“This successful UK travel company began after a graduation trip to Japan by its founders in the 1990s,” said Herbert Smith Freehills Tokyo partner Joseph Fisher. “Over 20 years, they have built their passion for Japan and Asia into becoming the region’s leading specialist tour operator.”

Established in 2013, CJF currently has US$1.4 billion in assets under management in sectors such as food, clothing and housewares, leisure, local and traditional products, education, and tourism.

“Public-private fund CJF was set up to expand overseas demand for products and services unique to the Japanese lifestyle and culture,” said Herbert Smith Freehills London partner Dylan Doran Kennett. “It’s been a pleasure to support its investment in the burgeoning travel sector.”

CJF was advised from Tokyo by Joseph Fisher with associate Alexander Chuprunov, from London by partner Dylan Doran Kennett, senior associate Tom Watkins and associates William Beynon and Sabry Salama, and from Sydney by partner Damien Roberts.