Lawyer Sumikawa Kei believes that for Japan to become an attractive, internationalized country, then in the realm of law it needs to offer ample support for international residents. It was for that reason, in fact, that he quickly expanded his office
and services. Some of his motivation, however, derives from negative memories.
“Around the time I entered my university, a Japanese traveler was arrested overseas, but because the court translator didn’t have enough language skill, this person ended up in jail—it was big news. I realized that there was a high probability the same thing could happen in Japan. It’s a country where English isn’t widely used. Compared to other countries, I thought there was a much higher danger of miscarriage of justice. After I became a lawyer, I got to see the courtrooms for myself. Unfortunately, you get the feeling that Japanese law is particularly unconcerned with foreigners. Translators sometimes aren’t very good and they are underpaid. The biggest problem is that nobody takes responsibility if there is a mistake.”
Thankfully, Sumikawa is trying to correct this imbalance. His own excellent English is due in part to seven years he spent at the American School in the Netherlands, when his parents were posted for work. He is now registered with the Yokohama Bar Association and offers an array of legal services from his office in Kawasaki. All his staff speak English as well.
Since providing services in English two years ago, they’ve received a steady increase in business. He notes that he has gained valuable experience from handling these cases, which in turn has had a positive influence on cases for Japanese clients—yes, Japanese are of course welcome, too. Legal services he typically handles include traffic accidents, labor, bankruptcy, not to mention domestic services like divorce. His firm also offers business services like establishing a company and contracts.
When asked what he likes about Yokohama, Sumikawa replies, “It’s a fun city, with lots of great bars and restaurants and so much to see. There are also people from many nationalities, making it an international city with great charm.”
Kei Sumikawa (Attorney at Law)
web@smkw.biz
http://sumikawa.net
TEL 044-276-8773 (reservation only)
Member of the Yokohama Bar Association