Takuro Awazu

Practices

• Investments, M&A, IP transactions and other corporate matters in China, Vietnam and other foreign countries for Japanese clients;
• Ivestments, M&A, IP transactions and other corporate matters in Japan for foreign clients;
• Anti-dumping, export/import control, economic security and other trade law matters in Japan and foreign countries;
• IPO in foreign stock exchanges in China (mainland and Hong Kong) and the United States.

Professional Background

• 1999-2001 – Anderson Mori
• 2001-2003 – Itoga Soga Law Office
• 2003-2004 – Deputy Director at the Multilateral Trade System Department of Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (“METI”)（responsible for Anti-Dumping and Dispute Settlement)
• 2005-2011 – Partner, Cast Itoga
• 2012-2022 – Partner, Soga Law Office
• 2023- Partner, City-Yuwa Partners

Education

• 1997 – The University of Tokyo (LL.B.)
• 1999 – Legal Training and Research Institute
• 2001 – Tulane Law School (LL.M.)

Professional Activities / Accolades

• Member of the Japanese Society of International Law (2009- )
• Member of the Committee on the Study of the International Protection Management of Intellectual Property in METI (2009-2023)
• Member of the Committee on the Study on Reports of WTO Panel and Appellate Body in METI (2011-2023)
• Lecturer of international laws in Kanagawa University (2021-)
• Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon (2022)
• Adviser of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (2023-)

Awards

• Who’s Who Legal Japan (Global Leader: Foreign Investment Review2022) (National Leader: Japan – Trade & Customs 2021) (2021 and 2022)
• Chambers & Partners (Global 2023 and Asia-Pacific 2023) (2023)
• Best Lawyers in Japan 2024 (International Business Transactions and Trade Law) (2023)
• Lexology Index (formerly Who’s Who Legal) 2024 Report (Trade & Customs/ Foreign Investment Control) (2024)