As part of the effort to promote international arbitration, the Ministry of Justice of Japan held an international arbitration seminar on 12 September 2019, at the Embassy of Japan in Germany. The seminar was co-hosted by the German Arbitration Institute (DIS), the Japan International Dispute Resolution Center (JIDRC), the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Embassy of Japan in Germany. Approximately 80 participants, including representatives from Japanese and German businesses and legal professionals, attended the seminar.
Event Highlights
Mr. YAGI Takeshi, Ambassador of Japan to Germany, delivered opening remarks, stating that this seminar would contribute not only to the field of international arbitration but also to strengthening Japan-Germany economic relations and more effectively realizing the “rule of law.” Dr. Margaretha Sudhof, State Secretary, the German Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of the seminar for enhancing future judicial cooperation between Japan and Germany. Furthermore, an official from the International Affairs Division, Minister’s Secretariat, Ministry of Justice of Japan, explained that this seminar was held as part of a commissioned research project on the promotion of international arbitration, with the cooperation of the Embassy of Japan in Germany and other relevant organizations, and that the Ministry of Justice would continue its efforts to promote international arbitration.
Session 1
A panel discussion on “Reforming Arbitration Rules for More Efficient Procedures” was held in Session 1. Panelists, including Prof. DOGAUCHI Masato, Director of the Japan Commercial Arbitration Association (JCAA), took the stage and introduced the JCAA and DIS arbitration rules, as well as their respective similarities and differences.
Session 2
A panel discussion on “Cultural and Procedural Characteristics in Arbitration in Japan and Germany.” The representative of the JIDRC introduced its arbitration facility scheduled to open in Tokyo in March 2020 and explained practical initiatives to promote international arbitration in Japan. Panelists discussed the future direction of international arbitration in both countries.