The new office, located in the centre of Tokyo's busy CBD, will be lead by Ian Williams, Rupert Lewi and new resident partner Natsuko Ogawa.

Blake Dawson's managing partner John Carrington said: "Attaining the licence represents not just a major step for Blake Dawson but for the Australian legal profession.

“It follows extensive discussions and engagement with the Japanese regulatory authorities and adds to the firm's Asian presence that now spans Shanghai, Singapore, Jakarta and Port Moresby."

Partner Natsuko Ogawa said: "Our new Tokyo office will offer our Japanese clients a richer service offering through an on-the-ground presence, bringing an even greater focus and depth to these relationships while opening up new opportunities for the firm and our legal staff with an interest in Japan."