Overview
Jun Kawanami specializes in domestic and cross-border dispute resolution (litigation, arbitration, mediation, and negotiation) and M&A transactions, across a wide spectrum of industries.
Drawing on his education from Harvard Law School, and his experience at leading law firms in Singapore and the Philippines, Mr. Kawanami has successfully navigated his clients through global expansions, acquisitions, complex cross-border disputes, and international commercial transactions across North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
Committed to securing a brighter future, he has given his full dedication in supporting his clients realize their sustainable growth targets and the enhancement of their corporate values, regardless of their size or industry. In this vein, he places strong emphasis on ESG matters, and in particular provides practical counsel on “Business and Human Rights,” including human rights due diligence and supply chain risk management, all in the furtherance of resolving social issues.
Prioritizing the interests of his clients, Mr. Kawanami offers strategic solutions with a thorough, hands-on approach tailored to their specific needs.
Work Highlights
Dispute Resolution
- International Arbitration in Singapore
- International Arbitration in Singapore
- Claims for Damages against a Foreign Pharmaceutical Company
M&A Mergers and Acquisitions
- DAI-DAN CO., LTD.: The Investment in Presico Engineering Pte. Ltd. – A Singapore-based Company
- DAI-DAN CO., LTD.: The Acquisition of Shares in Presico Engineering Pte. Ltd. – A Singapore-based Company
- The Transfer of the Business, including a Plant, of an Indian Subsidiary of a Japanese Company
- Response to an Unsolicited Bid Proposal
- The Privatization of SHIBAURA ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. by YAGEO Corporation
Business and Human Rights
- Formulation of human rights policies and hands-on support for human rights due diligence (for listed and med-sized companies)
- Establishment of internal whistleblowing systems and grievance mechanisms, and conducting internal investigations regarding harassment and related matters
- Development of internal systems and negotiation support in response to human rights compliance requests from business partners and suppliers
- Compliance advisory on international laws and regulations, including the UK Modern Slavery Act, the German Supply Chain Act, and the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
- Human rights training and workshops for executives and employees
Education ＆ Professional Career
| April 2026 – Present | Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (F.C.I.Arb.) |
| Jan 2024 – Present | Kitahama Partners, Partner |
| May 2021 – Apr 2022 | Seconded to Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP |
| Oct 2021 | Admitted to practice in the State of New York |
| May 2020 | Harvard Law School (LL.M.) |
| May 2016 – Aug 2016 | Visiting attorney at ACCRALAW (Manila Head Office, Philippines) |
| Jan 2014 | Joined Kitahama Partners |
| Dec 2013 | Graduated from the Legal Training and Research Institute of the Supreme Court of Japan; Admitted to practice in Japan |
| Mar 2012 | Osaka University (LL.B., summa cum laude) |
Other Activities
| Jul 2026 – Present | Auditor, Certified NPO Homedoor |
| Jul 2024 – Present | Auditor, Certified NPO Terra Renaissance |
| Apr 2018 – Mar 2019 | Adjunct Professor, Osaka School of International Public Policy, Osaka University (Basics of Negotiation, Negotiation I & II) |
Memberships
- Inter Pacific Bar Association
- Japan Association of Arbitrators (JAA)