The Tokyo office of K&L Gates has boosted its disputes, real estate, and finance practices with the recruitment of six lawyers, including two partners.

Among the new arrivals is Takahiro Hoshino, founder and managing partner of Hoshino & Partners, who moves across with a team of four associates.

Hoshino advises clients on a wide range of disputes, including domestic and international employment law, commercial litigation and a variety of corporate matters, such as restructurings, joint ventures, M&A and finance.

Prior to founding his firm, Hoshino worked as a judge at the Tokyo District Court.

Joining alongside Hoshino's team is Takahiro Tsumagari, formerly the head of Astumi & Sakai's international trade and tax team.

Tsumagari covers a broad range of practice areas, including real estate, structured finance, antitrust and M&A matters, as well as international and domestic commercial trade issues.

The hires, take the Tokyo office to 21 lawyers, including nine partners.
"This is a real boost to our team in Tokyo and the region more broadly," said David Tang, K&L Gates' managing partner for Asia. "We are seeing increased business confidence in the Japanese economy, which will inevitability flow through to more activity for clients.

"Both partners have exceptional experience that will be invaluable in helping our clients navigate the many challenges they may face as a result of this increased activity."

Last October, the Tokyo office secured a major mandate when it advised Japan Airlines on its first ever order with Airbus, a deal which will see the carrier purchase 31 of the manufacturer's A350 planes.

Tokyo-based partners Keiji Isaji, Atsushi Yamashita, and Robert Melson led a team advising the Japanese carrier, alongside London partner Trevor Beadle.