Masami Okino（沖野 眞已）

Supreme Court Justice / Third Petty Bench

Basic Information

Date of Birth
January 12, 1964
Appointed
July 24, 2025
This Review
First time
Background
Academic (Tokyo University Professor)
Specialty
Civil Law (Contracts, Obligations, Consumer Law)

Career History

  • 1987Graduated from University of Tokyo Faculty of Law, became Assistant
  • 1990Lecturer, University of Tsukuba
  • 1993Associate Professor, Gakushuin University
  • 1996LL.M., University of Virginia School of Law
  • 1999Professor, Gakushuin University
  • 2002Ministry of Justice, Civil Affairs Bureau (until 2004)
  • 2007Professor, Hitotsubashi University Graduate School
  • 2010Professor, University of Tokyo Graduate School
  • 2025Dean of Faculty of Law, U. of Tokyo; Appointed Supreme Court Justice in July

Source: Supreme Court of Japan Official

Expertise & Background

Areas of Specialty

  • Civil Law (Contract Law, Obligations, Comparative Law)
  • Consumer Law (Consumer Contract Act)
  • Trusts, Security Interests, Property Law

Key Characteristics

  • Academic background (no prior experience as judge, prosecutor, or attorney)
  • Practical experience at Ministry of Justice Civil Affairs Bureau (legislation-focused)
  • Vice-Chair of Consumer Contract Act Expert Committee
  • International perspective from U.S. law school

Key Rulings

Civil Cases

LP Gas Contract Case

Ruled that residual cost clauses upon contract termination were invalid under Consumer Contract Act Article 9(1). Also ruled that LP gas piping becomes attached to buildings (Civil Code Article 242).

Third Petty Bench - Reversed and Decided

Trust / Third-Party Objection Case

Clarified criteria for trust purpose agreements and timing for trust property determination.

Reversed and Remanded

Criminal Cases

Medical Records as Evidence

Ruled it was unlawful to use medical records of unknown origin for fact-finding based on victim statements.

Trespass (Building Definition)

Recognized container warehouses meeting certain criteria as "buildings" under Criminal Code Article 130.

Source: Supreme Court - Major Cases

Ruling Tendencies (Current)

Observable Patterns

  • All published major cases were unanimous decisions
  • Tendency to carefully organize statutory structure and legislative intent
  • Shows consideration for consumer protection and procedural safeguards

Not Yet Determinable

  • Stance on constitutional and administrative law matters
  • Tenure too short for sufficient case accumulation

Statements at Appointment Press Conference

"I am keenly aware of the significant social impact of Supreme Court decisions."

"I candidly acknowledge my lack of experience in judicial practice."

"I want to listen to diverse opinions and consider the nature of law from multiple perspectives."

Source: Supreme Court - Appointment Press Conference

Additional Resources