Located in the centre of Tokyo's colourful CBD, the office's opening is the culmination of a long and focused process by Blake Dawson's Japan team, led by Ian Williams, Rupert Lewi and the office's new resident partner, Natsuko Ogawa.

"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," said Ogawa in a statement released today.

Managing partner John Carrington said of the milestone: "Attaining the license 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."