#Japan #Tokyo #legal services #TMI #Tokyo National Museum

TMI Legal Office Establishes Partnership with Tokyo National Museum

On May 29, 2025, TMI Legal Office, a leading law firm based in Tokyo, cemented a comprehensive partnership with the Tokyo National Museum. This agreement aims to enhance mutual cooperation in cultural preservation and legal services. The signing ceremony took place at the museum's Kujōkan, attended by notable dignitaries from both organizations, including TMI’s representative attorney, Katsuro Tanaka, and museum director, Makoto Fujiwara.

Historical Background of the Tokyo National Museum

Founded in 1872, the Tokyo National Museum stands as Japan’s oldest museum, initiated during an exhibition at the Yushima Seido in Ueno. Over the years, it has played a crucial role in the collection, preservation, research, and exhibition of cultural properties, thereby contributing significantly to the protection and inheritance of Japanese culture. The museum serves as a vital custodian of the nation's history and heritage, showcasing art and artifacts that are emblematic of Japan's rich legacy.

TMI Legal Office: A Legacy of Support

In contrast, TMI Legal Office, established in 1990, boasts a team of 679 attorneys and 101 patent attorneys, making it one of Japan's largest law firms. The firm operates both domestically and internationally, focusing on comprehensive legal services tailored to businesses, organizations, and communities. TMI has been proactive in building partnerships that bolster cultural, educational, and public interests, which aligns perfectly with the mission of the Tokyo National Museum.

The Purpose of the Agreement

The partnership stems from the mutual connection between TMI’s Katsuro Tanaka and the Tokyo National Museum's Makoto Fujiwara. The objective is to strengthen the intersection of culture and legal practice, furthering societal sustainable development. The collaboration intends to address pressing operational issues faced by the museum and enhance employee welfare at TMI, fostering a robust exchange between both entities.

Key Collaboration Areas

The agreement outlines several primary areas for collaboration, including:
1. Operational Challenges of the Museum: Addressing various operational issues faced by the Tokyo National Museum, enhancing overall functionality and efficiency.
2. Welfare Initiatives at TMI: Exploring avenues for improving welfare services within TMI as it relates to cultural engagement.
3. Additional Initiatives: Pursuing any other areas dictated by mutual consultation between TMI and the museum.

Signing Ceremony Overview

The ceremonial signing of the agreement was held at the Tokyo National Museum’s Kunjōkan. Key attendees included:

• - Makoto Fujiwara, Director of the Tokyo National Museum
• - Katsunori Takenouchi, General Affairs Director
• - Katsuro Tanaka, TMI Legal Office Representative Attorney
• - Ryohei Okawara, Partner Attorney at TMI

TMI’s Commitment to Community Engagement

TMI Legal Office is not new to community partnerships. Over the years, it has entered into various agreements with local governments, educational institutions, and public organizations, promoting initiatives in cultural enrichment, sports development, and digital transformation (DX) endeavors.

Previous collaborations include:

• - Shiga University: An agreement in July 2020 focusing on cooperation in data science.
• - Kanagawa Prefecture: A collaboration agreement established in May 2022.
• - Kagoshima Prefecture: A partnership concerning digitalization signed in March 2023.
• - Kaga City in Ishikawa Prefecture: A broad cooperation agreement for promoting digitalization and local revitalization, signed in November 2023.
• - Japan Sports Agency (JSC): A collaboration agreement signed in June 2024.
• - Kyoto Municipal University of Art: An agreement for cooperation signed in March 2025.
• - Tokyo National Museum: The comprehensive partnership agreement signed in May 2025 marks another milestone in TMI’s outreach efforts.

Conclusion

With this new partnership, TMI Legal Office and the Tokyo National Museum aim to blend legal expertise with cultural heritage management. By focusing on sustainable development through cooperation, both organizations hope to serve as a model for similar partnerships across Japan and beyond. As they continue to explore new initiatives, the commitment to preserving and promoting culture persists at the forefront of their mission—validating the strong connection between culture and jurisprudence in today’s society.