ZeLo Finalists at the ALB Japan Law Awards 2026
ZeLo and attorneys were selected as finalists in the following categories in the ALB Japan Law Awards 2026.
Please click here for the details.
【INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES】
Managing Partner of the Year
Masataka OgasawaraWoman Lawyer of the Year (Law Firm)
Kayoko TanakaDealmaker of the Year
Kohei KanzawaDispute Resolution Lawyer of the Year
Shota OjimaYoung Lawyer of the Year (Law Firm)
Keita Mashita【LAW FIRM CATEGORIES】
Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year
Healthcare and Life Sciences Law Firm of the Year
Japan Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year
Labour and Employment Law Firm of the Year
Litigation Law Firm of the Year
Regulatory and Compliance Law Firm of the Year
Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law Firm of the Year
Japan Law Firm of the Year
Profiles of selected finalists
Attorney admitted in Japan
Since co-founding ZeLo and LegalForce, Inc. in 2017, he has led ZeLo to play a significant role in assisting Japanese and other start-up and mid-sized companies. ZeLo also frequently advises on FinTech applications such as crowdfunding, asset management, and lending services, under his guidance. he has particular expertise in blockchain technology and crypto assets; he serves as Legal Adviser of the Japan Blockchain Association, the top authority on the blockchain industry, and has one of the largest blockchain-related practices in the country. In addition, he continues to participate actively in dispute resolution matters (carried over from his time before ZeLo).
Since co-founding ZeLo and LegalForce, Inc. in 2017, he has led ZeLo to play a significant role in assisting Japanese and other start-up and mid-sized companies. ZeLo also frequently advises on FinTech applications such as crowdfunding, asset management, and lending services, under his guidance. he has particular expertise in blockchain technology and crypto assets; he serves as Legal Adviser of the Japan Blockchain Association, the top authority on the blockchain industry, and has one of the largest blockchain-related practices in the country. In addition, he continues to participate actively in dispute resolution matters (carried over from his time before ZeLo).
Attorney admitted in Japan
Graduated from Kyoto University, Faculity of Law (LL.B,2008), Kyoto University, School of Law (J.D., 2010), passed the Japanese Bar Exam (2010). Joined major electronics manufacturing company and was assigned to medical division (2011-2023), and joined ZeLo (2024-). In the Corporate Legal Department, she had continued to engage in a variety of tasks, including routine and non-routine contract matters, troubleshooting, governance, developing and operating risk compliance systems, and Corporate restructuring.
Graduated from Kyoto University, Faculity of Law (LL.B,2008), Kyoto University, School of Law (J.D., 2010), passed the Japanese Bar Exam (2010). Joined major electronics manufacturing company and was assigned to medical division (2011-2023), and joined ZeLo (2024-). In the Corporate Legal Department, she had continued to engage in a variety of tasks, including routine and non-routine contract matters, troubleshooting, governance, developing and operating risk compliance systems, and Corporate restructuring.
Attorney admitted in Japan
Graduated from the Faculty of Law, the University of Tokyo in 2011, completed the School of Law at the University of Tokyo and passed the National Bar examination in 2013. Registered as a lawyer (DaiIchi Tokyo Bar Association) and joined Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu in 2014. Joined ZeLo, in August 2019. His main practice areas include M&A, rulemaking/public affairs, general corporate, litigation/dispute resolution, and crisis management/compliance. His publications include "Understanding Systems and Technologies Enabling IT-based Shareholders’ Meetings" (Japan Business Law Review), "Strategy and Practice of Rulemaking" (Shojihomu, 2021) and "Practical Guide to Building a Legal Function from Scratch" (Chuo Keizai-sha, 2023).
Graduated from the Faculty of Law, the University of Tokyo in 2011, completed the School of Law at the University of Tokyo and passed the National Bar examination in 2013. Registered as a lawyer (DaiIchi Tokyo Bar Association) and joined Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu in 2014. Joined ZeLo, in August 2019. His main practice areas include M&A, rulemaking/public affairs, general corporate, litigation/dispute resolution, and crisis management/compliance. His publications include "Understanding Systems and Technologies Enabling IT-based Shareholders’ Meetings" (Japan Business Law Review), "Strategy and Practice of Rulemaking" (Shojihomu, 2021) and "Practical Guide to Building a Legal Function from Scratch" (Chuo Keizai-sha, 2023).
Attorney admitted in Japan
Graduated from the Faculty of Law, Keio University in 2012. Completed the School of Law at the Keio University and passed the National Bar Examination in 2014. Registered as a lawyer (Daini Tokyo Bar Association) and joined Ushijima & Partners in 2015. Seconded to the Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission of the Financial Services Agency in 2019. Returned to Ushijima & Partners in January 2021 and joined ZeLo later in 2021. His areas of practice are M&A, general corporate matters, investment funds, litigation and dispute resolution, and intellectual property.
Graduated from the Faculty of Law, Keio University in 2012. Completed the School of Law at the Keio University and passed the National Bar Examination in 2014. Registered as a lawyer (Daini Tokyo Bar Association) and joined Ushijima & Partners in 2015. Seconded to the Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission of the Financial Services Agency in 2019. Returned to Ushijima & Partners in January 2021 and joined ZeLo later in 2021. His areas of practice are M&A, general corporate matters, investment funds, litigation and dispute resolution, and intellectual property.
Attorney admitted in Japan
Graduated from Nagoya University (LL.B, 2016), passed Japan Bar Exam (Registered in 2018). Experience at Mori Hamada & Matsumoto (2019-2023), seconded to Road Transport Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Passenger Transport Division and Accident Compensation Policy Office) (2021-2023), and joined ZeLo (2023-). Main practice areas include M&A, startup law, regulations on automobiles, mobility and transportation, dispute resolution, and public affairs.
Graduated from Nagoya University (LL.B, 2016), passed Japan Bar Exam (Registered in 2018). Experience at Mori Hamada & Matsumoto (2019-2023), seconded to Road Transport Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Passenger Transport Division and Accident Compensation Policy Office) (2021-2023), and joined ZeLo (2023-). Main practice areas include M&A, startup law, regulations on automobiles, mobility and transportation, dispute resolution, and public affairs.
