Life and Law in Tokyo

Peter Kilner is the Office Managing Partner for Clifford Chance in Tokyo. He talks to Law and More about life and law in one of the most fast - paced capital’s of the World...

 Could to tell us a bit about your backgroundand training in the UK?

 I actually graduated with a Natural Sciences degree before converting to law, then started my training contract at Clifford Chance in 1989. I've been there ever since, spending 12 years working in the firm's banking and finance practice in London before moving to Tokyo in 2003.
 

How are you finding life and work in Tokyo?

Japan is fascinating - just round the corner from the most modern development you'll come across a small temple or shrine tucked away. It's the perfect mix of the mundane and the exotic!
You do need to understand the "Japanese" approach to work in particular.  For instance, I don't expect decisions to be made in meetings - it is more likely that people will take issues away, reach a consensus internally, and then come back to you with a position.

What has been your greatest achievement?

Personally?  Either completing the Tokyo Marathon in March this year or climbing Mount Fuji last Summer.  Professionally, leading the team advising SoftBank Mobile on its whole business securitisation  - the world's biggest WBS - which completed in November 2006. And, as I'm not the world's greatest linguist, I was very pleased to pass the lowest level Japanese exam after nearly six years here.

And you most memorable experience?

There are quite a few, but I think sitting in a rotenburo (an outside hot tub) after a day's skiing with the snow falling all around.  Skiing is one of Japan's secrets - there are hundreds of little resorts on Honshu (the main island) and Hokaido (the North island), and for some it's only an hour's bullet train ride away and then straight onto the slopes - beats Gatwick any day!

How has your work/life balance changed since moving?

It's not hugely different, although moving to a smaller office means you get more ups and downs - I'm either frantically busy or working on landing the next big deal.
The biggest difference is the commuting, and any London dweller will appreciate the difference.  When I lived in southwest London, it could take anywhere between 40 minutes and an hour to get to work on a good day.  Now it's a 25-minute walk (or ten minutes by taxi in the summer or if I'm feeling lazy).

 What does your typical day look like and what was it like before your move?

I'm usually up around 6.30 a.m. and try to go for run, swim or cycle at least three mornings a week, particularly in summer - there's no daylight saving in Japan, so it's light by 4 a.m.).
I get in to work later than in London - between 8.45 and 9.30 a.m. - but stay later in evening, particularly if I'm working on something with London, which only wakes up at 5.30 p.m. (and at 6.30 p.m. in the winter).

Now I'm the office managing partner there's a lot more management to fit in the day, and anyone working in Tokyo will find that regular client entertainment is expected.
If I'm lucky I might get to the Pilgrim, a bar in which I own a share, in the evening.  Although it doesn't make any money (yet), it's quite fun to have your "own" bar, where you not only have regulars - Japanese and expats - but also a say in the running of the place.

What do you think are the main benefits of moving to Tokyo?

It has to be the food - Tokyo has the best restaurants in the world, no argument.  In fact the first Tokyo Michelin Guide came out last year, and Tokyo has more stars than any other city - in the world!  And it's not just raw fish either (although the sushi and sashimi are delicious) - you get restaurants just doing noodles, others specialising in tempura (battered deep-fried fish and vegetables) and some just serving fugu (the poisonous puffer fish).  Then there are excellent French restaurants, Italian, Thai, Chinese … I could go on!

On top of that, everything works so well: The bullet trains (shinkansen) are never more than a few seconds late and you get great service from friendly and helpful people wherever you go.
It's also a good base from which to explore Asia, from China in the north to southeast Asia and Indochina.

 Any obstacles?

There's a way of doing things here and that's the way it has to be done - although allowances are made for foreigners.The language is no easy task either - it has three different alphabets including kanji with thousands of characters, and a completely different grammar and vocabulary.

What advice would you give anyone planning to live and work in Japan?

Make sure your firm sorts out the basics for you - visa, accommodation, bank account, gaijin card (alien registration card), utilities, etc.
It helps to learn a few words and phrases of Japanese to settle in. And make sure your socks don't have holes!

How often do you get to visit friends and family back at home?

I get back to the UK four or five times a year, at least two of those visits are to the north east of England where my parents, brother and family live.  I've got a cottage up there.
Some friends I see every year; others I don't see for a few years at a time, which is probably true of most expats.  You rely on email and phone calls to stay in touch.

 How often do you get to travel with your job and do you feel you have had any extra opportunities or privileges awarded to you which wouldn't necessarily have been readily or quickly available if you were still in the UK?

Most of my work is centred in Japan, and the clients are also based here, so there's little client travel. What travel I do for work is usually linked to firm management as we're organised on a regional basis.

What is your 'more' to law?

Making the most of the travel opportunities, both in Asia and back in the UK (which is quaintly known as "home leave").I'm also tackling triathlons in Japan, although I'm always shown up by the Japanese as they all have the latest kit!And finally, eating and drinking. With the best restaurants on your doorstep and no lengthy commute to face at the end of the evening, you'd be mad not to.

Finally, do you think you'll ever transfer back to the UK or are your sights set internationally?

That's the 64-million-dollar question! I'm well established here, and although I can't rule out heading back to the UK one day, at this stage I'm very happy in Asia.

Interview with Vanessa Wozniak: vwozniak@lawandmore.co.uk