Nishimura & Asahi plans to open a Dubai office in January 2027, citing growing client demand, and separately will integrate with Taiwan's Lexcel Law Offices.
Law.asia reported that Nishimura & Asahi is poised to become the first Japanese law firm to open an office in Dubai, with the launch scheduled for January 2027. Masao Morishita will oversee the office, working with associate Takanobu Yamamoto, who will serve as associate in charge.
Morishita told Asia Business Law Journal that the firm will be the first Japanese law firm to obtain a legal consultancy firm licence and establish an office in Dubai. He said the firm has maintained a continuous presence there for more than a decade. Law.asia reported that the firm has a strategic alliance with local firm Afridi & Angell, which it intends to maintain and further develop. The office will advise on energy and infrastructure, M&A, investment, manufacturing, real estate, regulatory compliance and international arbitration. The number of lawyers has not been finalised.
Law.asia separately reported that Nishimura & Asahi will integrate with Taiwan-based Lexcel Law Offices on 1 January 2027 to form a new international full-service firm known as 西村朝日・理安法律事務所. Its English name has yet to be finalised. Ing-Chian Sun said the decision stemmed from increasing legal needs among clients in Japan and Taiwan.
In a further report, Law.asia said Nishimura & Asahi advised Resona Holdings on its US$592.1 million (JPY90 billion) (USD572 million) strategic capital and business alliance with West Japan Railway Company (JR West) and Kansai Mirai Bank. Under the agreement, JR West will purchase 20 million shares of Kansai Mirai Bank from Resona Holdings for US$592.1 million (JPY90 billion), subject to regulatory approvals.
