Enhance Your Legal Skills: Practical Seminar on English Contract Interpretation and Drafting

In today's global economy, the ability to effectively interpret and draft English contracts is an essential skill for legal professionals and those in intellectual property roles. The Japan Management Association (NOMA) is excited to announce an online seminar titled Practical Seminar on English Contract Interpretation and Drafting, scheduled for January 22, 2026. This seminar aims to equip participants with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of English contracts confidently.

Understanding the Complexity of English Contracts

English contracts can often seem overwhelming due to their intricate language and structure. Many professionals encounter difficulties in discerning the core message of a contract and identifying potential risks within. Misinterpretation of terms can lead to unintended obligations and disputes, particularly when familiar Japanese contractual norms do not apply to English contracts.

As cross-border transactions increase, the challenges associated with English contracts are no longer limited to legal departments. Professionals from intellectual property and business divisions also find themselves wrestling with English contracts, leading to common issues:

- Difficulty in grasping the sentence structure, often causing confusion over subjects and predicates,
- Challenges in distinguishing between modal verbs like shall, may, and will, leading to inconsistent interpretations,
- Over-reliance on Japanese contract logic that can cause critical risks to go unnoticed.

The seminar is designed to demystify these challenges and provide practical techniques to enhance both the reading and writing of English contracts.

Seminar Objectives

Participants will:

- Gain clarity on the 'form' of English contracts to preemptively avoid common pitfalls.
- Learn reading strategies that emphasize understanding the sequence of reading and the fundamental elements of contracts.
- Acquire writing tips focusing on clarity and precision using Plain English.
- Understand the nuances of difficult clauses and terminologies, including significant definitions and indemnity clauses, transforming English contracts from intimidating documents into useful tools.

Who Should Attend?

This seminar is ideal for:

- Newly assigned legal or IP professionals looking to build a solid foundation in English contracts.
- Individuals wishing to refresh their understanding and skills related to English contracts.
- Those seeking to enhance their ability to interpret and manage risks associated with English contracts.

Meet the Instructor

The seminar will be led by Ikku Katsunuma, a seasoned intellectual property consultant and former Chief of IP at Ajinomoto Co., Inc. With extensive experience in handling contracts and intellectual property issues across various sectors and a background in U.S. law, Mr. Katsunuma brings a wealth of practical knowledge to the table. His insights will be invaluable as he navigates participants through the intricacies of English contracts.

Seminar Schedule

The seminar will cover the following topics:
1. Introduction: Understanding the challenges of English contracts and adopting a practical perspective.
2. Structure and Philosophy of English Contracts: Grasping the overall structure and functions of each part.
3. Unique Features of English Contracts: Exploring distinctive styles and expressions.
4. Differences Between English and Japanese Contracts: Identifying common miscommunications and issues.
5. Keys to Reading English Contracts: Approaches to decipher content effectively.
6. Tips for Writing English Contracts: Emphasizing clarity and accuracy in expression.
7. Analyzing Problematic Clauses: Breaking down common themes faced in practice.
8. Summary: Strategies for professionals in engaging with English contracts effectively.

This seminar also includes on-demand broadcasting for participants who are unable to attend live, ensuring flexibility in learning.

Registration and Details

- Date: January 22, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (Live Session)
- On-Demand Access: Available from January 29 to February 5, 2026.
- Format: Online via Deliveru
- Fees (incl. tax):

- Members: ¥31,900 / Non-Members: ¥39,600
For further information and registration, please visit: NOMA Official Seminar Page

By participating in this seminar, you ensure that you are well-equipped to tackle the nuances of English contracts with confidence and precision, enhancing your capabilities in today’s interconnected business landscape.