Best Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Lawyers in Japan

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Yohira Law Office
Tokyo, Japan

Founded in 2023
2 people in their team
English
Hydrangea Law Office, known in Japan as よひら法律事務所, focuses on cross border and international legal matters and provides tailored advisory for Japanese companies, foreign enterprises and individuals working across markets. The firm began operations in 2023 with two attorneys and has...
MORRISON FOERSTER
Chiyoda-ku, Japan

Founded in 1883
5,000 people in their team
Japanese
English
Morrison Foerster transforms complexity into advantage. With our collective intelligence, we shape powerful legal strategies that move your business forward while living our shared values.We solve your most critical multidimensional challenges in a way that provides clarity around the risk you are...

18 people in their team
English
Nomura & Partners is a Tokyo based law firm specializing in corporate and commercial matters. The firm provides comprehensive counsel on corporate governance internal controls corporate realignment mergers and acquisitions and domestic and international transactions, with a focus on regulatory...

7 people in their team
English
HIFUMI Law is a Tokyo based law firm that provides expertise across regulatory affairs, corporate crisis management, and dispute resolution. The firm counsels financial institutions and fintech entities on compliance with financial regulations, governance, and risk management while advising on debt...

Founded in 1959
English
Abe, Ikubo & Katayama Law Firm is a Tokyo-based leader in intellectual property law, handling patent infringement litigation, portfolio management and IP strategy across a wide range of sectors. The firm has strong technical knowledge in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, biotechnology, electronics and...
HIRATSUKA & CO
Chiyoda-ku, Japan

Founded in 1976
50 people in their team
Japanese
English
About UsHiratsuka & Co. is a Tokyo law firm providing a full range of domestic and cross-border Japanese legal services.We are known for our clear and sensible advice, which is supported by our wealth ofexperience, thorough research and commitment to providing the highest standards ofprotection...

Founded in 1990
50 people in their team
Japanese
English
Our firm was established in April 1990 by attorney Tadao Yamamura with the aim of providinghigh quality and highly satisfactory legal services to a wide range of clients.Since then, we have been used by a wide range of clients, including local individuals, listed companies, and various incorporated...

Founded in 2013
200 people in their team
Japanese
English
FirmThe leading Japanese law office ATSUMI & SAKAI and JANSSEN FOREIGN LAW OFFICE have entered into a Foreign Law Joint Enterprise to form integrated legal teams in the closest form of cooperation between Japanese and foreign lawyers. In this way, we combine the bridge function of a foreign law...
Daiichi Law Offices
Osaka, Japan

Founded in 1964
50 people in their team
Japanese
English
Founded in Osaka in 1964, Daiichi Legal Professional Corporation is a full-service commercial law firm representing domestic and global companies through its Tokyo and Osaka offices. We also assist individuals in the areas of wills and estate as well as criminal defense mostly on white-collar...

Founded in 1990
1,311 people in their team
English
TMI総合法律事務所 福岡オフィス is part of TMI総合法律事務所, a leading Japanese law firm with a broad nationwide and international platform. The firm is known for deep expertise across corporate and commercial matters, intellectual property, crisis management, and complex...
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About Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Law in Japan

Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in Japan refer to collaborative arrangements between government entities and private sector companies to deliver public infrastructure and services. These partnerships aim to leverage the strengths of both sectors to provide efficient and innovative solutions for public needs, such as transportation, utilities, education, and healthcare facilities. Japan has promoted PPP projects, especially through the Private Finance Initiative (PFI), to improve infrastructure quality, transfer risk, and utilize private sector expertise. These initiatives follow a defined legal framework and policies provided by the Japanese government to ensure transparency and enable smooth cooperation.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Engaging in a PPP project in Japan involves multiple legal, regulatory, and contractual complexities. You may need a lawyer in the following instances:

