Yusuke Abe > Clifford Chance > Tokyo, Japan > Lawyer Profile

Clifford Chance‘s practice is lauded by clients for its ‘client-friendly‘ approach, ability to advise ‘from a client’s point of view‘, and for providing clients with the ‘latest updates in the sector using their world-wide network‘. Team head Yusuke Abe is especially known for his expertise in cross-border and domestic project finance, as well as ECA and M&A financings. Working alongside Abe is Hans Menski, who is a key contact for project financings in the energy, oil and gas sectors; and ‘friendly‘ senior associate Yosuke Nomura, who has extensive experience in aircraft finance matters. Other work the practice undertakes includes LIBOR transitions, complex syndicated financings, regulatory advice, and real estate and development financings.

The ‘expert advice’ provided at Clifford Chance encompasses handling M&A, financial regulation issues and financings. The team is well versed in the technological aspect of fintech and frequently advises on issues such as blockchain, smart contracts and artificial intelligence work. Clients range from international and Japanese financial institutions to hi-growth fintech start-ups. Yusuke Abe steers the practice and is a key contact for matters involving derivatives transactions. Reiko Sakimura has longstanding experience in advising on international debt and equity capital market mandates. Michihiro Nishi is a key driver behind the transactional fintech expertise at the firm, while Eiichi Kanda is well placed to advise on the newly established ICO regulations in Japan. Capital markets expert Chihiro Ashizawa is another name to note.

The ‘exceptional‘ projects and energy team at Clifford Chance advises clients across both inbound and outbound projects. Practice co-head Yusuke Abe focuses on inbound investments, bringing a particular expertise in renewables and infrastructure projects, while outbound matters are primarily handled by ‘responsive and experienced‘ co-head Hans Menski, who specialises in the development and financing of power and energy, infrastructure and oil and gas projects. The group noted the continued push into the offshore wind space, as well as access to critical minerals becoming a growing trend within the sector. The practice sports a full-service development and finance offering, from advice on corporate, commercial and regulatory matters to arbitration and dispute resolution: Natsuko Sugihara and Michihiro Nishi have a particular focus on domestic and cross-border M&A matters and private equity transactions. Bolstered by the integrated regional and global projects team, the group advises Japanese and foreign investors and sponsors, as well as international financial institutions, commercial banks and government entities. The group also has a strong team of counsel, including Masafumi Shikakura and Suguru Kimura. Akihiko Takamatsu left the firm in March 2023.