LAWYERS
Lawyer
Yuko NOGUCHI
Over the first 15 years of my career at one of Japan's leading law firms, I focused on international matters in intellectual property and information law—spanning litigation, licensing, product counseling, and M&A. I went on to serve as General Counsel of Google Japan for roughly 12 years, leading the legal and compliance function while advising U.S. headquarters, business teams, and product teams, managing the legal team, and partnering closely with the public policy team on legal policy matters.
Across a broad range of areas—content, privacy, competition law, copyright, consumer protection, platform regulation, and dispute resolution—I worked cross-functionally with teams throughout the company to navigate risk, solve complex problems, and support the company's growth in Japan. I also took on a mentorship role within the organization, helping develop the next generation of leaders.
Based in Silicon Valley today, I advise innovative, growing companies on the legal and policy functions that support their development, while also pursuing research and educational work on the challenges organizations face in adopting cutting-edge AI technologies and on AI's broader impact on corporate governance, law, regulation, and society.
Professional Experience
Joined Mori Sogo Law Office (now Mori Hamada & Matsumoto) (1998)
Appointed as Partner at Mori Hamada & Matsumoto (2008)
Appointed as General Counsel of Google LLC Japan (Executive Officer, Head of Legal from 2018; Senior Executive Officer, Head of Legal Affairs from 2025) (until October 2025) (2013-2025)
Independent Director, Astroscale Holdings Inc. (current) (2022)
Visiting Professor, Center for Law and Politics Design, Graduate Schools for Law and Politics, The University of Tokyo (current) (2026)
Outside Corporate Auditor, Yayoi Co. Ltd (2026 - present)
Education
University of Tokyo, Bachelor of Laws (Private Law major) (1995)
University of Tokyo, Bachelor of Laws (Public Law major) (1996)
Stanford Law School — JSM (2002)
Stanford Law School — JSD (advisor: Professor Lawrence Lessig) (2006)
Qualifications
Admitted as Attorney-at-law, Tokyo Bar Association (1998)
Admitted as Attorney-at-law, State of California (2026)
Publications
Patent Law and Utility Model Law (co-authored) (Chuo Keizai-sha) (Japanese) (2001)
"Toward Better-balanced Copyright Regulations in the Digital and Network Era: Law, Technology and the Market in the U.S. and Japan" (University of San Francisco Intellectual Property Law Bulletin, Vol. XI, 2007) (2007)
Bessatsu Jurist Hanrei Hyakusen 198, Copyright Case Selection 4th Ed.: VI — Copyright term [Shane Case: Final Appeal] — Copyright term for Films Released in 1953 ) (Japanese) (2009)
Copyright in the Digital Age (Chikuma Shinsho) ) (Japanese) (2010)
[Perspective] The Increasing Complexity of Information Distribution and the Challenge of Creative Commons (Jurist No. 1425) ) (Japanese) (2011)
Bessatsu Jurist Hanrei Hyakusen 213, American Law Case Selection: VII — Business Law: Copyright and Patent Clause ) (Japanese) (2012)
[Series: Frontiers of Copyright Law, No. 3] Protection Period for Films (Jurist No. 1451) ) (Japanese) (2013)
Bessatsu Jurist Hanrei Hyakusen 231, Copyright Case Selection 5th Ed.: VII — Copyright Term: Copyright Tern for Films Released in 1953 [Shane Case: Final Appeal] ) (Japanese) (2016)
[Special Feature: Legal Careers II — Roundtable] Experiencing Multiple Careers (Hogaku Kyoshitsu No. 443) ) (Japanese) (2017)
[Three-way Discussion] The Future of Open Data Utilization (Jurist No. 1508) ) (Japanese) (2017)
[Roundtable] Digital Advertising, Competition Law, and Transparency regulation (Jurist No. 1564) ) (Japanese) (2021)
Jurist No. 1600 Anniversary Special Roundtable: What Is Now Required of Legal Departments ) (Japanese) (2024)
Seminars
The Best Lawyers International 2009: Japan — Information Technology; Media and Entertainment Law (2009)
The Best Lawyers International 2010: Japan — Information Technology; Media and Entertainment Law (2010)
Chambers Asia 2010: Leading Individual — Intellectual Property (2010)
Asialaw Profiles 2011: The Guide to Asia-Pacific's Leading Firms — Intellectual Property (Individual Award) (2010)
PLC Which Lawyer? Individual Recommendation for Intellectual Property (2011)
Chambers Asia 2011: Leading Individual — Intellectual Property (2011)
PLC Which Lawyer? Individual Recommendation for Intellectual Property (2012)
The Best Lawyers in Japan, 3rd Edition — Information Technology; Media and Entertainment Law (2012)
Chambers Asia 2012: Leading Individual — Intellectual Property (2012)
Chambers Global 2012: Leading Individual — Intellectual Property (2012)
PLC Which Lawyer? Individual Recommendation for Life Sciences: Corporate & Commercial; Life Sciences: Intellectual Property (2012)
Chambers Asia 2013: Leading Individual — Intellectual Property (2013)
Chambers Global 2013: Leading Individual — Intellectual Property (2013)
The Best Lawyers in Japan, 4th Edition — Information Technology; Media and Entertainment Law (2013)
Legal 500 GC Powerlist (2023)
Legal 500 GC Powerlist (2025)
Lawyer
Takahiro HOMMA
During 14 years at Mori Hamada & Matsumoto, I built a strong foundation in corporate law and M&A, pursued an LL.M. in the United States, completed training at a U.S. law firm, and then handled a wide range of China-related matters in Shanghai before returning to Tokyo, where I continued to develop my practice as a Partner. In 2020, I moved in-house. From January 2022 to June 2026, I served as General Counsel of Renesas Electronics Corporation, a leading semiconductor company, overseeing the company’s global legal function across corporate secretary matters, M&A, contracts, disputes, intellectual property, compliance, export controls, and other areas.
