Is an arbitration award final and binding?

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In general, arbitration awards are final and binding on the parties, in the same manner as a court order.  Furthermore, a Japanese arbitration award is enforceable in many other countries around the world through international treaties. As arbitration systems become more standardized around the world even more countries are likely to accept and enforce Japanese arbitration awards.

However, parties should keep in mind that, under certain rare circumstances one party to an arbitration can ask a court to set aside the award after it has been made.  Even so, courts will generally not interfere with an arbitration award unless there was something fundamentally unfair about the processes or the award itself.

Japan accepts and enforces arbitration awards from around the world.  However, there are certain procedures that must be followed to enforce a foreign arbitration award in Japan.  If you have questions regarding this process, or enforcement of arbitration awards in general, please contact our office to set up a legal consultation.