Tokyo Barrister: Start the law firm bankruptcy

Chapter 869 War begins!

The news that Nippon Steel had filed for bankruptcy was like a bombshell in the economic and industrial world. Televisions were broadcasting this sensational news in the streets and alleys. In the evenings, people were discussing this matter in izakayas everywhere, and they were talking about it while drinking.

Many people's discussion of this matter is more about sighing. After all, the steel industry has been depressed for more than one or two days. With the worsening industry conditions, it is foreseeable that Nippon Steel will eventually face financial difficulties and go bankrupt. Many middle-aged people drink wine, blush, get drunk, and miss the past period of economic boom.

but--

A very small number of people are thinking about a more profound question. That is, is the bankruptcy of Nippon Steel a signal that the current economic situation in Japan, which seems optimistic, is not so optimistic. Perhaps, the crisis is imminent, and the bankruptcy of Nippon Steel is just a prelude.

Of course, the thoughts of these few people were drowned in the thoughts of the majority and did not stir up any waves. After all, the economy of Japan is now booming in all aspects, from semiconductors to robots to medical care. Japan today is no longer the Japan of the past. The view that the economic crisis is just around the corner is more like groundless worry.

The day of the Tokyo High Court hearing soon arrived.

In front of the court, a large number of reporters stood ready to capture the scene of the lawyers of the Nippon Steel Group entering the court. All kinds of cameras were set up. After a while, a reporter suddenly shouted, "They are coming!" Immediately, many cameras and cameras were pointed in the direction of the shouting.

A group of lawyers in black suits came over, exhausted. The leading lawyer was naturally Attorney Tanimoto from the Mori Hamada Matsumoto Law Firm. In addition to Nippon Steel's own lawyers, this group of lawyers also included lawyers from Future Space Co., Ltd. and major banks.

After all, it is impossible for any party to sit idly by and watch Nippon Steel actually initiate bankruptcy proceedings.

The person sent by Future Space is Attorney Ikumi Tamashiro from TMI Law Firm. Attorney Tamashiro is a well-known lawyer in the bankruptcy field. She has handled a large number of well-known bankruptcy cases and served as the administrator of many well-known bankruptcy cases. For example, the administrator of the ongoing Empire Airlines bankruptcy case is Attorney Tamashiro.

The main attorney appointed by the banks is Attorney Tatsuya Abe of Anderson Mori Tomotsune. Similar to Attorney Tamashiro, Attorney Abe is also a very experienced lawyer in the bankruptcy field. He not only has experience in bankruptcy law in Japan, but also has experience in overseas bankruptcy law, and has helped Japanese companies successfully realize their claims in overseas bankruptcy procedures.

It can be said that they are all top lawyers.

Of course, these two lawyers were also commissioned in the name of Nippon Steel, but the real employers behind them were Future Space and big banks.

Seeing these lawyers coming over, reporters naturally swarmed over and handed them microphones, hoping that they could answer questions. These reporters shouted loudly:

"Hello, may I ask if Nippon Steel can be sure that it will not initiate bankruptcy proceedings for today's hearing?"

“Does Nippon Steel’s legal defense have sufficient grounds?”

“What is the estimated likelihood of initiating bankruptcy proceedings?”

“If bankruptcy is initiated, how will the process proceed in the future?”

The lawyers were certainly not in the mood to deal with these questions. Tanimoto, Tamashiro, and Abe, all with stern faces, walked into the High Court.

What about Kitahara?

In order to avoid reporters and excessive exposure, Kitahara and his group entered the courtroom through a side door early and arrived at the hearing site in advance...

……

…    …

In the morning, 10 o'clock sharp.

Tokyo High Court, Court No. 603.

A total of seven judges sat in the majestic courtroom, highlighting the great importance the court attached to this case. The chief judge was senior judge Ohno Tsutomu. Judge Ohno Tsutomu is also a legal expert in bankruptcy law and a veteran of the Tokyo High Court. He graduated from the University of Tokyo with a bachelor's degree, and then went to study abroad in the West to further his studies in bankruptcy law. After returning to Japan, he was selected and became a judge. He worked in the local court for only a few years, but was promoted to the Tokyo High Court for his outstanding work. Since then, he has been a judge in the Tokyo High Court.

The entire courtroom was filled with people. In such a major case, it was difficult for ordinary citizens to get a chance to sit in on the hearing. Those sitting in the audience were either well-known executives of large companies or high-ranking officials. Everyone was nervous about today's hearing.

now--

On the applicant's side, Kitahara and Miyakawa were already seated.

Kitahara initiated this procedure not only to recover the debt for the workshop contractor, but also to test whether the evangelist of the extremist organization behind Eriko would surface with the initiation of the bankruptcy procedure. Also, whether Eto, the enemy who had not been seen for a long time, would also take action.

On the other side, the three lawyers, Tanimoto, Tamashiro, and Abe, who were the respondent, had already taken their seats. The three lawyers, sitting together on the same stage, each of them had the unique sense of oppression of a senior lawyer. Now that they were sitting together, this sense of oppression was even more magnified.

Niwa, sitting in the audience, was also worried about Kitahara and Miyakawa. After all, this time they were not only fighting against Nippon Steel, but also Future Space, the big banks, and even the cabinet behind them!

The chief judge on the stage, Judge Ohno Tsutomu, said, "Next, regarding the bankruptcy application of Shinichi Steel Manufacturing Co., Ltd., also known as Nippon Steel, this court has recently received a bankruptcy liquidation application submitted by Kitahara Law Firm of Eto Law Firm, which was jointly entrusted by 167 companies. In accordance with the law, a hearing is now held to examine whether there are sufficient reasons to initiate bankruptcy proceedings."

The judge did not pick up the gavel and bang it.

After all – this is not a trial.

It's a hearing.

Relatively speaking, there will be more freedom in the procedure.

However, this hearing may determine the life or death of Nippon Steel.

The question is - can the lawyer on the other side named Kitahara make the final decision through this hearing and initiate bankruptcy?

"Given that the bankruptcy application materials have been reviewed and understood by all parties' representatives in advance," Judge Ohno continued, "the bankruptcy applicant has not submitted any new materials. Therefore, at this hearing, the representatives of Nippon Steel will first express their objections."

In the words of the judge——

This hearing has officially begun!!!

(End of this chapter)