Trying on kimonos during an internship in Tokyo

Law Internships in Tokyo

Japan's legal system was built in a hurry. In the late nineteenth century, drafters traveled the world, borrowing from French and German codes to assemble modern civil, criminal and commercial law within a generation. Today, Tokyo is home to the Supreme Court of Japan, a specialized intellectual property court, major corporate law firms and the head offices of some of the world's largest companies, and in 2009 the country brought ordinary citizens into serious criminal trials alongside professional judges.

Please note: our dedicated Law internships aren't currently available in Tokyo. They are available in London, New York, Dublin, Madrid, Melbourne, Medellín, Bangkok and as a remote program. If Tokyo is your priority destination, several other career fields can help you develop relevant experience.

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24Guaranteed Internship
Vetted Law roles in London, New York, Dublin, Madrid, Melbourne, Medellín and Bangkok.

14Complete Overseas Support
Visa assistance, housing, social & cultural events and 24/7 staff support included in every destination.

22Global Career Network
Join 15,000+ alumni with dynamic workshops, networking events, and employer references.

Example Law host organizations

We've previously placed interns with law firms, in-house legal teams, legal research organizations and advocacy groups in our Law destinations. The organizations featured represent examples of the types of professional environments where participants have gained experience and aren't necessarily Tokyo placements.

Why Tokyo is worth considering for a law career

Tokyo is a major center for commercial law. The country's largest listed companies, banks and trading houses are headquartered in the capital, and the firms advising them handle mergers, financing, competition rules, employment matters and cross-border contracts. Japan relies on a civil law tradition, so statutes and codes sit at the center of legal reasoning, in contrast to the case-driven approach of the United Kingdom and the United States. Foreign lawyers can register to advise on the law of their home countries, which makes the city a base for international firms serving clients in Asia.

Intellectual property is another strength. Japanese manufacturers, game studios and entertainment companies hold huge portfolios of patents, trademarks and copyrights, and a specialist court in Tokyo hears many appeals on these disputes. The legal profession is also smaller relative to the population than in many other countries, and mediation and settlement play a larger role than courtroom battles in resolving many disputes. For anyone curious about how a major economy balances written codes, corporate practice and negotiation, Tokyo offers a rewarding case study.

What makes Tokyo's legal scene stand out

Civil law tradition
Codified statutes shape reasoning, drafting and dispute resolution.

Corporate and cross-border work
 Large firms advise multinational companies on deals, financing and regulation.

Intellectual property
Manufacturers and entertainment businesses depend on patent, trademark and copyright protection.

Citizen participation
Lay judges sit alongside professional judges in serious criminal trials.

Can you do a Law internship in Tokyo?

Not currently. Our dedicated Law internships are available in London, New York, Dublin, Madrid, Melbourne, Medellín, Bangkok and remotely. If you'd like to be in Tokyo, the career fields below can build skills that transfer into law and legal careers.

Explore Law internships in other destinations >

Exploring the streets of Tokyo during an internship in Japan

Other career fields to consider in Tokyo for a career in law

The best option will depend on which part of law and the legal sector you're interested in pursuing.

Business

Contracts, compliance and corporate governance are the daily concern of in-house legal teams. A business placement in Tokyo offers a commercial view of how large companies operate and where legal advice fits in.

Finance & Accounting

Mergers, financing and securities regulation sit at the intersection of finance and law. A finance placement builds the numerical understanding that corporate lawyers rely on.

Consulting

Consultancies advise companies on regulation, risk and market entry alongside their legal advisers. This route builds the analytical and presentation skills used in legal and commercial teams.

Language & Translation

Legal work in Japan depends on precise translation of contracts, statutes and filings. A language placement in Tokyo builds the vocabulary and accuracy that international legal teams need.

HR

Employment contracts, workplace rules and labor regulation are a core part of the legal landscape. An HR placement shows how legal requirements shape the way companies hire and manage people.

Journalism, Publishing & Media

Courts, regulators and corporate disputes are regular subjects of news coverage. A media placement builds research and writing skills for explaining complex legal topics clearly.

NGO & Non-profit

Many non-profits work on legal issues such as human rights, consumer protection and access to justice. This route offers experience of advocacy, research and public interest work.

IT & Computer Science

Data protection, cybersecurity and technology contracts are growing parts of legal practice. An IT placement can build technical skills that complement a legal career.

Hear from our Tokyo interns

Amer Salha
Amer Salha
Watch their story
Max Stockley
Max Stockley
Watch their story
Danieli Acuat
Danieli Acuat
Watch their story

"My company was really flexible about working remotely or in the office, as long as I fulfilled my responsibilities. This gave me plenty of opportunities to explore Japan. My favourite parts of living here have been the varied food, the friendly and respectful people, and the beautiful sights across Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond." - Amer Salha, Tokyo intern

"Step out of your comfort zone and embrace the differences, from the food and culture to the things you see every day. The work experience is really important, but make sure you also take time to get out there, explore, and have fun!" - Max Stockley, intern in Tokyo

Going for a walk around Tokyo after work during an internship in Japan

Want a direct Law internship?

If working in law is your main goal, our dedicated Law internships are available in London, New York, Dublin, Madrid, Melbourne, Medellín, Bangkok and remotely. You'll work with law firms and legal teams on real projects.

Explore Law internships >

Start building your international legal career

Tokyo may not currently offer dedicated Law internships, but there are still ways to build experience that supports a legal career. Choose a related career field in Tokyo, or select one of our Law destinations to work directly in the field.

Apply now

Trying on kimonos during an internship abroad in Tokyo

FAQs

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Realize your potential with an international internship

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  • 1

    Apply online

    Complete our simple application form and tell us about your passions, qualifications, and experiential requirements.

  • 2

    Interview

    If your interview is successful, confirm your enrollment with a tuition deposit.

  • 3

    Secure your internship

    Collaborate in the internship placement process & accelerate your career.