Takashi (TK) Namba assists Keller and Heckman attorneys in helping clients on international regulatory issues with a particular emphasis on Japanese industry and client relations. TK assists Keller and Heckman attorneys in interfacing with government officials, trade association executives, and clients in Japanese and English to address complex regulatory compliance concepts. In addition, he helps non-Japanese clients doing business in Japan understand and navigate national regulatory requirements, e.g., Japan national positive list (PL) system for food-contact materials and food additive regulations.

Originally from Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, TK has spent most of his career in the chemical industry in Japan, the European Union (EU), Latin America, and the United States (U.S.) and understands the cultural nuances of conducting business in various jurisdictions worldwide. 

With over 30 years of strategic corporate planning experience, including 18 years in the polymer and additives industry, TK provides Keller and Heckman’s clients with a better understanding of the challenges they may face and how to respond. He has extensive knowledge of the regulatory schemes implemented by agencies in the U.S. and counterpart international authorities including, but not limited to, Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA), Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the European Chemical Agency (ECHA), as well as MERCOSUR.

Prior to joining Keller and Heckman, TK worked for Japan’s top packaging film-making companies and chemical companies on global expansion projects.