A Japanese law firm is entering the U.S. market by opening offices in Texas, the third major Japanese firm to make such a move in recent weeks. Anderson Mori & Tomotsune will establish locations in Dallas and Houston during spring 2027, marking its first U.S. presence. This follows similar expansions by Mori Hamada & Matsumoto and Miura & Partners, both of which have also set up operations in Texas.
The Dallas office will be located in Plano, a business district where numerous large Japanese companies already maintain their North American headquarters. The Houston branch will open in the TC Energy Center, a hub for energy, space, and advanced medical technology sectors. These new locations will become Anderson Mori’s 16th and 17th offices worldwide, extending its global network that currently includes offices in Japan, East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
Koichi Saito, a lawyer qualified in New York, will lead the Texas offices as managing partner. He will be supported by Marilyn Ozuka, a senior associate with previous experience in London. Saito stated the expansion represents a critical part of the firm’s North American strategy, addressing rising legal needs from Japanese companies active in the U.S. or expanding into Central and South America.
Data from the Japan External Trade Organization indicates 127 Japanese companies already operate in Texas, with that figure continuing to grow. The firm reports a sharp increase in U.S.-focused legal inquiries, particularly from Texas, the Midwest, and the South. Clients frequently request advice on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and state-level employment laws when establishing new operations.
Texas stands out as the most attractive U.S. business hub due to its absence of a state corporate tax, lower operating costs, and access to a skilled workforce. The state’s strategic location near major U.S. cities also makes it an ideal gateway for expansion into Central and South America. Many Japanese and international firms are relocating headquarters or manufacturing facilities to Texas, according to the firm.
The firm’s expansion reflects broader industry trends, as Japanese companies establish stronger U.S. footprints, particularly in states offering favorable business conditions. Legal requirements in Texas have grown more complex as these firms adjust to local regulations while expanding their operations.