Professional Experience
Joined Mori Hamada & Matsumoto (2007)
Visiting Foreign Attorney, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP (New York office) (2013)
General Representative, Mori Hamada & Matsumoto Shanghai office (2014)
Partner, Mori Hamada & Matsumoto (Tokyo office) (2018)
Counsel, LIXIL Corporation (M&A and Transactions) (2020)
General Counsel, Renesas Electronics Corporation (retired in June 2026) (2022)
Education
Graduated from Kaisei High School (2002)
B.A., Faculty of Law, The University of Tokyo (2006)
LL.M., Columbia Law School (2013)
Qualifications
Admitted to the Japan Bar (Daini Tokyo Bar Association, 60th cohort) (2007)
Passed the New York State Bar Examination (2013)
Passed the SME Management Consultant Examination (2018)
Passed the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) Examination (2020)
Publications
Handbook on Legal Practice for China Investment and M&A (Chuo Keizai-sha, 2022) — Co-editor (2022)
Awards Received
Best Lawyers, 11th Edition (Corporate and M&A) (2020)
GC Power List Japan (2024)
GC Power List Japan (2025)
GC Power List Japan (2026)
Seminars / Events
Speaker, "Directors' Management Liability in M&A Transactions and Advancing M&A Risk Management," Seminar hosted by AIG Insurance Company Japan (2019)
Panelist, "The World of LegalTech × AI: Overseas Cases That Japanese Corporate Legal Departments Should Know," Panel Discussion at Thomson Reuters Legal Summit 2024 (2024)
Speaker, "Enhancing Legal Functions in the AI Era: Contributing to the SDV Business," Microsoft Automotive Summit 2026 hosted by Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd. (2026)
Lawyer
Ayaka TAKEDA
During my time at the law firm, I handled many dispute resolution cases, primarily in labor and employment law area. Later, as the chief legal officer of BtoB SaaS business of an IT company, I oversaw all legal issues related to the business, from daily legal consultations to M&A and support for overseas business expansion. I was also engaged in the establishment and operation of a company-wide risk management system as an executive officer in charge of risk management. I have been committed to accompanying my clients carefully to identify their specific challenges and implement realistic solutions.
Professional Experience
Mori Hamada & Matsumoto - Attorney at Law (2009)
Herbert Smith Freehills - Secondee (2016)
International Judicial Proceedings Support Office, Litigation Bureau at the Ministry of Justice - Attorney (seconded) (2017)
Uzabase, Inc. (Executive Officer, Risk Management and Chief Legal Officer, Speeda Business since 2022; Full-time Director, Audit & Supervisory Committee Member since 2025; current position) (2019)
Wovn Technologies, Inc. - Outside Auditor (to present) (2021)
Ishii Food Co. Ltd. - Outside Auditor (2024 - present)
Education
Graduated from Hokkaido University, Faculty of Law (2008)
Graduated from Columbia Law School (2016)
Qualifications
Admitted as Attorney-at-law, Daini Tokyo Bar Association (2009)
Admitted as Attorney-at-law, State of New York (Passed the bar exam in 2016）(2019)
Awards Received
GC Powerlist Japan 2024 Rising Star (2024)
Lawyer
Sho IMANAKA
During my time at law firms, I handled a broad range of corporate matters, focusing primarily on domestic and cross-border M&A. Subsequently, through secondments to Japanese multinational corporations and serving as General Counsel at a listed company, I gained extensive experience in corporate management and developing legal organizations, which has become one of my key strengths. Leveraging this experience, I always strive to provide practical, solution-oriented advice when supporting clients on complex matters.
