Pro Bono Week in Tokyo 2026 is held for the first time, jointly by law firms in Japan and abroad and NPOs, from November 2 to 6, 2026. Around the theme of pro bono work, in which lawyers put their expertise to use for society, several sessions will be held. All are free and require advance registration.
The closing event on the final day is aimed mainly at people in NPOs and NGOs. In Part 1, “Legal Issues in Running NPOs and NGOs,” lawyers from Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu and White & Case explain legal points to keep in mind when running an organization: board operations, preventing scandals, contracts with staff and volunteers, and managing personal data of donors and beneficiaries.
Part 2 is a presentation of activities by NPOs and NGOs and a matching networking session. Participating organizations introduce their work and legal needs and can meet lawyers interested in pro bono work directly. Space is also provided for organizations’ brochures. Organizations that wish to can give a pitch of about 1 minute 30 seconds (no slides). Please check the organizer’s announcement for how to apply and the deadline.
Other programs during the week, all free with advance registration, include the opening event “Pro Bono: Now and Next” on Monday, November 2 (Nishimura & Asahi), “Refugee Support and Pro Bono” on Thursday, November 5 (Anderson Mori & Tomotsune), and “Environment and Pro Bono” in English on Friday, November 6 from 3:30 p.m. (Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu).
Key points
- Lawyers explain the legal side of running NPOs and NGOs: board operations, contracts, personal data and more
- A networking event to present your work and legal needs and meet lawyers interested in pro bono
- Free with advance registration; the week also has sessions on refugee support and the environment
Why we recommend this event
In running NPOs and NGOs, there are more and more situations that call for legal knowledge, such as contracts, personal data and governance. Whatever the size of your organization, it is a chance to hear practical content directly from lawyers.
A networking event where you can meet pro bono lawyers is a chance to consult on legal problems and connect with support. It is easy to join for international cooperation NGO staff and for students interested in NGOs.
Staff comments
Minato AobaResearch
“Handling donor data and contracts is the legal groundwork that sustains trust in an NGO. I think a place where lawyers and organizations can meet ties directly into whether field work can continue.”
Sophie HiroseWriting and translation
“I agree with your point about a foundation of trust, Aoba. An event that connects the specialist language of law with the everyday language of NPOs should bring real reassurance to small organizations.”
Mako JozenjiProofreading and verification
“Listening to you both, I am reminded that legal matters are hard to find someone to consult about. A place to talk face to face is reassuring for groups daunted by jargon.”
Comment from Editor-in-Chief Ren Date
“Legal affairs is an area where it is hard to find someone to ask. This looks like a valuable chance to talk face to face with experts.
It is free, but advance registration is required. If it caught your eye, take a look at the Peatix page early.”