Promoting fellowship, collaboration, and legal excellence between the United Kingdom and Japan since 1998. A community of legal professionals committed to strengthening the ties between two of the world's great legal traditions.
Founded 1998 in London
The British Japanese Law Association (BJLA) is a professional association dedicated to promoting fellowship and good understanding between the legal professions of the United Kingdom and Japan. Founded in 1998, the Association has for more than two decades served as a unique bridge between two of the world's most respected legal systems.
The BJLA brings together barristers, solicitors, judges, academics, in-house counsel, and legal professionals across all sectors with a connection to the UK–Japan legal relationship. Members benefit from a programme of seminars, lectures, and social events — including an annual reception hosted at the Embassy of Japan in London — that provide both professional development and genuine human connection.
The Association operates with the full support of the Law Society of England and Wales, and has received commendations from the Embassy of Japan recognising its significant contribution to fostering links between the two legal professions and promoting the rule of law.
The BJLA hosts a varied annual programme of seminars, lectures, panel discussions, and social gatherings — including a reception at the Embassy of Japan in London — spanning substantive legal topics, cross-cultural understanding, and professional networking. Events are held in central London in partnership with leading law firms, the Embassy of Japan, and cultural institutions.
A panel discussion hosted at Skadden Arps examining the legal dimensions of the growing Japan–UK defence partnership. Panellists: Counsellor Hiroyuki Tahara (Embassy of Japan in the UK) and Mr Simon Chelton (Managing Director, Cheltons Consulting). Moderated by Jason Hewitt (Counsel, Skadden).
Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki and the BJLA co-hosted the Japanese British Lawyers Reception at the Embassy of Japan — the seventh time the event has been held. Approximately 140 participants attended, including Lord Reed, President of the UK Supreme Court, alongside British and Japanese lawyers, UK government and parliamentary representatives, academics, and UK-based Japanese judges and prosecutors. Lord Reed warned against the growing prevalence of rule by force and emphasised the importance of Japan–UK cooperation in promoting the rule of law. Professor Chizu Nakajima spoke on the history of the BJLA and the importance of people-to-people ties in the legal and justice field.
The BJLA's end-of-year party (忘年会) held at Simmons & Simmons LLP in the City of London, bringing members together to reflect on the year's achievements and celebrate the UK–Japan legal community.
Ambassador Suzuki and the BJLA co-hosted the Japanese British Lawyers Reception — held for the sixth time — at the Embassy of Japan. Around 120 participants attended including Lord Reed, President of the UK Supreme Court, alongside British and UK-based Japanese judges, prosecutors, lawyers, MPs and senior government officials. Scott Hopkins, Co-Chair of the BJLA, outlined the Association's objectives and emphasised the importance of the rule of law.
A panel discussion examining the evolving market for corporate control in Japan, where board conduct is coming under increasing scrutiny from the public, investors, and lawmakers. Panellists drew comparisons with how equivalent frameworks have developed in the UK and the US. Panellists: Tosh Kojima (DC Advisory), Daisuke Tsuchiya (Brunswick), and Jason Hewitt (Skadden). Moderated by Scott Hopkins.
A panel discussion examining modern slavery from a UK and Japanese legal perspective, hosted at Skadden Arps in London. Panellists included Mr Tom Forster KC (Barrister, Red Lion Chambers) and Mr Masayuki Otake (Legal Attaché, Embassy of Japan).
Ambassador Hayashi and the BJLA co-hosted the Japanese British Lawyers' Networking Reception at the Embassy of Japan, bringing together senior members of the British and Japanese legal communities to promote mutual understanding and exchange.
Ambassador Hayashi and the BJLA co-hosted the Japanese British Lawyers Networking Reception at the Embassy of Japan — the first such reception after an almost three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Around 150 participants attended including senior British justices, members of the House of Lords, prosecutors, and lawyers. Lady Arden of Heswall, a former Justice of the UK Supreme Court, gave an address on shared legal values between Japan and the UK.
A seminar examining Japan's position and commitments at COP26, and the legal and regulatory implications for Japanese businesses and their UK counterparts in the context of the global climate agenda.
The Embassy of Japan hosted an Ambassador's speech and reception for young Japanese lawyers — a unique opportunity for the next generation of Japanese legal practitioners in the UK.
A seminar at the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation examining Japan's approach to corporate crime and whether it is comparable to Deferred Prosecution Agreements (DPAs) in the UK.
A panel discussion at the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation examining trends in Japanese criminal policy around recidivism, with comparative perspectives from UK practitioners and academics.
