Aiko Ota

Of Counsel, Nozomi Sogo Attorneys at Law

Ms. Ota has extensive experience in handling international disputes, including arbitration, arbitration-related court proceedings, and cross-border commercial litigation. She regularly advises multinational clients on dispute resolution strategies in complex, multi-jurisdictional matters. Her practice also includes compliance, risk management, data protection, employment law, and general corporate matters.

Contributed to

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Enforcement of Arbitration Awards in Japan

Practice Notes

Japan's enforcement framework for arbitration awards provides a clear and predictable system for parties seeking to enforce arbitration awards. The statutory framework is based on international best practice, with Japan's judicial approach generally exhibiting a pro-arbitration stance in enforcement proceedings.Legal framework for arbitration award enforcement in JapanApplicable laws and ConventionsJapan is a member State of the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (New York Convention), having acceded to it on 20 June 1961. This early adoption demonstrates Japan’s longstanding arbitration-friendly attitude. However, Japan has made a declaration under Article I.3 of the Convention to apply it only to awards made in other contracting states, limiting its scope to reciprocal enforcement.The Japan Arbitration Act (JAA) (Act No. 138 of 2003, amended by Act No. 53 of 2023) governs all arbitrations seated in Japan, whether domestic or international. The JAA adopts the UNCITRAL Model Law, including its 2006 amendments, aligning Japan’s arbitration regime with

Arbitration