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Fumihiko is a partner in the projects and energy team and leads the strategic industries and national security regulation practice in Japan. As a Japan-based regulatory lawyer, he advises foreign and Japanese clients investing in Japan on energy, foreign investment, national security and regulatory matters.
Advising on strategic industries, foreign investment and national security regulation in Japan
Fumihiko has a distinguished career in both the public and private sectors. He is a leading adviser to foreign and Japanese clients investing in Japan and regularly advises businesses operating in sectors subject to heightened governmental oversight, including telecommunications, semiconductors, space, robotics, data centres, advanced computing, software, and broader digital technologies. His practice spans a broad range of regulatory and policy matters, helping clients navigate evolving legal frameworks and engage with relevant authorities.Fumihiko regularly advises multinational companies, investors and financial sponsors on Japan’s foreign direct investment and investment screening regimes. He assists clients with regulatory approvals, foreign investment filings and engagement with Japanese authorities.
Export controls, trade and regulatory compliance
Fumihiko advises global and local businesses on Japanese trade, sanctions and export control compliance, as well as broader regulatory compliance matters. His expertise is strengthened by first-hand experience gained through a secondment in trade compliance at a subsidiary of one of the largest global technology companies.He is also a member of the Japan Association of International Security and Trade, a specialist organisation bringing together senior government officials, industry practitioners and academics to address complex issues in export controls, dual-use regulation, economic security and international sanctions.
Renewable energy, energy regulation and energy transition
For over a decade, Fumihiko has advised multinational companies and investors on the acquisition, development and operation of renewable energy projects in Japan. He advises on Japanese energy regulations, including renewable energy market structures, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and power procurement strategies for major electricity users such as data centres. He also regularly supports multinational clients and investors on navigating the legal and commercial issues arising from Japan’s transition to a low-carbon economy and the evolving regulatory framework affecting strategic industries.Public and private sector experience
Before entering private practice, Fumihiko worked for six years at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, where he focused on regulatory reform and legislative development in support of the government’s digital and IT policy agenda, as well as trade policy initiatives involving Japan and ASEAN and policy matters relating to electronic components, including semiconductors. This experience continues to inform his current practice advising on regulatory and strategic industry matters in Japan.Experience
Track record
Asian renewable energy funds
Advised one of the largest Asian renewable energy funds in its developing renewable energy plants, its energy transactions, and its divestment of a portfolio of Japanese solar assets.
US renewable energy fund
Advised a US renewable energy fund in its development of renewable energy plants and its divestment of a portfolio of Japanese solar assets.
European financial institution
Advised on regulatory matters in Japan to a public European financial institution in its investment in solar power plants in Japan.
US cloud service providers
Advised one of the largest US cloud service providers in its procurement of renewable energy and environmental attributes for data centres in Japan.
EU renewable energy focused financing, development, and operation company
Advised on regulatory matters to an EU renewable energy focused financing, development, and operation company regarding its divestment of a portfolio of Japanese solar assets.
EU renewable energy fund
Advised on regulatory matters to an EU renewable energy fund in its developing onshore wind energy plants in Japan, particularly with respect to the Japanese Feed-in Tariff or Feed-in Premium scheme.
Asian semiconductor manufacturing companies
Acted for one of the largest Asian semiconductor manufacturing companies on regulatory matters, including guidance and support for its export license applications.
US semiconductor technology company
Acted for a US semiconductor technology company on regulatory matters, including advising on and supporting its negotiations with the Japanese government and its application for foreign direct investment approval under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act.
US data analytics company
Advised on security-related regulatory requirements, including security clearance regime and Japanese government security guidelines for US data analytics company.
Defence industry regulations
Advised on defence-industry regulatory matters, including government contracting and Japan market entry requirements for one of the multinational companies in the defence and security sector.
Leading US satellite communications company
Acted for one of the leading US satellite communications companies on regulatory matters under the Radio Act in Japan, including advising on and supporting its licence applications.
US technology company
Acted for a US technology company on regulatory matters under the Radio Act in Japan, including advising on and supporting its negotiation with the Japanese government and relevant industry organizations in Japan.
U.S. technology company
Advised on regulatory matters under the Telecommunications Business Act in Japan for a U.S. technology company.
EU IT services company
Acted for an EU IT services company on regulatory matters, including advising on and supporting its licence applications under the Telecommunications Business Act for entry into the Japanese market.
Insights
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Admissions
- New York
- Japan
Education
- University of Tokyo, LL.B.
- University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, LL.M.
- University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, JSD
- University of Tokyo, J.D.
Memberships
- Member, Dai-ichi Tokyo Bar Association
Languages
- English
- Japanese
Key Dates
- Year joined: 2026
- Year became partner: 2026