Ken Okawara is the head of the Firm’s Transfer Pricing & Economic Analysis group in Tokyo. He is recognized for his extensive experience in transfer pricing matters and economics and for assisting many multinational companies in negotiations with tax authorities in Japan and several other countries. Mr. Okawara is a frequent speaker in various conferences and presentations and has authored and co-authored numerous publications and articles. Prior to joining the Firm in 2007, he led the transfer pricing practices in Shin Nihon Ernst & Young and Arthur Andersen. Mr. Okawara is an International Tax and Economic Policy lecturer in the Gakushuin University in Tokyo.

Practice Focus

Mr. Okawara’s practice is focused on helping clients manage Japanese transfer pricing issues and resolve transfer pricing disputes. He also helps clients understand and manage transfer pricing issues and resolve transfer pricing disputes at bilateral and multilateral competent authority proceedings. He has been involved in more than 60 advance pricing agreement and competent authority cases covering Japan, the US, the UK, Switzerland, Germany, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea and China. Mr. Okawara also has significant experience designing global transfer pricing policy and international tax planning for a variety of companies.

Professional Associations and Memberships

• Tokyo Licensed Tax Accountants Association - Member
• International Fiscal Association - Member
• American Economic Association - Member
• Japan Tax Litigation Society - Member
• American Business Economist Association - Member
• Japan International Business Association - Member
• Tokyo Certified Public Tax Accountants Association - Member

Admission

Tokyo Zeirishi Association (2005)

Education

Chiba University School of Commerce  (Ph.D.) (2005)
Columbia University  (M.I.A.) (1988)
Gakushuin University  (Master of Arts Economics) (1986)
Gakushuin University  (Bachelor of Economics) (1984)