As Japanese companies strengthen their presence in the U.K. and Europe, Anderson Mori & Tomotsune’s London law office has become an important bridge linking the two business communities. Established in 2022, the London office is the firm’s first location outside Asia. This reflects AMT’s long-term commitment to international engagement and deeper participation in global legal networks.
For Atsutoshi Maeda, who leads the office, AMT’s role in London is distinct among Japanese law firms overseas. “We are a Japanese law firm. Our main work involves matters on Japanese law,” he said.
While many firms abroad focus on supporting the international expansion of Japanese businesses, AMT’s London office was created to serve as a Japanese law contact point for U.K. and European clients investing in Japan. Drawing on years of cross-border work in Tokyo and Singapore, Maeda now estimates that “85% of my work is inbound work towards Japan.”
London’s status as a global legal hub is a core part of AMT’s strategy. “London is the capital of the international legal community,” Maeda explained. The city brings together leading British and American firms, as well as strong independent practices from Europe and beyond. AMT established its office there to join this community and form relationships that support complex international transactions.
“We need German, French, Italian, Brazilian, Norwegian and Swedish legal connections. That is the main purpose of a Japanese independent law firm having an office in London,” he said. These networks help AMT support international transactions for Japanese companies and bridge differences in legal expectations and business culture. “Our role is to fill the gap, not just translation.”
“Japan and the U.K. have always been quite an active trade and investment relationship. These treaties are helpful, but it has been based on more than 100 years of friendship and co-working.”
Atsutoshi Maeda, Partner and Representative of AMT Law’s London office
With this global vantage point, Maeda observes Japan-U.K. business activity through a long-term lens. He notes that the U.K.-Japan economic partnership agreement and the U.K.’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership have not yet produced a noticeable increase in deal volume.
“Japan and the U.K. have always been quite an active trade and investment relationship. These treaties are helpful, but it has been based on more than 100 years of friendship and co-working,” he said. While trade volume remains steady, geopolitical pressures and supply chain complexities are driving greater demand for guidance on economic security, export controls and trade restrictions.
In this evolving environment, AMT’s London presence has become increasingly important. It keeps the firm close to regulatory developments and strengthens its partnerships with leading international law firms. With a long-term posting in London, Maeda sees the office and its global relationships as essential foundations for the next chapter of Japan-U.K. cooperation.
