought with him a keen sense of justice and valuable insight into the Japanese judiciary. 
 
Since its establishment 60 years ago, Matsuo & Kosugi has become one of Japan’s leading mid-sized firms and we continue to provide clients with agile and flexible representation across all practice areas. Although Matsuo & Kosugi has a long history of serving clients in the manufacturing and automobile industries, as well as trading companies and financial institutions, the firm has since expanded its reach to a variety of tech fields including data privacy, telecommunications, news media, and digital platforms.

1963 Established as Matsuo Law Office in Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.
1976 Moved to Ginza 7-chome.
1979 The offices reorganized as a partnership of Tasuku Matsuo and Takeo Kosugi and the firm was given the new name in English, Matsuo & Kosugi.
Other Japanese name changed to Matsuo Sogo Horitsu Jimusho.
December 2004 In order to establish a business structure aimed at improving our professional and legal services, we reorganized into a corporation and changed our name to Bengoshihojin Matsuo Horitsu Jimushoo.
the firm moved to the Fukoku Seimei Building neighboring the Hibiya Park.