ISFIN opens up in Japan

ISFIN has teamed up with Haraguchi Law Office as its exclusive partner in Japan.

Prof. Laurent MARLIERE says: “ Japan represents a very substantial market for the Halal industry. Lately, the government has set new rules in terms of regulation and tax legislation to allow the introduction of Islamic finance products, by reducing the risks for foreign investments. In 2009 Japan amended the Ordinance for Enforcement of the Banking Act/Insurance business act, which allows Japanese banks, insurance firms and securities companies to conduct Islamic Finance. These transactions follow conditions established by the religious discipline, such as prohibition of interest receipt, transactions “deemed equivalent to money lending” and presence of a board, specialized in religious discipline, which approves the transaction.

Furthermore according to the Japan External Trade Organization, local Japanese companies are also interested in entering other Halal sectors such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food sector. As the number of Muslim tourists is estimated to reach 1 million in the year 2020, Japan want its share of the pie. Japan represents a good field where Islamic Finance and the Halal business can grow, it is located in the middle of the Asian hinterland which accommodates 65 % of the Muslims on earth.”

Kaoru HARAGUCHI, partner, Haraguchi Law Office says: “Haraguchi International Law Office was established in 2003. The firm has more than a quarter of century of experience practicing not only Japan but also in the United States, Europe and China. The philosophy of our office is to assist the legal fulfillment of our client's purpose and protect their legitimate rights.

The firm has been active in handling difficult and various matters including lawsuits, antitrust cases, and labor issues, developing new areas of specialties as a retained advisor of a world's leading steel manufacturing company. The firm was appraised for an international insolvency case, where it represented a first section-listed company of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.”

The Haraguchi International Law Office principally covers these areas of practice: Development of Japanese companies outside Japan, Assisting Foreign companies doing business in Japan, International Succession, Litigation, Mediation and other dispute resolution practice, Bankruptcy and Corporate reorganization, Labor and Employment, M&A, General Corporate, Finance and Real Estate.

Kaoru Haraguchi adds: “Working with ISFIN with let us expand our international clients provenience, reaching the Muslim market.”

ISFIN is the world’s leading platform for professional firms specializing in Islamic Finance, investments from and to the Muslim world and the Halal industry. The alliance covers more than 70 jurisdictions around the world. ISFIN is composed of the most innovative and highly regarded independent professional firms in their field.

Contact Information:

Laurent Marlière, CEO ISFIN
LM@isfin.net
www.isfin.net

Kaoru Haraguchi, Partner Haraguchi Law Office
kharaguchi@haraguchi-law.com
www.haraguchi-law.com