The Japan P&I Club is continuously strengthening its legal framework. In September 2025, Mr Yamamoto, a lawyer with an extensive track record at the forefront of maritime law, joined the Club to enhance our legal services. In addition to providing legal advice on a wide range of daily enquiries received from our Members, we also offer tailored legal seminars designed to address specific operational issues and individual needs.

Direct Lectures by an Experienced Maritime Lawyer

After gaining experience at a law firm handling general corporate law, Mr Yamamoto spent over 20 years at a specialist practice focusing exclusively on maritime law. He is an expert capable of handling all manner of cases, including oil pollution incidents, major collisions and damage to port infrastructure.

Drawing on his extensive expertise, Mr Yamamoto delivers tailored legal seminars covering a broad spectrum of practical topics, such as:

• Legal Procedures Following Maritime Casualties: Providing detailed explanations of criminal proceedings, marine accident inquiries and Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB) investigations, alongside practical guidance on the specific actions shipowners and operational staff should take when an incident occurs.
• Understanding Charterparties: Offering accessible lectures tailored for junior staff and operational personnel, covering everything from the fundamentals of charterparties to overall contractual frameworks.
• General Average: Explaining the fundamental principles of General Average and the practical workflow involved.

In his lectures, Mr Yamamoto focuses on striking the right balance between legal theory and operational practice, using visual aids and diagrams to ensure participants gain a clear picture of the full context.

These bespoke seminars can be conducted in small, meeting-style groups of five to six participants. This format facilitates in-depth Q&A sessions involving sensitive or case-specific details that might be difficult to disclose in a public forum, and has earned high praise from participating Members.

The Club is actively expanding these tailored seminars. As a trusted partner working closely alongside our Members, we remain committed to providing comprehensive legal support.