ATTORNEY | PRESTO Law Office

Managing Attorney Takahiro Suwa

Qualifications

Admitted to the Tokyo Bar Association (2017)
Certified Fraud Examiner (2024)

Education & Professional Experience

2014 LL.B., Chuo University, Faculty of Law
2016 J.D., Hitotsubashi University Law School
2017–2020 Ogasawara, Konoike & Mikwagawa International Law Office
2020–2025 DT Legal Japan, part of Deloitte Tohmatsu Group
2024–Present External Lecturer, Sapporo University
2025–Present Director, M Holdings Co., Ltd.
2025–Present Managing Attorney, PRESTO Law Office

Selected Publications

“Research Report on the Effectiveness of Internal Whistleblowing Systems in Corporate Misconduct,” commissioned by the Consumer Affairs Agency (co-author, March 2024)
Q&A Human Rights Due Diligence, Kinzai (co-author, 2023)
“Overview of Personal Information Protection Laws in Various Countries,” Global Management (co-author, Jan./Feb. 2022 combined issue)
“Responding to Overseas Misconduct and Audits During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” NBL No. 1191 (April 1, 2021) (co-author)
“Crisis Management and Emergency Response for Financial Institutions in Light of COVID-19,” Banking Law Journal 21 (co-author, special issue, September 2020)
Q&A Practical Responses to Workplace Harassment Based on Case Law, 2nd Edition, Seibunsha (co-author, August 1, 2019)
Clear Answers to Legal Questions for Medical and Nursing Care Professionals! Legal Consultation Q&A for Hospitals and Care Facilities, Seibunsha (co-author, May 10, 2019)
“Latest Practical Document Management for HR and Labor Affairs,” Labor Management Affairs (co-author, March 1, 2019 issue)
“Legal Responsibilities of Directors and Executive Officers That HR Personnel Should Know,” Labor Management Affairs (co-author, October 1, 2018)
“Responses to Corporate Misconduct and Fraud Issues,” Labor Management Affairs (co-author, April 1, 2018 issue)

Speaking Engagements

“Whistleblowing Beyond Defense: Legal Practice Under the Amended Whistleblower Protection Act and the Role of Lawyers,” Kakekomu, Next-Generation Lawyers Conference (February 17, 2026)
“2025 HR and Labor Disputes Review and Preparing for 2026: Key Legal Responses to Revenge Quitting, Private Conduct Issues, Information Leaks, and Problem Employees,” Asteeda Executive Salon 2025 in Okinawa (December 5, 2025)
“How Companies Can Avoid Public Backlash: Social Risk and Future Strategy,” Relief Sign Co., Ltd. (October 21, 2025)
“Finance Basics for Entrepreneurs” and “Talking with Lawyers: Introductory Social Media and Internal Compliance,” Shirakawa City, Fukushima / SHiRAKAWA PiTCH 2025 (October 11, 2025)
“The Rising Risk of Criminal Penalties and the Growing Focus on Internal Whistleblowing Systems: Governance Strengthening from the Perspectives of Lawyers and Practitioners,” Kakekomu, Next-Generation Lawyers Conference (August 8, 2025)
“Preparing for the Wave of Digital Risks: What Companies Need from Lawyers in an Era of Dramatic Change,” Kakekomu, Next-Generation Lawyers Conference (August 8, 2025)
“Legal Issues Surrounding Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises,” Sapporo University (July 19, 2024 and July 4, 2025)
Compliance training for a major automobile manufacturer focusing on the Whistleblower Protection Act (June 29, 2023; May 30, 2024; May 28, 2025)
“Various Aspects of Modern Civil Law and Corporate Legal Practice,” Musashino Chamber of Commerce and Industry (October 21, 2018)

Co-Managing Attorney Yuito Nihei

Qualifications

Dai-Ichi Tokyo Bar Association (Admitted 2017)

Education & Professional Experience

2012 LL.B., Kyoto University
2014 J.D., Kyoto University Law School
2017 Yamazaki Law Office
2018 Toi Law Office
2022 Legal Department, Medical IT Company
2023 Co-Founder & Director, Solaris Bio Inc.
2025 Co-Managing Attorney, PRESTO Law Office

Publications

“Q&A on HR and Labor Practice” (Japan Labor Research Institute)

Speaking Engagements

“Workplace Harassment Prevention” NFL Seminar (Oct 2020)

Co-Managing Attorney Aya Ishihara

Qualifications

Admitted to the Tokyo Bar Association (2020)

Education & Professional Experience

2013 LL.B., Chuo University
2016 J.D., Hitotsubashi University Law School
2020 Ogasawara International Law Office
2021 Procommit Partners Law Office
2024 Member of the Tokyo Bar Association Council; Delegate, Japan Federation of Bar Associations
2025 Partner, Procommit Partners Law Office
2025 Co-Managing Attorney, PRESTO Law Office

Publications & Media

“A Trusted Professional Who Supports Me,” Bijin Hyakka (April 2023)
“My First Witness Examination Inspired by My Mentor,” LIBRA (October 2020)
“Amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act and Practical Implications,” Labor Affairs (co-author, October 2020)
Q&A Workplace Harassment Practice Based on Case Law, 3rd Edition, Seibunsha (co-author, June 2020)
“Key Considerations for Dismissals Due to COVID-19 Business Decline,” BUSINESS LAWYERS (May 2020)
“Labor Management for Employees with Illness,” Labor Affairs (co-author, May 2020)
“Practical HR Responses Ahead of Civil Code Reform – Focus on Statute of Limitations,” BUSINESS LAWYERS (co-author, March 2020)

