In recent decades, Japan has embarked on a significant endeavor to enhance legal literacy among its citizens through a nationwide initiative known as hō kyoiku (法教育). Broadly translating to "legal education," this term refers not to the training of legal professionals, but rather to educational efforts aimed at

The concept of a "trustworthy judiciary" – shinrai sareru shihō (信頼される司法) in Japanese – is more than an abstract ideal; it is a fundamental pillar for any society that values the rule of law, fairness, and accessible justice. For 21st-century Japan, particularly as it navigates a societal shift from ex-ante

In Japan's criminal justice system, the prosecutor, or kensatsukan (検察官), holds a position of immense power and profound responsibility. Their role extends far beyond simply presenting cases in court; they are deeply involved in investigations, possess broad discretion over whether to indict, and are guided by a distinct

The integrity of any justice system hinges on the ethical conduct, independence, and impartiality of its judiciary. In Japan, the ethics governing judges—saibankan rinri (裁判官倫理)—are deeply rooted in constitutional principles and statutory frameworks designed to ensure public trust in judicial decisions. While perhaps less frequently discussed in public

While the vast majority of lawyers in Japan (bengoshi) adhere to high ethical standards, instances of attorney misconduct, unfortunately, can occur, as they do in any jurisdiction. When such misconduct leads to client harm, particularly financial loss, robust systems must be in place to address the wrongdoing and provide recourse

Money laundering, the process of disguising the illicit origins of criminal proceeds, poses a significant threat to the integrity of global financial systems and facilitates further criminal activity. Internationally, there has been a concerted effort to combat money laundering (ML) and terrorist financing (TF), with lawyers increasingly recognized as "

The role of in-house counsel, known in Japan as soshiki-nai bengoshi (組織内弁護士), has seen a significant rise in prominence within Japanese corporations and organizations. These legal professionals, who are qualified lawyers (bengoshi) employed directly by non-legal entities, navigate a unique landscape where their duties as employees intersect, and sometimes collide,

The Japanese legal market has witnessed a significant trend in recent years: the emergence and continued growth of daikibo jimusho (大規模事務所), or large law firms. Some of these firms now house hundreds of lawyers, offering a breadth and depth of expertise necessary to handle the increasingly complex, large-scale, and specialized

The concept of lawyers contributing to the public good beyond their fee-paying casework is a cornerstone of professional responsibility in many legal systems. In Japan, such activities are broadly termed kōeki katsudō (公益活動 – public interest activities), encompassing a range of services including what might be understood in the U.S.

For any lawyer practicing in Japan, membership in a local bar association (bengoshikai, 弁護士会) and the national Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA or Nichibenren, 日弁連) is not optional—it's a mandatory requirement. These organizations are far more than professional networking groups; they are the cornerstone of the

The identity and societal role of lawyers, or bengoshi (弁護士) as they are known in Japan, have been the subject of a long-standing and evolving discussion often termed the "bengoshi moderu ronsō" (弁護士モデル論争 – lawyer model debate). At its simplest, this debate often appears to pose a fundamental question:

The relationship between a client and their lawyer, known in Japan as a bengoshi, is fundamentally built on trust and a shared understanding of the objectives. In an ideal scenario, this relationship continues harmoniously until the legal matter is resolved. However, circumstances can arise where a lawyer may find it

When legal issues arise in Japan, engaging a lawyer (bengoshi) is the first step towards resolution. A crucial part of this engagement is the development of a case strategy, a process known in Japanese as hōshin kettei (方針決定). This isn't a unilateral decision made by the lawyer in

When a business decides to engage a Japanese lawyer (bengoshi), understanding the standard engagement procedures (junin tetsuzuki, 受任手続) and contractual formalities is essential for establishing a clear, effective, and ethically sound working relationship. Japanese legal ethics place considerable emphasis on these initial stages to protect client interests and prevent future

For many years, the idea of lawyers in Japan actively advertising their services was almost anathema, viewed as undermining the dignity and public service nature of the profession. However, driven by societal changes, calls for greater access to justice, and international influences, the landscape of lawyer advertising (gyōmu kōkoku, 業務広告)

The proliferation of in-house counsel—known in Japan as soshiki-nai bengoshi (組織内弁護士)—is a significant trend in the Japanese legal landscape. As more corporations integrate lawyers directly into their operational structures, a critical question arises: to what extent are the internal communications between these in-house lawyers and corporate employees protected

The bedrock of any effective lawyer-client relationship is trust, and a cornerstone of that trust is the assurance of confidentiality. In Japan, this principle is embodied in the lawyer's (bengoshi) duty of confidentiality, known as shuhi-gimu (守秘義務). This duty is not merely a matter of professional courtesy; it

In the realm of legal representation, the question of whether a single lawyer or law firm can represent multiple clients in the same case—a scenario referred to in Japan as fukusū tōjisha kara junin suru jiken (複数当事者から受任する事件, "cases received from multiple parties")—is laden with ethical complexities.

Engaging legal counsel in a foreign jurisdiction invariably involves navigating a distinct set of professional ethics and rules. For businesses operating in Japan, or those considering it, understanding how Japanese lawyers (bengoshi) and their firms manage conflicts of interest—known as rieki-sōhan (利益相反)—is a critical aspect of risk management

For legal professionals operating in or engaging with the Japanese legal system, understanding the ethical obligations of Japanese lawyers (bengoshi) is crucial. Among these, the "truth duty" or shinjitsu-gimu (真実義務) presents a particularly complex and nuanced area, especially when it appears to intersect or conflict with a lawyer&

When engaging legal counsel in Japan, understanding the core principles that govern their professional conduct is paramount. One such fundamental concept is "seijitsu-gimu" (誠実義務), a term often translated as "duty of good faith," "duty of sincerity," or "duty of fidelity." This duty

The term "lawyer" or "attorney" evokes certain images and expectations, largely shaped by one's own legal system. For those accustomed to the adversarial nature of the U.S. legal system, where attorneys are often seen as zealous advocates for their clients, the foundational principles