Leading Japanese law firm Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu (NO&T) has announced plans to establish its first permanent European presence with a new office in London, set to open in January 2025.

The announcement comes at a time when major Japanese firms have been expanding steadily in Europe. A few weeks earlier, Nishimura & Asahi announced plans to open in London and Brussels; it currently has outposts in Frankfurt and Dusseldorf. Anderson Mori & Tomotsune also has offices in London and Brussels. Atsumi & Sakai launched a Brussels office this year, while TMI Associates opened in Paris in 2023, its second European branch after London.

To lead its London office launch, NO&T has appointed Kiyoshi Honda, a specialist in energy projects, environmental law, and real estate transactions, as the representative. Honda, currently a member of the firm’s infrastructure, energy and environment, and real estate practice teams, is expected to relocate to the UK soon.

In a statement, NO&T said it has expanded its European Practice Group to include more than ten partners from various practice areas. This move is part of the firm's strategy to strengthen its international presence and enhance services for clients involved in Europe-related business, it added.