Professional Experience
Joined Mori Hamada & Matsumoto (2011)
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP (New York and Tokyo Offices) (2016 - 2017)
Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, S.C. (Mexico City Office) (2017)
Seconded to Marelli Corporation (2019)
Became Partner at Mori Hamada & Matsumoto (2021)
Joined Medley, Inc. as General Counsel (Senior Vice President from 2023) (2021 - 2025)
Education
University of Tokyo, Bachelor of Laws (2007)
University of Tokyo, School of Law, J.D. (2009)
Columbia Law School, LL.M. (2016)
Qualifications
Admitted as Attorney-at-law, Daini Tokyo Bar Association (2010)
Admitted as Attorney-at-law, State of New York (2017)
Publications
"Possibility of Introducing Event-Driven CVR in Japan—Addressing Difficulties in Corporate Valuation in M&A" (co-author, Kinyu Shoji Hanrei) (2018)
"ESG and M&A" (Junkan Shoji Homu, No. 2258) (2021)
"My Bookshelf: Books Used in Real-World Corporate Law Practice" (Kaisha Houmu A2Z, Jun 2021)
“Post-Merger Integration and Global Governance Practices in Cross-Border M&A” (Mergers & Acquisitions Research Report, May 2021)
“PMI in Cross-Border M&A: Legal Considerations” (Kaigai-Touyushi (Overseas Investment and Loan), November 2021)
"Thoughts on Work and Career from Four Prominent In-house Lawyers" (Kaisha Houmu A2Z, Apr 2025)
"Legal Functions as a Driver of Corporate Management—The Role and Practice of CLO/GC" (Business Houmu, Mar-Jul 2025)
Awards Received
Awards Received
Shortlisted for General Counsel, Legal 500 GC Powerlist: Japan (2023)
Shortlisted for General Counsel in the Legal 500 GC Powerlist: Japan (2024)
Winner, Overall In-House Award, JILA In-House Legal Awards (2024)
Seminars / Events
"Legal Function as a Contributor to Corporate Management" (Speaker, Tokyo Bar Association Training Session, October 2024)
"Legal as a Driver of Business Growth" (LegalOn Conference 2024)
“Legal Departments Contributing to Management: How Can Corporate Legal Teams Earn the Trust of Executives?” (Speaker, hosted by Shin Nihon Hoki Publishing Co., Ltd.) (2025)
“Leadership in the Age of AI: Shaping Practical Legal Knowledge for the Future” (Speaker, hosted by Hubble Inc.) (2025)
Lawyer
Yosuke TAKATA
My primary practice areas are mergers and acquisitions, startup finance, investment funds, and corporate governance. Drawing on my hands-on investment experience at a venture capital firm, I strive to deliver advice that balances practical commercial insight with a management-level perspective. During my secondment to Japan’s Financial Services Agency, I helped draft the Corporate Governance Code, giving me deep knowledge of corporate governance from both regulatory and practical standpoints.
Professional Experience
Mori Hamada & Matsumoto - Attorney at Law (2010)
Corporate Disclosure Division, Planning and Markets Bureau, Financial Services Agency - Specialist Officer (Seconded) (2014)
Alston & Bird LLP (Atlanta office) - Visiting Foreign Attorney (2017)
STRIVE - Investment Manager (2019)
Education
Keio University, Faculty of Law, Department of Law (2009)
New York University School of Law, LL.M. (2017)
Qualifications
Admitted as Attorney-at-law, Daini Tokyo Bar Association (2010)
Passed New York State Bar Exam (2017)
Publications
"Commentary on the Draft Corporate Governance Code (Part IV – Final)" (Weekly Commercial Law Review No. 2065) (2015)
"M&A Legal System" (co-author, Yuhikaku, 1st ed.) (2015)
"Tender Offers in Japan: System and Empirical Analysis" (co-author, Yuhikaku) (2016)
"Practice of the Corporate Governance Code" (co-author, Shoji Homu, 3rd ed.) (2018)
Seminars
"In-depth Compliance with the Corporate Governance Code," MHM Company Law Seminar (2015)
"Key Share-related Agreements for Startups," 01Booster CONFERENCE 2021 (2021)
"Success Factors for Startup M&A — Strategy, Negotiation, and Post-Merger Integration," hosted by LegalOn Technologies, Inc. (2025)