SAKURA Law Office (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Managing Partner: Kenshiro Michishita) is pleased to announce that, as of October 14, 2025, it has entered into a strategic partnership with the distinguished Bahraini law firm Qarooni & Partners (A. Ghani Qarooni & Associates). Through this alliance, both firms have established a substantive and exclusive partnership centered on legal cooperation between Japan and the Middle East, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Background and Purpose of the Partnership
This partnership was formed in response to the increasing need for cross-border legal support and regulatory compliance between Japan and Bahrain, as well as the growing demand for advanced legal services across the GCC region. The main objectives of this alliance are as follows:
- Establish a cross-border legal support framework between Japan and the GCC
- Jointly address Web3, Islamic finance, digital assets, ESG, AI, and privacy laws
- Collaborate on international arbitration, litigation, and financial cases
- Promote exchange and development of young legal professionals
- Foster international collaboration in public-interest legal fields such as human rights, environmental protection, LGBTQ, and labor support
Outline of the Partnership
Through this partnership, both firms aim to establish a robust legal hub function between Japan and GCC countries and will closely collaborate in the following areas:
- Cross-Border Legal Affairs
Provide joint legal advice on M&A, joint ventures, contract negotiations, foreign exchange regulations, and tax compliance between Japan and the GCC. - Advanced Finance and Digital Assets
Support structures involving cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, security tokens, AML/CFT compliance, and Islamic finance schemes. - Corporate, ESG, and Governance
Offer support for IPOs, internal controls, human capital management, and sustainability disclosure in line with international standards. - International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution
Collaborate on multilingual documentation, provisional remedies, and enforcement for cases before DIAC, JCAA, and other arbitral institutions. - Tri-National Cooperation Framework
Develop trilateral collaboration among Japan, Bahrain, and other GCC nations for regional legal initiatives. - Public-Interest and International Contribution
Promote legal initiatives related to refugee and labor support, renewable energy, climate change, SDGs, and ESG-based CSR. - Human Resource Exchange and Development
Conduct reciprocal lawyer and paralegal exchanges, joint training, mock arbitration sessions, and language programs.
About the Partner Firm: Qarooni & Partners
Qarooni & Partners is one of Bahrain’s earliest accredited law firms, established in 1965. For over five decades, it has played a central role in supporting Bahrain’s judicial system and corporate legal landscape. The firm is officially registered with the Bahrain Bar Association and recognized by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry as a qualified institution authorized to handle the incorporation and registration of foreign companies.
The firm is internationally recognized for its distinguished expertise in the following areas:
- Comprehensive practice covering litigation, arbitration, corporate law, and maritime law
- Extensive experience before all levels of Bahraini courts
- Deep understanding of local regulations and commercial practices
- High capability in corporate establishment, licensing, and foreign investment support
- Strong multilingual capacity in both Arabic and English
Introducing Managing Partner Loay A. Ghani Qarooni
Mr. Loay A. Ghani Qarooni, Managing Partner of Qarooni & Partners, is a former board member of the Bahrain Bar Association. After graduating from the Faculty of Law at Beirut Arab University, he began his legal career in 1993. In 2002, he assumed leadership of the firm’s overall management and, in 2005, established its Corporate Incorporation and Commercial Registration Department, contributing significantly to the advancement of commercial law in Bahrain.
With more than 20 years of experience, he has held leading roles in litigation, banking, insurance, corporate, and maritime law. He has participated in landmark cases before Bahrain’s Court of Cassation and Constitutional Court. His continuous commitment to monitoring legislative and institutional reforms has earned him the trust of clients both domestically and internationally.
Future Outlook and the Role of SAKURA Law Office
Through this partnership, SAKURA Law Office has established a reliable platform to provide trusted local legal support to Japanese companies seeking to enter Bahrain and the wider GCC region. At the same time, the firm is prepared to assist GCC-based companies and institutions planning to invest in or expand into Japan.
With this agreement now in effect, SAKURA Law Office will continue to serve as a strategic legal partner, dedicated to helping clients navigate global business environments and achieve optimal solutions in an increasingly complex and competitive landscape.
Contact Information
SAKURA Law Office
4F, Ark Hills South Tower, 1-4-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan
Managing Partner: Kenshiro Michishita (Attorney at Law)
https://sakura-lawyers.jp/en/
About Qarooni & Partners
Qarooni & Partners
A.Ghani Qarooni & Associates
National Bank of Bahrain, Building 9th Floor,
Government Avenue, P. O. Box 5351, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Managing Partner: Loay A. Ghani Qarooni