Standard Forms of Construction Contracts in Japan

– Introduction to Japanese Construction Law (1) –

In the UK, construction law is considered a specialized legal practice area. In Japan, construction law rarely is treated as a specialized legal practice, although construction litigation is considered a specialization. Due to this difference, there has been limited commentary published on Japanese construction law. This series explains major topics in Japanese construction law, as compared with the construction law of other countries. This first installment will discuss the standard construction contract forms that shape Japanese construction practice. Standard forms are widely used for construction projects in Japan, as they are around the world. The most common standard forms in Japan are the Standard Conditions of Contract for Public Works (“Public Works GTC”), which is used for public works, and the Joint Seven Group Standard Conditions...To read the full article, please see the PDF file

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Authors

Shintaro UNO

Partner
Singapore

Shintaro Uno is one of Japan’s leading experts on FIDIC and other construction-industry contracts. He specializes in international engineering and construction of infrastructure projects around the world, with a particular focus on Japan and Asia. He has extensive experience advising on a wide range of projects, including semiconductor plants, data centers, high-speed railways, highways, submarine cables, coal-mining process facilities, Mass Rapid Transit, high-rise buildings, lithium hydroxide plants, various types of power plants, tunnels, ports, dredging, offshore wind, and water treatment and supply facilities, with primary contracts based on the standard FIDIC contract forms (including Redbook, Yellowbook, Silverbook 1999 and 2017 editions), Minkanrengo Building contract, Nikkenren Design Build, and ENAA.

On the contentious side, Shintaro successfully represents both employers and contractors in proceedings before Dispute Adjudication Boards, international arbitral tribunals, and national courts. He has particular expertise in arbitration under the SIAC, ICC, BANI, and DIAC rules.

Shintaro has been recognized as a Leading Individual in the Construction: International category by Chambers Asia-Pacific for three consecutive years (2023–2025), reflecting his reputation and track record in the region.

Over the past 14 years, Shintaro has been based in Southeast Asia, where he has advised on numerous complex disputes and crisis scenarios. His regional experience is especially extensive in Indonesia, where he has handled more than 70 contentious matters—including litigation, internal investigations, local arbitrations, and criminal cases—demonstrating his capability to navigate sensitive legal issues in cross-border settings.

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