Welcoming a German Judge to Our Office

2026/01/06 News

We were pleased to welcome Judge Thomas Winckler of the Ludwigsburg District Court (Germany) to Tokyo Public Law Office as part of a judicial training program arranged through the Supreme Court of Japan and the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA).

 

The visit took place on December 3, 2025, and included an introduction to the JFBA, as well as an overview of our office’s work, with a particular focus on family law and access to justice in Japan. The visit was hosted by Attorneys Tomoko Yokoyama, Naomi Takahashi, and Kaori Okubo of our office. All discussions were held in English, allowing for open and informal exchanges.

 

Sharing Perspectives.

During the visit, we exchanged views on a wide range of topics, including criminal justice, legal aid systems, and family law in both Japan and Germany. Judge Winckler shared insights from his judicial experience, while our attorneys introduced the role of public-interest law offices in Japan and recent developments in family law practice. These discussions highlighted both similarities and differences between the two legal systems and offered valuable opportunities for mutual learning.

 

Court Observation and Visit to JFBA

In the afternoon, Judge Winckler observed a court hearing at the Tokyo District Court, followed by a short visit to the JFBA, where he was given a brief tour by staff from the International Affairs Division.

 

We were honored to host this visit and look forward to continuing such international exchanges that promote dialogue and understanding among legal professionals across jurisdictions.