Well, well, well! What do we have here? A lovely little article about a shiny new law office making waves in Kawasaki, and my, oh my, it’s got all the bells and whistles! It’s like the Avengers of the legal world: we’ve got Yumiko Tanigai and Yohei Kimura teaming up to save the day, one legal quandary at a time! It’s a thrilling tale of friendship, ambition, and just a touch of drama—because who doesn’t love a good courtroom showdown?
Now, let’s take a moment to appreciate the excellent choice of location. Kawasaki Station? Not too shabby, right? An eleven-minute stroll from the station—not exactly a marathon, but probably not the best time for a leisurely duck-duck-goose either. And right next to City Hall? Perfect for those last-minute “I need a lawyer” situations that pop up while you’re filing for a parking ticket or, y’know, navigating through life’s little legal hiccups.
And look, they’re not just two random suits in a glass office tower! Oh no, they’re born and bred Kohoku folks! It’s practically a neighborhood reunion every time they meet a client. If they had a slogan, it could be “Local lawyers for local problems.” They might even supply tea and biscuits, a proper English legal affair—except, of course, this isn’t England, but let’s not get bogged down in the details!
Yumiko has had quite the journey from aspiring academic to law school graduate. Now, that’s a plot twist worth a standing ovation! Can you imagine? One moment you’re studying economics, thinking you’ll be the next great scholar, and then suddenly you’re knee deep in the nitty-gritty of family law, juggling two kids and court cases like a seasoned circus performer! My only question is, does she have a secret identity as a superhero? Because that sounds heroic enough to warrant a cape!
Then we have Yohei, our soccer-loving, bright-eyed dreamer. Talk about living the dream—except instead of scoring goals on a football pitch, he’s scoring cases in a law office. And hey, let’s give it up for his resilience. You know you’re a trooper when you’ve had heart surgery and are still hustling to make your mark in the legal field! It’s like a real-life Rocky story—only, instead of a boxing ring, he’s in a conference room armed with statutes and case law notes.
But wait, there’s more! They’re not just about suits and briefs—oh no, they’re offering FREE consultations! Sounds like a clever marketing tactic; who doesn’t love free advice? Especially when it solves that burning question of “Am I in trouble?”
Now, I don’t want to sound too skeptical, but let’s be honest here—free consultations are the legal equivalent of “I’ll take you out for coffee,” which usually means you’re about to hear all about their life story, including that one time they binge-watched an entire series in one weekend. But honestly, engaging with the community? That’s commendable! They’re weaving a tapestry of trust and service, and I’m here for it!
So, as they gear up to celebrate the first anniversary of the Kawasaki Sakura Law Office, you can’t help but be a little charmed. They’re two legal eagles who have taken their dreams and made them a reality—even amidst the chaos of raising kids and tackling life’s little problems, they haven’t lost their sense of community spirit.
To wrap this up in true “Carr-Atkinson-Gervais-Evans” style: Should you find yourself in a legal pickle in Kawasaki, just remember, for those urgent issues that make you sweat more than a polar bear in a sauna, at least you’ve got some friendly neighborhood lawyers ready to lend a hand! Who knew legal troubles could be approached with such enthusiasm and charm? Now, if only they offered a sense of humor along with their legal advice; that would certainly take the cake. Or at least the biscuit!
[This article is provided by a corporate supporter member]Lawyers from Hiyoshi and KikunabutNew office near Kawasaki Stationhas been launched independently, with a mission to be as close to the local community as possible in order to effectively tackle a myriad of legal troubles. The team is dedicated to providing exceptional legal support each and every day.
On November 1st last year (2023), the doors to a brand new legal facility were opened on the 4th floor of the Taiko Building, located in Miyamae-cho, Kawasaki Ward, conveniently situated along Fujimi Street. This prime location, just an 11-minute stroll from the north exit of Kawasaki Station and in proximity to Kawasaki City Hall, marks the inception of the“Kawasaki Sakura Law Office.” As the office prepares to celebrate its first anniversary on November 1, 2024, the team eagerly anticipates the milestone.
The Kawasaki Sakura Law Office is co-led by two dynamic representatives: Yumiko Tanigai (right) and Yohei Kimura (left), who share a passion for community and justice.
The firm boasts three skilled lawyers, with both co-representatives,Yumiko Tanigai andYohei Kimura, hailing from Kohoku Ward in Yokohama City. Their shared background and commitment to legal service have paved the way for their collaboration.
After successfully passing the bar exam, they were able to forge a significant bond as “contemporaries” during their time as legal trainees; this connection played a crucial role in spurring the decision to establish their new office together.
Tanigai and Kimura’s relationship deepened during their legal training under the Public Prosecutors Office where they learned from one another and built a robust foundation of trust.
Tanigai from Hiyoshifeels that opening a law office in Kawasaki has presented her with the opportunity to engage with a diverse array of cases and incidents. She states her decision to embark on this independent path in Kawasaki was influenced by her desire to serve the community effectively.
Mr. Tanigai also brings a wealth of experience to the table, having previously worked at another law firm. She combines her knowledge gained while studying law with her extensive experiences of raising her children to address various family-related issues and challenges, navigating discussions, mediations, and incidents with care and empathy. She particularly emphasizes her familiarity with local circumstances, urging residents to reach out with any concerns they may have.
Mr. Kimura, originally from Kikuna,has cultivated a wide-ranging legal expertise over the years. He handles numerous cases, spanning general civil matters to criminal law, corporate legal affairs, and mergers and acquisitions. His decision to establish a new office stems from years of refining his skills in the legal field.
