Attorney
Hiroshi Sawai

Greeting

 Since my admission to the bar, I have consistently worked at the intersection of international legal practice and public-sector advisory, engaging in corporate law, international transactions, dispute resolution, and legal system development in Asia. In particular, my experience as a long-term JICA Legal Expert responsible for civil and commercial law reform in Laos—working closely with government and judicial institutions on legislative support and capacity-building—forms a core foundation of my professional expertise.

 In Japan, I served in the Legal & Compliance Division of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), where I handled international finance and investment matters. This included not only outbound investments but also practical legal work relating to foreign direct investment into Japan. I also served as Head of Legal at a startup, where I oversaw governance, investor relations, fundraising, and shareholders’ agreements, supporting the company’s growth across multiple stages.

 At this firm, I draw on these experiences to advise on a wide range of cross-border matters, including international contracts, corporate legal affairs, foreign investment (particularly investment into Japan from New Zealand, Australia, and other jurisdictions), business expansion into ASEAN, dispute resolution, and immigration-related matters. I also remain active in the international cooperation sphere, serving as a legal advisor or auditor to NGOs engaged in development work.

 In addition to my knowledge of ASEAN legal systems—especially Laos and Vietnam—I maintain practical networks with governmental and international organizations such as JICA, JBIC, and UNDP, which serve as a major strength in handling international matters. I place great importance on understanding the legal context and local practice in each jurisdiction and strive to propose solutions that are not only legally sound but workable in real-world practice.

 Although the matters I handle are diverse, my approach is always rooted in clear and careful communication based on trust, and in a commitment to accurately grasp each client’s objectives. I will continue to devote myself to being a reliable and effective legal partner for all clients.

Biography

Born September 1982, Tokyo
2001: Graduated from Gyosei High School
2006: LL.B., Faculty of Law (Political Science), Keio University
2009: J.D., Keio University Law School
2011: Admitted to the Bar (Daini Tokyo Bar Association)
2019: LL.M., Keio University Graduate School of Global Practice

Professional Experience

•Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Legal & Compliance Division
　– International finance and investment; legal issues relating to foreign investment into Japan
•Head of Legal, Startup company in Japan
　– Governance, shareholders’ agreements, investor relations, fundraising
•Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
　Legal Advisor, Laos Legal System Development Project
　– Government-level coordination and negotiation for law-reform projects in Southeast Asia
•Shin-Yotsuya Law Office – Senior Attorney
　– International transactions, corporate legal affairs, governance, ASEAN-related advisory
•Legal support for foreign direct investment into Japan
•Secondment as In-House Counsel to a Startup (ongoing)