Enforcement of Arbitration Awards in Japan


Produced in partnership with Michael Mroczek of Nozomi Sogo Attorneys at Law and Aiko Ota of Nozomi Sogo Attorneys at Law
Practice notes

Enforcement of Arbitration Awards in Japan


Produced in partnership with Michael Mroczek of Nozomi Sogo Attorneys at Law and Aiko Ota of Nozomi Sogo Attorneys at Law

Practice notes
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Japan's enforcement framework for arbitration awards provides a clear and predictable system for parties seeking to enforce arbitration awards. The statutory framework is based on international best practice, with Japan's judicial approach generally exhibiting a pro-arbitration stance in enforcement proceedings.

Legal framework for arbitration award enforcement in Japan

Applicable laws and Conventions

Japan is a member State of the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (New York Convention), having acceded to it on 20 June 1961. This early adoption demonstrates Japan’s longstanding arbitration-friendly attitude. However, Japan has made a declaration under Article I.3 of the Convention to apply it only to awards made in other contracting states, limiting its scope to reciprocal enforcement.

The Japan Arbitration Act (JAA) (Act No. 138 of 2003, amended by Act No. 53 of 2023) governs all arbitrations seated in Japan, whether domestic or international. The JAA adopts the UNCITRAL Model Law, including its 2006 amendments, aligning Japan’s arbitration regime with international standards

Michael Mroczek
Michael Mroczek

Partner, Nozomi Sogo Attorneys at Law

Partner, Nozomi Sogo Attorneys at Law | President, Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan

Michael Mroczek is a Swiss-qualified attorney and Registered Foreign Lawyer in Japan with over 15 years of experience in international arbitration. He regularly acts as counsel and arbitrator in complex commercial disputes involving Japanese and European parties. He has experience with arbitrations under major institutional rules, including the ICC, JCAA, SIAC, and the Swiss Rules of International Arbitration, and frequently advises on enforcement, recognition, and post-award proceedings.

Based in Tokyo since 2012, Michael currently serves as President of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan, a position he also held from 2015 to 2019. He previously served as President of the European Business Council in Japan and is a strong advocate for the use of Swiss arbitration in Asia-related contracts.

He lectures on international arbitration at the University of Tokyo and Temple University Japan. His publications have appeared in Global Arbitration Review, Japan Commercial Arbitration Journal, and the IBA’s Arbitration News. Michael is fluent in multiple languages and admitted to practice in Switzerland and the EU (Poland).

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Aiko Ota
Aiko Ota

Of Counsel, Nozomi Sogo Attorneys at Law

Of Counsel, Nozomi Sogo Attorneys at Law

Ms. Ota has extensive experience in handling international disputes, including arbitration, arbitration-related court proceedings, and cross-border commercial litigation. She regularly advises multinational clients on dispute resolution strategies in complex, multi-jurisdictional matters. Her practice also includes compliance, risk management, data protection, employment law, and general corporate matters. 

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