About ZeLo

Mar.2017

Attorneys Masataka Ogasawara and Nozomu Tsunoda founded ZeLo in Nihombashi‑Kayabachō (Chūō‑ku, Tokyo) together with LegalForce Inc. (now LegalOn Technologies Inc.).

Sep.2017

With attorney Kyohei Yanagida joining, the firm launched its Startup Finance practice.

Apr .2018

Relocated the office to Tsukiji (Chūō‑ku, Tokyo).

Jul.2018

With attorney Koichi Kitada joining, the firm opened its M&A practice.

Nov.2018

Published the firm’s first book, Feasibility Study of Blockchain Business and ICO (Shoji Houmu).

Jul.2019

Moved the office to Hibiya (Chiyoda‑ku, Tokyo).

Apr .2020

Led by attorney Masayuki Matsunaga, launched Legal Process Outsourcing, a tech‑enabled legal counsel service.

Aug.2020

Established group company ZeLo FAS Co., Ltd. (Representative Director: certified public accountant & tax accountant, Tatsuya Fukano).

Sep.2020

Won “Rising Law Firm of the Year” (sole recipient) at the ALB Japan Law Awards 2020.

Dec.2020

Established a Public Affairs practice, led by attorneys Kohei Kanzawa, Chika Minami, and Daiki Matsuda.

Jan.2021

Earned high rankings for Dispute Resolution in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2021.

Mar.2021

Published Strategy and Practice of Rule‑Making (Shoji Houmu) spearheaded by the Public Affairs practice.

May.2021

Relocated to Toyosu Front building (Kōtō‑ku, Tokyo).

May.2021

Published Japan in Space – National Architecture, Policy, Legislation and Business in the 21st Century (Eleven International Publishing) led by the Cross‑Border practice.

Sep.2021

Won “Rising Law Firm of the Year” at the ALB Japan Law Awards 2021, sole recipient for the second consecutive year.

Jan.2022

Received high rankings for Dispute Resolution (second year) and Intellectual Property (first year) in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2022.

Apr.2022

ZeLo lawyers ranked in The Best Lawyers in Japan 2023.

May.2022

Achieved strong rankings for Intellectual Property in ALB Asia IP Rankings 2022.

Jun.2022

Intellectual Property team selected as a Top 6 Finalist for “Japan Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year” at the ALB Japan Law Awards 2022.

Jul.2022

Featured in Asian Legal Business Japan (June 2022) “ALB JAPAN FIRMS TO WATCH – Top 10 Firms to Watch”.

Oct.2022

Established an Employment & Social Security practice with attorney Toyohiro Fujita joining the firm.

Dec.2022

Moved the office to Toyosu Foresia building (Kōtō‑ku, Tokyo).

Jan.2023

In The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2023, earned high rankings in Dispute Resolution (3rd year), Intellectual Property (2nd year), M&A (2nd year), and Real Estate & Construction (first time).

Apr.2023

Strengthened IPO support with attorney Yusuke Ito joining.

Apr.2023

ZeLo lawyers ranked in The Best Lawyers in Japan 2024.

May.2023

Intellectual Property team again highly ranked in ALB Asia IP Rankings 2023.

Jun.2023

ZeLo lawyers selected as Top 5 Finalists at the ALB Japan Law Awards 2023.

Nov.2023

Named in Asian Legal Business (Nov 2023) list of “ALB Asia Fastest Growing Firms 2023.”

Jan.2024

Received strong evaluations in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2024.

May.2024

ZeLo lawyers ranked in The Best Lawyers in Japan 2025.

Jun.2024

Managing Partner Masataka Ogasawara received the “Managing Partner of the Year (Law Firm)” award at the ALB Japan Law Awards 2024.

Dec.2024

The firm earned high rankings in the Chambers Asia‑Pacific Guide 2025.

Jan.2025

The firm received strong evaluations in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2025.

Apr.2025

ZeLo lawyers ranked in The Best Lawyers in Japan 2026.