Speaking Engagements

“Women Lawyers × Women Executives: Work, Career, and Leadership – Legal and Business Perspectives,” Kakekomu (Aug 8, 2025, Next-Generation Lawyers Conference)
“M&A Seminar for the Baby Boomer Junior Generation,” Prudential Life Insurance (Nov 24, 2022)

Media Appearances

Fuji TV “Ladies Ariyoshi,” TBS “Ariyoshi Japon,” NTV “Sakagami Shinobu and ○○ no Kanojo,” TBS “Wednesday Downtown,” TV Kanagawa “Ride & Life,” etc.

Founding Partner Akihiro Kosuge

Qualifications

Dai-Ichi Tokyo Bar Association (Admitted 2018)
Tokyo Certified Public Tax Accountants’ Association (Registered 2019)

Education & Professional Experience

2009 LL.B., Hosei University
2012 J.D., Hitotsubashi University Law School
2018 Junior Partner, Wakai Law Office
2025 Founding Partner, PRESTO Law Office

Media & Appearances

“AI Utilization by Lawyers: Sales & Marketing Lightning Talk,” Kakekomu (Feb 17, 2026, Next-Generation Lawyers Conference)
“Managing Reputational Risk Under the Act Against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations,” Kakekomu (Jan 20, 2026)
Commentary on online harassment targeting victims’ families (TV Shizuoka, July 2024)
Commentary on social media posts related to revenge pornography (Weekly Bunshun, July 2023)
Commentary on issues related to dating apps (TBS, March 2023)
Commentary on accounts receivable issues in nightlife businesses (Asahi Shimbun, March 2023)
Commentary on cyberbullying among youth (Chunichi Shimbun, October 2022)

Partner Kazushige Matsudaira

Qualifications

Daini Tokyo Bar Association (Admitted 2015)

Education & Professional Experience

2008 LL.B., Waseda University
2011 J.D., Senshu University Law School
2015 Law Office in Saitama Prefecture
2018 Director, Senior Life Comprehensive Support Network
2020 Law Office in Tokyo
2025 Auditor, Sunomama Association
2025 Partner, PRESTO Law Office

Speaking Engagements

“Practical Measures for Customer Harassment 대응,” Tokyo Public Corporation (Dec 19, 2023)
“Utilization of Civil Trusts in SMEs,” Hasuda Chamber of Commerce (July 31, 2019)

Partner Arihara Hitoshi

Qualifications

Daini Tokyo Bar Association (Admitted 2013)

Education & Professional Experience

2008 LL.B., Sophia University
2010 J.D., Rikkyo University Law School
2011 Local Government Service
2013 Law Office in Tokyo
2015 Senior Policy Researcher, Office for Government Procurement Review, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
2026 Partner, PRESTO Law Office

Publications

Q&A Workplace Harassment Practice Based on Case Law, 2nd Edition, Seibunsha (co-author, Aug 2019)
Legal Consultation Q&A for Hospitals and Care Facilities, Seibunsha (co-author, May 2019)
“Latest Practical Document Management for HR and Labor Affairs,” Labor Affairs (Mar 2019)
Q&A Practical Guide to Legislative Drafting (co-author, Gyosei, Dec 2017)

Speaking Engagements

“Advanced Labor Law Seminar II: Practical HR Strategies in FY2024 – Reasonable Accommodation for Persons with Disabilities,” Aichi Labor Association (Feb 26, 2025)

Partner Tsutomu Yamatoya

Qualifications

Dai-Ichi Tokyo Bar Association (Admitted 2012)
New York State Bar (Admitted 2019)
Certified Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant (2023)

Education & Professional Experience

2008 LL.B., Waseda University (Early Graduation)
2011 J.D., Waseda University Law School
2012–2019 Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu
2015–2017 Secondment to a Government Agency
2018 LL.M., University of Pennsylvania Law School
(Editor, Asian Law Review)
2018–2019 Training at U.S. law firms (Michigan & New York) and a Japanese securities firm (New York)
2019–2026 DT Legal Japan (Deloitte Tohmatsu Group)
2026 Partner, PRESTO Law Office

Publications & Speaking

Seminar on Personal Information Protection Law at a listed company (2025)
Seminar on Startup Finance at a consulting firm (2021)
International Franchise Handbook 2021 – “Head-ups for foreign business operators about the recent Amendment to the Protection of Personal Information of Japan” (Lexology, Dec 2020)
Contributor, “Electronic Contract Implementation Guidebook (Domestic Contracts Edition)” (Shojihomu)
“SEC v. Scoville Case Analysis,” International Business Law Executive Summary (Institute of International Business Law)
“Recent Case on U.S. Insider Trading (Part 2),” International Business Law Journal (Feb 2019)
“Recent Case on U.S. Insider Trading,” International Business Law Journal (Nov 2018)
“Martoma Case Analysis,” International Business Law Executive Summary