Senior E-Commerce Legal Counsel, Japan

Responsibilities

The Team We are seeking a senior-level Japanese-qualified lawyer to join our E-commerce legal team and support our rapidly expanding e-commerce business in Japan by providing strategic and operational legal guidance for the TikTok e-commerce business. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a dynamic and high-growth environment where legal expertise directly influences the success of a fast-scaling business. The Role We are looking for an accomplished legal professional with deep, on-the-ground experience advising e-commerce businesses in Japan. You will have first-hand experience navigating the regulatory landscape and advising digital commerce platforms on compliance, commercial, and operational matters within the Japanese market. Your expertise will be instrumental in helping TikTok’s e-commerce business grow while ensuring adherence to Japanese legal frameworks. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, high-performance environment that demands sound judgment, agility, and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. You will have a proactive approach, strong ownership, and the ability to anticipate legal challenges while supporting business objectives. This role will be based in Tokyo. Responsibilities You will join a team committed to delivering pragmatic legal solutions that empower the business. Your responsibilities will include: – Providing expert legal counsel on a wide range of regulatory, commercial, and product matters, with a particular focus on consumer protection, B2B and B2C engagement, product compliance, advertising, influencer marketing, and intellectual property. – Advising on Japanese legal and regulatory requirements for e-commerce platforms, including platform liability, consumer rights, and product safety. – Leveraging your first-hand experience advising e-commerce businesses in Japan to guide business teams on local market challenges, industry best practices, and regulatory developments. – Reviewing and improving consumer and business-facing disclosures, policies, and terms and conditions to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. – Drafting, negotiating, and managing commercial agreements relevant to digital and e-commerce platforms, including partnerships with merchants, creators, and advertisers. – Driving process improvements, template development, and internal training initiatives to enhance legal workflows and mitigate risk. – Partnering closely with local and international stakeholders across e-commerce, privacy, and public policy teams to navigate complex legal challenges and deliver projects under tight timelines.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: – Strong academic background and qualified to practice law, preferably a bengoshi. – Significant experience at a reputable law firm &/or a multinational corporation – In-depth knowledge of Japanese laws governing digital platforms, retail, and e-commerce, including platform liability, consumer protection, and intellectual property. – Significant experience in drafting and negotiating agreements across the retail, creative, and advertising industries. – Strong documentation, presentation, and communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex legal concepts for business stakeholders. – Ability to work independently on multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. – Fluency in both English and Japanese. Preferred Qualifications: – In-house experience in an international, matrixed, and reputable corporation or a top law firm. – Hands-on experience advising e-commerce businesses in Japan, including direct engagement with regulatory bodies, industry associations, or compliance initiatives. – Deep understanding of the Japanese regulatory landscape as it pertains to digital commerce and online marketplaces.

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