Tel: +81359258423
Shinjuku International
Law Firm
Criminal Defense and Civil Litigation Lawyer in Tokyo, Japan
My name is Rie Nishida, an English-speaking lawyer in Tokyo.
I am admitted to practice law in both Japan and New York.
I opened Shinjuku International Law Firm near Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in 2021 to serve clients from all over the world.
My practice focuses on Criminal Defense and Litigation.
If you are looking for an English-speaking attorney for Criminal Defense or Civil Litigation in Japan, I am here to help.
Admitted as a Japanese bengoshi (lawyer) in 2012. Member of the Tokyo Bar Association and the New York Bar. Educated at Hitotsubashi University (JD, 2011), the Legal Research and Training Institute of the Supreme Court of Japan (2012), UC Berkeley (Visiting Fellow from Japan Federation of Bar Associations, 2015) and University of Texas School of Law at Austin (LL.M., 2016)
Our Core Values
Strategic Defense. Seamless Communication. Personal Commitment.
Has a loved one been arrested? Or are you facing criminal charges in Japan?
Navigating the Japanese criminal justice system can be daunting, especially if you are unfamiliar with a system notorious for prolonged detention, harsh interrogations, and a high conviction rate.
While many firms advertise English-speaking representation, in reality, cases are often handled through interpreters or assigned to junior associates. This can lead to miscommunication when it matters most.
Our firm does things differently.
Our founder, Rie Nishida—admitted in both Japan and New York—serves as Lead Counsel on every case. This direct engagement ensures seamless communication in English and that the core strategy is personally developed, not delegated to associates.
Through hands-on leadership, the aim is to provide a defense that is both strategic and compassionate, striving earnestly to protect your interests at every stage.
Strategic First Steps
The outcome of any legal matter often depends on the specific actions taken at the very beginning. Whether facing an immediate crisis or a long-standing dispute, consulting with a lawyer at the earliest opportunity is crucial.
Do any of the following apply to you?
01
Criminal Defense (Urgent Action Required, Primary Area of Focus)
“I am suspected of a crime, and the police have contacted me for questioning. Should I go?”
Our Approach: In criminal cases, time is the enemy. We provide immediate advice on how to handle interrogations and protect your rights from the very first moment of contact.
02
Business & Civil Disputes
“I run a company and am having trouble with a business partner. Where do I start?”
Our Approach: We cut through the confusion to identify core legal issues, providing a clear roadmap for negotiation or litigation.
03
Inheritance & Family Matters
“My siblings and I are arguing over the division of our father's estate. How can we resolve this?”
Our Approach: We navigate emotional family dynamics with legal clarity, ensuring a fair division and resolution.
We Are Here to Help.
We will listen to your concerns, identify the core issues, and propose "Strategic First Steps" to tackle these challenges. We work closely with you every step of the way to reach a resolution.
Please feel free to contact us at any time using the contact information below.
Our Team
Flow of Acceptance of Your Request
01
Consultation by phone or e-mail:
Free of charge for the first time
02
Initial meeting remote or in-person:
22,000 yen
Visitation in detention: 22,000 yen
03
Provide a quotation
for service
04
Appointment as counsel
Areas of Practice
Please feel free to contact me.
For urgent issues, please contact me by phone.
Non-indictment in Serious Cases
Result
Suspected Bodily Injury Resulting in Death
- Denying Charge
- Result: Non-indictment
Our client was accused of assaulting an acquaintance and causing their death, and was subsequently arrested for suspected bodily injury resulting in death.
After the initial period of confinement of 23 days, our client was re-arrested on a separate charge, in total being confined for over 1 month, during which time they were subjected to continual, exhausting interrogations.
Considering the seriousness of the case, we formed a team to provide legal defense. The lawyers on the case visited the client constantly, to provide advice on how to deal with the harsh interrogations according to how they were progressing.
In addition, after being re-arrested on a separate charge, we lodged an objection with the court because the police were still illegally investigating the original allegation of bodily injury resulting in death, and were able to limit their activities. At the same time, we investigated the true facts relating to the case, and presented documents to the prosecutor which showed that there were alternative causes of death for the victim.
These actions allowed us to obtain a decision of non-indictment from the prosecutor, and our client was freed after getting a suspended sentence for a lesser crime (assault).
Non-indictment in Drug Cases
Result
Suspected Importation of MDMA
-Denying Charge
-Result: Non-indictment
Our client was suddenly arrested after being accused of ordering MDMA to his home address.
There was indeed a package addressed to our client which had been seized by customs and which contained illegal drugs.
We provided our client advice on dealing with the continuing harsh interrogation of the police, and began to investigate the facts of the case ourselves.
After looking into the facts surrounding the case, it was clear that it was highly unreasonable to assume that our client was the kind of person who would order MDMA. (The client had no previous record or criminal history, was working diligently in his job etc.)
We collected supporting evidence and character witness statements from family and work colleagues and submitted them to the prosecutor.
These actions allowed us to obtain a decision of non-indictment, and our client was freed.
FAQ
Question
Should I talk to the police before I consult a lawyer?
Absolutely not, even if you believe you are innocent and have nothing to hide. It is very important to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney before speaking to the police. Going in without an attorney can only put you at a disadvantage, therefore you should never do it.
Question
How much does it cost to retain a criminal defense lawyer?
It varies. The fee for each case depends on the amount of work required and the complexity of the work. A first time shoplifting case will have a very different fee than a murder case, for example. To discuss your individual case, please give me a call. If you are contacting me on behalf of someone arrested or detained already, I can provide a fee estimate after seeing him or her at a police station or detention center for 22,000 yen (220 USD).
Question
I have already retained an attorney or have a government appointed attorney, may I still contact you for consultation?
Yes. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the current situation or representation, I am happy to help you.
Question
I have a legal matter but it is not related to a criminal case or civil litigation, can you still help me?
I would be happy to help you. If it turns out that the matter is outside of my areas of expertise, I will do my best to find another Japanese lawyer to help you if you like.
Access & Contact
Thank you for visiting the website. Please feel free to contact me by phone or e-mail. I will get back to you as soon as possible.
For urgent inquiries, please contact me directly via call or text through WhatsApp using the QR code
Shinjuku International Law Firm（Keiwa Bldg. 8F, 4-28-15, Yotsuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan）
Tel: +81359258423
Fax:+81367337812
