Governance reforms and rising shareholder activism have helped facilitate a rapid surge in unsolicited takeover attempts in Japan in recent years. As in many jurisdictions, hostile M&A is no longer ‘taboo’ and is becoming a real possibility for Japanese corporations. As a result, it has become ever more important for companies and advisers representing targets, acquirors and investors to understand the various tactics that may be employed by potential bidders and defensive measures that are available to corporations. In this session, the panel of seasoned practitioners, including financial and strategic communications advisers, will discuss key trends and developments relating to unsolicited takeovers in Japan and how they compare to other jurisdictions. Within these, there will be an emphasis on the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s (METI) new takeover guidelines, the increasingly important role of shareholder activist campaigns and evolving defensive tactics in Japan and around the world. The panelists will draw on their expertise and provide practical insights into how various players may consider and effectively navigate such situations.