The BJLA's annual reception at the Embassy of Japan in London, bringing together members of the legal and diplomatic community for an evening of networking and fellowship.
A seminar at Bird & Bird examining the burden of proof, tax litigation procedures, and the history of tax disputes in both the UK and Japan — a rich comparative analysis for practitioners in both systems.
A panel discussion at Skadden Arps examining blockchain developments and their implications for Japanese and UK legal practice and regulation.
A panel discussion at the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation on emerging FinTech trends and the regulatory landscape across both jurisdictions.
The BJLA's annual reception at the Embassy of Japan marked the Association's twentieth anniversary. Ambassador Koji Tsuruoka hosted alongside co-chairs Hopkins and Nakajima, with Sir David Wootton, former Lord Mayor of London, proposing a toast. Co-chairs Hopkins and Nakajima also received the Ambassador's Commendation for their distinguished contribution.
An informal members' networking reception held in autumn 2016, bringing together British and Japanese legal professionals for drinks and fellowship.
A social gathering at Sasuke Japanese restaurant in London, held immediately following the BJLA AGM. Members celebrated the arrival of spring with drinks and Japanese food in an informal setting.
A lunchtime presentation by Tomokazu Otaka (Nakamoto & Partners) introducing Japan's new collective litigation scheme for consumer organisations and its likely impact on legal practice.
A seminar at Cass Business School exploring how to support clients involved in serious litigation in Japan, followed by a social event.
A comparative discussion held on the eve of Japan's adoption of the Hague Convention on international child abduction, examining the legal frameworks and remedies available in Japan and the UK, and the implications for families and practitioners in both jurisdictions.
A seminar at FTI Consulting exploring corporate governance debates in Europe and Japan following the financial crisis and the Olympus affair.
The BJLA raised £1,415 at a charity quiz night and organised a charity concert in support of the Japan Red Cross and the Japan Society's Tohoku Relief Fund, following the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.
A lunchtime event held in conjunction with the Japan Society and JCCI at JETRO, examining maritime piracy from a legal perspective.
A lunchtime talk by Scott Hopkins on takeover regulation and the criteria by which takeovers are judged, presented with the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the UK and the Japan Society.
A seminar on significant trends in anti-bribery enforcement, examining the UK Bribery Act 2010 and the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act in a comparative context.
A joint social event held with the British Korean Law Society, the Japan Society, the Hong Kong Society, Islington Chinese Society, and the Anglo-Korean Society — bringing together the East Asian legal and cultural communities in London.
A lecture and lunchtime briefing series covering intellectual property in Japan, Lloyd's in Japan, the Turner Review, and a Tokyo University Forum on human security and business.
A joint event with the Japan Society examining the legal and commercial considerations for businesses seeking to enter or expand within the Japanese market.
The BJLA received the Ambassador's Commendation from the Embassy of Japan for its contribution in promoting exchange between Japanese and British lawyers — recognising a decade of dedicated service to the UK–Japan legal relationship.
The BJLA was established in London by members of the British and Japanese legal professions to develop legal ties between Japan and Britain, filling a unique gap in the British-Japanese professional landscape.
The BJLA welcomes legal professionals, academics, students, and organisations with a connection to UK–Japan legal relations. Membership is open to applicants from English and Japanese legal professions alike.
Members of any branch of the legal profession in the United Kingdom — including the judiciary and those in training — or members of the Japanese legal profession in the UK.
Individuals, law students, and lawyers qualified in other jurisdictions who are in the UK and share an interest in the Association's objects. Associate Members do not hold voting rights.
Conferred by a General Meeting upon lawyers or non-lawyers who have made an exceptional contribution. Honorary Members are exempt from subscription fees and do not hold voting rights.
Open to firms, companies, corporations, governments, or other bodies with an interest in the objects of the Association — available to all entities other than law firms or partnerships of lawyers.
To apply for membership, please download and complete the application form and return it with the appropriate subscription fee to the BJLA Membership Secretary.
Contact: membership@bjla.org.uk
The BJLA Membership Secretary can be contacted in English or Japanese for all membership applications, renewals, and general enquiries.
Kaori Toyama, BJLA Membership
c/o Mizuho International plc
30 Old Bailey, London EC4M 7AU
The BJLA is grateful for the support of its corporate members, whose engagement helps sustain the Association's programme of events and its mission to promote UK–Japan legal ties.
To become a corporate member please download the application form or contact membership@bjla.org.uk.