Living in Tokyo

Living and working in Tokyo
One of the biggest challenges to working in Herbert Smith Tokyo is learning to deal with Japanese etiquette. This is difficult both professionally and socially. For example it is customary for the most junior person in a meeting to sit nearest the door. And a five-minute silence in a client meeting is a regular, if unnerving, experience. Once you get used to the Japanese way of doing business, however, it is a fascinating place to work.

Tokyo is an exciting city, offering everything you could possibly want - and more - 24 hours a day. There is a healthy, but not claustrophobic expat community, and the English-speaking Japanese are very welcoming. There is plenty of socialising within the office with visits to the local restaurants and bars. In addition, many members of the firm play rugby, visit the fully subsidised local gym or participate in football matches with clients and other law firms.

Outside Tokyo Japan offers beautiful countryside, fascinating historical sites and sports from skiing to surfing, all easily accessible by the unfailingly efficient train system.