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Kana Morimura

Partner

Kana’s expertise comprises dispute matters, with a particular focus on advising clients on matters related to dispute resolution, investigation, anti-corruption, antitrust and compliance.
Kana has represented a number of corporate and individual clients, especially Japanese corporations and Japanese executives. She has worked in both the Tokyo office and the New York office. She worked as a Japanese licensed lawyer at law firms in Tokyo prior to joining the firm in 2011. Kana’s practice also comprises capital markets, M&A and joint venture matters.

Experience

Representative matters

Japanese manufacturers on issues related to product inspection data and quality management before the U.S. Department of Justice and other government authorities. 

A Japanese medical equipment manufacturer on quality management issues before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Japan-based manufacturers and financial institutions in various cartel investigations and the follow-on federal class action lawsuits.

Major Japanese companies and their subsidiaries in potential FCPA violation matters and internal investigations.

Numerous Japan-based manufacturers and financial institutions on compliance issues, including antitrust, anti-corruption, litigation and product quality management.

One of the major Japanese companies and its affiliates in a potential FCPA violation matter and internal investigation.

One of the major Japanese companies and its Japanese subsidiary in an employment litigation matter in the U.S.

A Japanese medical equipment manufacturer on quality management issues before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Japanese manufacturers in their internal investigations and potential government proceedings and litigation in connection with issues related to product inspection data.

Numerous Japan-based manufacturers and financial institutions on compliance issues, including antitrust, anti-corruption, litigation and product quality management.

Numerous Japan-based manufacturers in antitrust-related putative class actions and other civil disputes.

Numerous Japan-based manufacturers on merger clearance issues.

Japan-based manufacturers and financial institutions in various non-public cartel investigations and the follow-on federal class action lawsuits.

Executives of Japan-based corporations in non-public cartel investigations.

Japan Bank for International Cooperation in connection with various compliance-related matters.

Japan-based manufacturers and financial institutions on compliance issues, including antitrust and disclosure matters.

Establishment of ADR programs for Japanese corporations.

Maeda Corporation involving the filing of a Form CB in connection with its $3.3 billion joint share transfer with Maeda Road Construction and Maeda Seisakusho to establish a joint holding company.
Sawai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. regarding a registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Form F-4 in connection with the sole share transfer to establish Sawai Group Holdings Co., Ltd. as a holding company.

Japan Exchange Group, Inc. in a $48.4 million tender offer for shares of common stock and non-voting stock of Tokyo Commodity Exchange, Inc.

Sompo Holdings, Inc. in its $6.3 billion acquisition of Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd.

Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. and Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K., both Japanese petroleum companies, in connection with their $5.8 billion merger involving filings with the SEC.

The Joyo Bank, Ltd. and Ashikaga Holdings Co., Ltd., both Japanese regional banks, in connection with a $5.3 billion business integration involving filings with the SEC.

Yamaha Corporation in its acquisition of Line 6, Inc.

Japanese corporations in antitrust analysis in connection with their potential merger deals.

Published Work

  • Morimura K., (2014) “Practical Measures for Cartel Cases under US Jurisdiction – From the Perspective of Protecting Companies and Individuals”, Tokyo: Shoji Homu
  • Morimura K., (2012) “Practical Filing of Form F-4 with the SEC—Guide for Filing of Form F-4 and Responding to Staff Comments”, Tokyo: Keiri Joho
  • Morimura K., (2009) “US Corporate Law”, Tokyo: Yuhikaku, 
  • Morimura K., (2004) “Reform of the Rules Governing Working Arrangements between Japanese and Foreign Lawyers”, New York City: Legal Week

Speaking Engagements

  • Speaker, Response to Quality Fraud Issues – From the Perspective of U.S. Law, Fronteo, November 2022
  • Moderator, ‘Big Tech’ and the Antitrust Paradigm Shift, Shearman & Sterling, February 2022
  • Speaker, Investigations In Asia – Japan & South Korea, Shearman & Sterling, December 2020
Recognition
Morimura is skilled at antitrust litigation and compliance matters
The Legal 500 Asia Pacific, 2024

Awards

  • Next Generation Partner for Antitrust and Competition in Japan, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific, 2024 
  • Leading Lawyer - Rising Star Partner in Japan Capital Markets, Equity, IFLR1000, 2024
  • Recommended Lawyer for Corporate and M&A in Japan, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific, 2023
  • Recommended Lawyer for Capital Markets in Japan, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific, 2023
  • Next Generation Partner for Antitrust and Competition in Japan, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific, 2023
  • Next Generation Partner for Antitrust and Competition in Japan, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific, 2022

Qualifications

Admissions

New York, 2008
Japan, 2016 (Registered Foreign Lawyer (New York))

Academic

LL.B., Kyoto University, 2000
LL.M., Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar, Columbia Law School, 2007

Languages

Japanese, English
Disclaimer
A&O Shearman was formed on May 1, 2024 by the combination of Shearman & Sterling LLP and Allen & Overy LLP and their respective affiliates (the legacy firms). Any matters referred to above may include matters undertaken by one or more of the legacy firms rather than A&O Shearman.