—Key Insights into Environmental Compliance for China-Based Subsidiaries and How to Prevent “Black Box” Risk—

Sphere Tokyo Law Firm (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Lawyer: Koichi Kobori; hereinafter “the Firm”) co-hosted a webinar titled “Current Status of Environmental Laws and Regulations in China by Japanese and Chinese Lawyers: What is Happening on the Ground” on Friday, February 6, 2026, in collaboration with Osumi Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Yokohama, Kanagawa; Representative Director: Takeshi Osumi). Koichi Kobori, Representative of the Firm, served as a speaker at the event.

About the Seminar

In recent years, there has been a global trend requiring companies to address environmental risks, driven by the increasing importance of SDGs and lessons learned from past pollution issues. The “Osumi Environmental Webinar,” hosted by Osumi Co., Ltd., is an online seminar series that provides insights into a wide range of topics related to environmental measurement. By offering clear explanations of the latest trends in environmental regulations and practical responses, the series supports the realization of sustainable corporate activities.

The 77th session was held online on Friday, February 6, from 15:00 to 17:00. Mr. Kobori, Representative of the Firm, joined Ms. Gu Liping, Senior Partner at Shanghai Landi Law Firm, to discuss “Practical Responses to Chinese Environmental Laws and Regulations” in light of the current global situation.

Lecture Summary

While many Japanese companies have expanded into China, it is not uncommon for the compliance efforts of their local subsidiaries to be a “black box” invisible to the head office. Chinese environmental laws are highly complex and revised rapidly, and their implementation is not uniform across all regions.

Under these circumstances, this webinar was planned as an opportunity to provide information from lawyers in both Japan and China, who have long supported legal affairs in China, targeting Japanese head offices that are anxious about falling behind in legal compliance.

Program

1. The Impact of Violating Chinese Environmental Laws and Regulations
— Perspectives on Civil, Administrative, and Criminal Liability —

2. Overview of the Chinese Environmental Legal System
・Basic Structure of the Environmental Legal System
・Key Points of Recent Major Amendments to Environmental Laws

3. The Process of Being Held Liable for Environmental Violations

4. Why Headquarters Failed to Detect Environmental Violations at Local Subsidiaries

5. Strategic Importance of Environmental Compliance in the Current Chinese Economy

Speakers’ Profiles

Koichi Kobori Representative Lawyer, Sphere Tokyo Law Firm (Tokyo Bar Association)
Registered as a lawyer in 2008. Since starting his studies and residency in China in 2011, he has been supporting cross-border business for both Japanese and Chinese companies. He is highly experienced in legal risk management for Japanese companies operating in China.

Gu Liping Senior Partner, Shanghai Landi Law Firm
A Chinese qualified lawyer. She possesses deep expertise in the latest local regulations and their practical implementation. She provides robust support for the local operations of Japanese companies, offering consultations in fluent Japanese.

About the Co-host

Osumi Co., Ltd.

Since its establishment in 1968, Osumi has operated as a comprehensive environmental consulting firm under the mission of being “Doctors for the Earth.” The company provides total support for environmental risk management through services such as “Kankyo-Bucho®” (Environmental Manager), which assists companies with legal compliance. Osumi also expands its global operations, primarily through its base in Vietnam.

Representative: Takeshi Osumi, Representative Director
Location: 20-17 Gokanme-cho, Seya-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Established: November 1968
Business Activities: Environmental investigation, analysis, and measurement; environmental consulting (including “Kankyo-Bucho®” services)
URL: https://www.o-smi.co.jp

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