Harneys' Japan practice focuses on offshore transactional services, including corporate, dispute resolutions, finance and investment funds. The new office is mainly manned by Japan representative Yuji Asano, who acts as the key point of contact for clients in Japan. He has joined from Sumitomo Mitsui Trust (UK) Limited, where he was director of marketing and sales. Although not a lawyer, Mr Asano has participated in the structuring and launching of numerous offshore funds in his previous role. Other key appointments include counsel Junko Shiokawa from Conyers Dill & Pearman’s Hong Kong office and investment funds partner Matt Roberts from Maples and Calder in Hong Kong. The practice also includes Hong Kong-based counsel Marc Parrott and senior associate Tom Dugdale, and Singapore-based partner Lisa Pearce and senior associate Henno Boshoff. Sources: Asian Legal Business; The Lawyer