Tanigai utilizes her experience in raising two children
With roots in Hiyoshi, Mr. Tanigai brings a rich educational background, having attended Shimoda Elementary Schooland subsequently Ferris Jogakuin Junior and Senior High School, both of which influenced her formative years. “I began learning the piano at just four years old, and participated in an orchestra playing the cello during my junior high and high school years,” she fondly recalls, adding that her musical pursuits evoke a sense of nostalgia.
She pursued further education at the localKeio University Faculty of Economics, where she not only immersed herself in academia but also took on the role of a part-time teacher at Okurayama cram school, imparting knowledge across various subjects.
Tanigai’s father was a dedicated doctor at a local general hospital. After graduating from Keio University with a degree in economics, her initial aspiration was to forge a career in academia; however, during her time raising her children, she reignited her ambitions and enrolled in law school, fulfilling her lifelong dream of entering the legal profession that her grandfather once graced as a judge.
Upon completing her law degreeat Hitotsubashi University Graduate School of Economics, she delved into Japanese economic history, which initially ignited her academic passion.
“Originally, I pursued the role of a scholar after completing my master’s program; however, I became uncertain about my career trajectory and ultimately decided to leave the doctoral program after fulfilling the necessary credits. My journey then took me to a company associated with a major electronics manufacturer,” she explains.
Although working in the corporate sector offered her insights into society, Tanigai soon realized her growing desire to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps and delved into law school to fulfill her dreams.
Despite the challenges of being a mother of two, Tanigai managed a busy household while also preparing for the bar exam, overcoming significant hardships in pursuit of her legal career.
Although she harbored ambitious goals, she met and married her husband, and upon their first child entering nursery school, she made the resolute decision to attend law school.
While attending classes, Tanigai also welcomed her second child, yet she remained focused and graduated in just three years, ultimately passing the bar exam while juggling the responsibilities of motherhood. “It was an uphill battle,” she recalls, reflecting on her challenging yet fulfilling journey thus far.
Mr. Kimura pursued his soccer dreams
Conversely, Mr. Kimura shares about his childhood inHodogaya Ward, recounting his move to “Kikuna” during his upper elementary school years. He reminisces about his journey as a passionate soccer player and his vibrant personality.
A self-described soccer enthusiast, Mr. Kimura grew up enjoying interactions with others. “I often stood out due to my sunny demeanor and sociable nature,” he recalled. His mother frequently encouraged him to pursue a legal career, and he fondly remembers noting in his elementary school yearbook that his dream was to become a lawyer.
Upon reflecting on his personal struggles, Kimura acknowledges that, while he was a happy child, he faced significant challenges during his graduate schooling, particularly due to health issues. His upbringing in a family of designers fostered his creativity, and he has also been instrumental in developing the official website for the law office, showcasing his skills.
Having attended Kikuna Elementary School, Ozuna Junior High School, and Yamate Gakuin High School, Kimura devoted his high school years to soccer, playing for both his team and professional youth leagues, and even competed recreationally with the Kanagawa Bar Association team in recent years. “My love for soccer continues to this day,” he states passionately, reminiscing about the joy of being immersed in the sport.
Afterward, he transitioned to Chuo University, where he studied law and successfully passed the bar exam with determination and effort.
“Even when my studies steered me toward economics, I soon realized that economic policies could only be implemented effectively through the law. I view law as a vital infrastructure that supports society. My dream was to be a part of that,” Kimura explains passionately as he discusses his motivations for becoming a lawyer.
The new office, strategically located near Kawasaki City Hall, features a spacious layout conducive to collaboration and aims to foster a welcoming, homely atmosphere for all clients.
“During my journey, I navigated a period of heart disease that necessitated surgery, leading to a lengthy process of preparing for the bar exam,” Kimura shares candidly, attributing his success to resilience, family support, and the scholarship he received during his studies. “The road to becoming a lawyer was indeed arduous but ultimately very rewarding,” he reflects.
Every day, I work as a lawyer with a “feeling for the community”
What unites both Tanigai and Kimura, who are deeply rooted in the Kohoku Ward community, is their unwavering commitment to seeing the local community thrive.
Currently, they are offering initial consultations free of charge for up to thirty minutes in the local Kohoku Ward and Kawasaki area. “If you are facing a familiar problem or struggling to find legal representation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us,” urge both Tanigai and Kimura, welcoming residents to inquire about their services.
The first consultation is free for 30 minutes. They emphasize to the community: “Please feel free to discuss any concerns, no matter how big or small, with us.”
Both Tanigai and Kimura have invested significant effort and determination into realizing their dream of legal practice, expressing gratitude for every client who walks through their doors. “Our aim is to be a lawyer who stands beside you,” Tanigai remarks, committed to fostering togetherness within their community.
Mr. Kimura echoed these sentiments, extending an invitation to those inYokohama and Kawasaki, and encouraging everyone to reach out with their inquiries. “We aspire to address a wide variety of legal concerns not just locally, but beyond,” he affirms with a warm, openhearted approach.
This article is a common article for “Yokohama Hiyoshi Shimbun” and “Shinyokohama Shimbun ~ Shinyoko Shimbun”
[Reference link]・Yumiko Yakai, Attorney-at-Law ~ Kawasaki Sakura Law Office
(Bengoshi.com) *Telephone: 044-440-7064・Yohei Kimura Lawyer ~ Kawasaki Sakura Law Office
(Coconala Legal Consultation)・[June 6th] Bullying prevention class given by a lawyer
(Yokohama City Yagami Elementary School) *Attorney Tanigai will be on stage in June 2024
