Junko SUETOMI

• Position: Associate Professor (Faculty of Law, Waseda University)
• Degree: LL.M., Cornell Law School; LL.M., New York University School of Law; Legal Research & Training Institute of Supreme Court of Japan; The University of Tokyo (LLB); Kyushu University (LLB)
• Background:
  Associate Professor, Law Faculty, Waseda University (2025 – present)
  Part-time Lecturer, Law Faculty, Waseda University (2015 – 2025)

Field of Specialization / Research Theme / Research Projects

Business Law / Private International Law / International Business Law / International Trade and Customs / International Dispute Resolution

Major Works/ Publications

[Books]

• Junko Suetomi, Supply chain and tariffs, Supply chains and import/export regulations, Supply Chain and Dispute Resolution, and Supply Chain and National Security, in Supply Chain and Legal Practice (Junko Suetomi ed., Keiso Shobo, 2026) (Japanese)
• Junko Suetomi, International Investment Arbitration Guidebook (Chuokeizai-Sha Holdings, 2016)
• Junko Suetomi, Q&A FTA・EPA Handbook – Strategy for Customs Tariff Saving Scheme, Minjiho Kenkyukai (2013)

[Articles]

• Junko Suetomi, The Function of Dispute Settlement Systems under Bilateral or Regional Agreements to Complement the WTO’s Dispute Settlement System and the Reform of the Dispute Settlement System—Focusing on Disputes Related to Environmental Matters, Including Renewable Energy—, 16(5) Public Policy Review “Diverse Perspectives on the Conventional Regimes for Free Trade in the Current International Community” (2020)
• Junko Suetomi, Working at WTO Dispute Settlement Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Journal of the Japanese Institute of International Business Law,” 39(2-4) Kokusai Shoji Homu (2011)

Awards

• Listed, Chambers Global Guide, International Trade, 2012 – 2026, Band 1, 2012 – 2026
• Listed, Chambers Asia Pacific Guide, International Trade, 2012 – 2026, Band 1, 2012 – 2026
• Listed, Asia Business Law Journal, “The A-List: Top Japan Lawyers,” 2020 – 2025
• Listed, Nikkei Newspaper, 2022
• Listed, Who’s Who Legal, 2012 – 2025

Service to Society

Service to Society

• Tokyo Bar Association
• Human Rights Committee Member, Chair, 2019 – 2021, Vice Chair, 2021 – 2025
• New York State Bar Association Member

Web Page / Researcher DB / Course List

[Waseda University Researchers Database]
Details of a Researcher – SUETOMI, Junko

Message to Prospective Students

Hello, my name is Junko Suetomi, and I joined Waseda University in April 2025. My research focuses on international trade law, international dispute settlement law, and international economic law. Since graduating from university, I have been involved in international trade and dispute resolution from various perspectives—as a business person, a lawyer, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official, and a researcher. My first job after university was in overseas semiconductor marketing, where I handled various trade issues, including trade friction, cross-border transactions, inbound and outbound investment, and support for overseas affiliates.
Over the past few decades, the international community, Japan’s position within it, and the international legal regime have all changed significantly. We are currently in a period of great upheaval. The courses I will teach at Waseda University all address the challenges we face in finding solutions to the problems of our complex contemporary international society.
For the ten years leading up to my appointment, I taught as a part-time lecturer at the Waseda University School of Law. During that time, I witnessed firsthand the university’s increasing globalization and its continued growth and development.
As AI continues to evolve, I am grateful for this opportunity to conduct research at the Waseda University School of Law. I look forward to working with brilliant faculty members and highly motivated students as we navigate this complex yet fascinating era.
Amidst the challenges to the post-war international regime posed by a “my country first” mentality, I feel as though we are searching for a platform of knowledge to uphold the rule of law. My heart beats with excitement at the prospect of being part of the Waseda University School of Law, a place that is rich with such opportunities. At the same time, I feel a great sense of responsibility to work hard to become a platform for fascinating discussions and the people involved in them.
I look forward to meeting and discussing with you