  • Advising on the structuring and setup of PPP projects to ensure compliance with legal requirements
  • Drafting, reviewing, or negotiating PPP contracts and agreements, including risk allocation and responsibility sharing
  • Handling disputes or misunderstandings between public and private entities
  • Dealing with project financing, taxes, and investment regulations
  • Assessing potential liabilities and regulatory risks for both domestic and foreign participants
  • Managing government procurement and bidding procedures
  • Ensuring adherence to sector-specific regulations (for example, in transportation or energy projects)
  • Guiding organizations through the approval, licensing, or permit processes

Local Laws Overview

PPP laws in Japan are shaped by national policies and specific regulations designed to encourage private sector participation in public infrastructure and service provision. The main legal instruments include:

  • The Act on Promotion of Private Finance Initiative (PFI Act) - This law sets out the basic policy for PPP projects, enabling the use of private capital, management skills, and technology in public projects.
  • Local Government Public Facilities Management Act - Empowers local governments to utilize PPP schemes in managing public facilities.
  • Procurement Laws - Establish rules regarding the selection of private partners, including requirements for fair and transparent bidding processes.
  • Sector-Specific Regulations - Projects in domains such as energy, water supply, waste management, and transportation are further governed by relevant industry laws and guidelines.
  • Anti-Monopoly and Competition Laws - Ensure fairness and prevent anti-competitive practices within PPP bidding and execution.

Combined, these laws require rigorous compliance and documentation, with many projects overseen by central or local authorities for accountability and quality assurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in Japan?

A PPP in Japan is an arrangement where a government body partners with a private company to finance, build, operate, or maintain public infrastructure or services, aiming to distribute risk and combine resources for better outcomes.

What are common types of PPP projects in Japan?

Typical PPP projects include roads, airports, schools, water and waste facilities, public hospitals, and government buildings.

What is the role of the PFI Act?

The PFI Act establishes the legal basis for private investment in public projects, outlining the procedures and requirements for structuring, tendering, and managing PPPs in Japan.

Who can participate in PPP projects?

Both Japanese and foreign companies can participate, subject to eligibility criteria, relevant approvals, and compliance with local regulations.

How are PPP contracts awarded?

Most PPP contracts are awarded through open and competitive bidding processes to ensure transparency and the selection of the most suitable private partner.

What legal risks should participants consider?

Typical risks include contract disputes, regulatory changes, project delays, financing difficulties, and liability for environmental or safety issues. Legal advice helps mitigate these risks.

How is risk allocated in Japanese PPPs?

Risk allocation is project-specific but often sees private parties taking design, construction, and operational risks, while certain political or regulatory risks remain with the public sector.

What are the main challenges in PPP projects?

Common challenges include complex regulatory compliance, lengthy approval procedures, negotiation of contract terms, and coordination between multiple stakeholders.

Can foreign investors engage in Japanese PPPs?

Yes, foreign companies and investors can participate, typically by partnering with local firms or establishing a local presence, while observing Japanese legal and regulatory requirements.

Is legal representation necessary for PPP participation?

Given the complexity and high value of PPP contracts, legal representation is strongly recommended to navigate regulations, protect interests, and ensure project success.

Additional Resources

  • Cabinet Office - PPP and PFI Promotion Office: Provides guidelines, statistics, and project lists.
  • Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT): Regulates infrastructure-related PPPs and publishes technical standards.
  • Japan PFI/PPP Association: Offers educational materials, networking, and updates on industry best practices.
  • Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO): Supports foreign investors with resources and regulatory guidance.
  • Local government websites: Announce upcoming PPP projects, tender information, and specific local regulations.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with a PPP project in Japan, consider the following steps:

  1. Clearly define your project goals and required involvement in the partnership.
  2. Gather all relevant documentation, such as project plans, financial documents, or tender information.
  3. Research legal professionals or law firms specializing in PPP, PFI, or infrastructure projects with experience in Japan.
  4. Consult with your chosen legal advisor to assess compliance, risks, contractual obligations, and local requirements.
  5. Collaborate with your lawyer through negotiations, documentation, government applications, and project implementation phases.
  6. Stay informed about legal, regulatory, and policy updates that may affect your PPP involvement in Japan.

Taking these steps will help protect your interests, ensure legal compliance, and increase the likelihood of a successful public-private partnership project in Japan.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Japan through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.