Opinion Calling for the Enhancement of the Functions of International Arbitration in Japan
February 16, 2017
Japan Federation of Bar Associations
The Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA) prepared its “Opinion Calling for the Enhancement of the Functions of International Arbitration in Japan” (the “Opinion”) on February 16, 2017, and submitted it to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Justice, and the Minister of the Economy, Trade and Industry on March 3, 2017.
Summary of the Opinion
In light of the growing importance of international arbitration in Japan as a means of solving international disputes, especially in the context of the prevailing trend for seeking international arbitration to solve international commercial disputes, the JFBA calls on the national government to take necessary measures and make improvements in the relevant systems promptly. These improvements should be made through inter-agency cooperation to strengthen the functions of international arbitration in Japan, and should include developing physical and human resources such as improving facilities eligible for international arbitrations, developing legal systems in regard to international arbitration, enlarging and enhancing international institutions, and acquisition and training of legal professionals who are capable of being engaged in arbitration, among other improvements. The government’s measures should also include support for such efforts by the private sector, so that Japan can be chosen more as a forum to solve international disputes, and more Japanese legal professionals can work actively worldwide as a practitioner in international arbitration.