Global Law Experts Appoints Noboru Kitayama as Exclusive Information Technology Law Member in Japan

Global Law Experts Welcomes Noboru Kitayama of Mori Hamada & Matsumoto as Our Exclusive Member for Information Technology Law in Japan

Global Law Experts is proud to announce the appointment of Noboru Kitayama of Mori Hamada & Matsumoto as our Exclusive Member for Information Technology Law in Japan. This strategic addition strengthens our global capability to support clients facing the complex and fast-evolving legal issues that accompany digital transformation, cross-border technology transactions, data protection, cybersecurity and emerging technologies.

Why Noboru Kitayama: standing for depth, breadth and practical resultsSelecting an exclusive member for Information Technology Law in Japan required a lawyer with not only deep substantive knowledge but also proven experience across commercial, regulatory and dispute contexts. Noboru Kitayama meets these criteria through a combination of technical legal expertise, hands-on transactional and advisory experience, and an ability to navigate both domestic Japanese law and international regulatory frameworks.

Key reasons behind our selection include:

• Comprehensive IT law experience: Noboru brings focused expertise on the full spectrum of information technology matters — from drafting and negotiating complex software and cloud contracts, outsourcing and licensing agreements, to advising on platform, SaaS and API arrangements. His practice spans commercial technology transactions that form the backbone of modern business operations.

• Data protection and privacy expertise: With data protection an essential concern for every organization operating in Japan and cross-border, Noboru’s experience advising on compliance with the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI), cross-border data transfers, privacy-by-design and breach-response protocols makes him an ideal advisor for clients seeking robust privacy strategies.

• Cybersecurity and incident response: The legal dimensions of cybersecurity — incident preparedness, regulatory notification, contractual liability and forensic co-ordination — require counsel who understands both legal risk and operational realities. Noboru’s background positions him to guide clients through prevention, response and remediation while minimizing legal exposure.

• Intellectual property and technology-enabled innovation: Modern IT transactions intersect closely with intellectual property rights. Noboru’s practice covers IP aspects of technology deals, licensing structures, know-how protection and enforcement strategies, ensuring clients protect and monetize their innovations effectively.

• Regulatory and sectoral know-how: Japan’s regulatory landscape for telecommunications, financial technology, e-commerce and data-driven services can be complex. Noboru’s familiarity with sector-specific requirements and his ability to advise on regulatory engagement and licensing matters is an important asset for clients in regulated industries.

• Cross-border and multinational capability: Many IT projects are inherently cross-border. Noboru is experienced in coordinating multi-jurisdictional deals, aligning contractual terms and compliance approaches with foreign partners and global standards, and working with international counsel to achieve coherent outcomes.

• Practical, client-focused delivery: Beyond theory, Global Law Experts looks for practitioners who produce results. Noboru’s approach emphasizes pragmatic solutions, balancing commercial objectives with legal risk management to deliver value to clients of all sizes — from multinational enterprises and financial institutions to growth-stage technology companies.

Covering all relevant practice areas in recognition that Information Technology Law does not exist in isolation, this appointment reflects Noboru’s multi-disciplinary coverage. His scope includes, but is not limited to:

• Information Technology and Software Law: drafting and negotiating software development, maintenance and licensing agreements; SaaS and cloud service agreements; service level agreements (SLAs); API and integration contracts; open source counsel.

• Data Protection and Privacy: APPI compliance, privacy policies, cross-border data transfer mechanisms, data processing agreements, privacy impact assessments, DPIAs and breach response planning.

• Cybersecurity and Incident Management: preparedness, response protocols, regulatory notification, contractual indemnities and vendor management to mitigate cybersecurity exposures.

• Intellectual Property: tech-related IP licensing, assignment and protection strategies; IP due diligence for transactions; enforcement and litigation strategy where necessary.

• Telecommunications and Connectivity: regulatory compliance for telecom and connectivity services, licensing considerations and interconnection arrangements relevant to technology platforms.

• Commercial and Corporate Technology Transactions: outsourcing, procurement, supply chain and vendor agreements; technology aspects of M&A (due diligence, transition services, IP carve-outs); joint ventures and strategic alliances.

• Dispute Resolution: advising on technology disputes, contractual breaches, IP disputes and liaising with litigation or arbitration counsel to protect client interests when conflicts arise.

• Emerging Technologies: counsel on legal issues arising from AI, machine learning, blockchain, IoT and other emerging technologies, including governance, liability allocation and compliance considerations.

What this means for Global Law Experts clients and the marketBy naming Noboru Kitayama as the Exclusive Member for Information Technology Law in Japan, Global Law Experts enhances our ability to serve clients with sophisticated, locally grounded and globally informed legal advice. Specific benefits include:

• A trusted local lead: Clients and referring firms will have a dedicated, highly capable contact for Japan-based IT law matters, ensuring continuity, speed and quality in engagements.

• Seamless cross-border coordination: Noboru will work closely with our international network to deliver coordinated strategies on cross-border tech transactions, data transfers and regulatory compliance, reducing friction and legal risk for multinational projects.

• Proactive regulatory insight: Japan’s legal landscape for technology and data is dynamic. Noboru will help clients anticipate regulatory developments, design compliant processes and engage with regulators where necessary.

• Tailored solutions for innovation-driven businesses: Whether advising startups scaling cloud infrastructure, large enterprises negotiating global software deals, or regulated entities adopting AI, clients will gain practical guidance tailored to commercial realities.

• Thought leadership and knowledge sharing: As a member of Global Law Experts, Noboru will contribute to the network’s knowledge base — providing insights on legal trends in Japan, drafting guidance, participating in training and supporting cross-referrals within the network.

Commitment to excellence and collaborationGlobal Law Experts is committed to partnering with lawyers who combine legal excellence with a collaborative mindset. Noboru’s inclusion as our Exclusive Member for Information Technology Law in Japan reflects that commitment. His proven ability to work across disciplines and jurisdictions complements our network’s mission to provide clients with locally grounded, internationally connected legal solutions.

We welcome Noboru Kitayama to Global Law Experts and look forward to the positive impact his membership will bring to clients seeking authoritative counsel on technology, data and digital transformation matters in Japan. His role will be instrumental in strengthening our capacity to navigate the legal challenges and opportunities presented by rapidly evolving technologies and global data flows.

In an age where technology drives competitive advantage and regulatory scrutiny continues to grow, selecting the right legal advisor is crucial. Through the appointment of Noboru Kitayama of Mori Hamada & Matsumoto as our Exclusive Member for Information Technology Law in Japan, Global Law Experts reaffirms its commitment to offering clients access to leading legal talent with the depth and breadth required to succeed in today’s digital economy. We look forward to working with Noboru and to delivering exceptional, practical legal support to our clients and referral partners across Japan and around the world.