Leading Individuals: Gaiben

Next Generation Partners: Gaiben

Rising Stars: Bengoshi

Projects and energy: Independent local firms in Japan

Anderson Mori & Tomotsune

Takashi Akahane heads the finance group at Anderson Mori & Tomotsune; with a strong background in project finance, Akahane is well-positioned to lead the team in its advice on energy and resources projects. Reiji Takahashi also has particular expertise in project finance and in the PFI field, advising on projects across the renewable energy, power and water sectors. Norifumi Takeuchi has experience in renewable energy projects, independent power plant projects, and resource development, with a particular focus on Japanese clients looking to finance projects overseas. English-qualified lawyer Teruma Naito leads the cross-border foreign law project finance team, advising on international project financing transactions. Makoto Terazaki advises national and local governments, private companies and banks on domestic and overseas infrastructure-related PPP/PFI projects and Kunihiro Yokoi advises sponsors, lenders and contractors in the renewable energy field.

Practice head(s):

Takashi Akahane


Other key lawyers:

Reiji Takahaski; Norifumi Takeuchi; Teruma Naito; Makoto Terazaki; Kunihiro Yokoi


Testimonials

‘The team is excellent.’

The team has a lot of experience in counseling to arrangers/banks and to originators/borrowers. They have a better understanding of the background and considerations of both sides and could work well to act as either part of the parties. Such experience helps the negotiation of key terms in an efficient way. They have a lot of inventories of precedents/negotiations and could provide the best solution quickly.’

Deep knowledge about the industry and industry players.’

Anderson Mori & Tomotsune has extensive experience and advanced and deep knowledge. The team also has proven skill in verbalizing clients’ ideas.’

This team covers all areas of development from early-stage permits to financial closing.’

Key clients

Hokuriku Electric Power Company


Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd.


TEPCO Power Grid, Inc.


Barclays Securities Japan Ltd.


Goldman Sachs


Mizuho Securities Co., Ltd.


Mizuho Bank, Ltd


Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation


Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation


Electric Power Development Co., Ltd.


Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.


Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities Co., Ltd.


Japan Renewable Energy Corporation


Work highlights


  • Advised Hokuriku Electric Power Company on its participation in the 112MW biomass power project in Sendai, Japan, developed by Sumitomo Corporation, and its acquisition of a 25% stake from Sumitomo Corporation in the project company.
  • Advised Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd. as lead developer of the No. 2 plant and No. 3 biomass power plants in Hokkaido, Japan, including on a syndicate-type green loan financing to promote the project.
  • Advised TEPCO Power Grid, Inc. on its share purchase agreement with the shareholders of FI1 Limited, via its wholly owned subsidiary in the United Kingdom, for the acquisition of FI1, which has minority stakes in the company managing the construction and operation of the first ever UK-Germany power link for the transmission capacity of 1.4GW (the NeuConnect Interconnector Project).

Mori Hamada & Matsumoto

The projects and energy team at Mori Hamada & Matsumoto is jointly led by Masanori Sato, Takahiro Kobayashi, Takeshi Mukawa, Naoki Ishikawa, and Shigeki Okatani. The group’s expertise spans a range of areas within the energy sector, encompassing biomass projects, photovoltaic projects and power plant construction projects, and has seen an increasing number of instructions in corporate PPA matters. It also handles energy-related construction and project financing transactions. With the addition of Yuko Nihonmatsu and Mihoko Shima to the team in 2022, the group continued to strengthen its position in the PFI/PPP space. Among the sizeable team, Kei Shirakawa advises both project finance lenders and borrowers on energy and infrastructure projects and renewable energy transactions; Okatani has an established position in the offshore wind market in Japan; Yusuke Murakami represents the Japanese government in various offshore wind projects;  and Hironobu Noma has experience in a range of PFI projects and project finance transactions.

Practice head(s):

Masanori Sato; Takahiro Kobayashi; Takeshi Mukawa; Naoki Ishikawa; Shigeki Okatani


Other key lawyers:

Yuko Nihonmatsu; Mihoko Shima; Yusuke Murakami; Kei Shirakawa; Hironobu Noma


Testimonials

‘I have closely worked with MHM team for a renewable project in Japan. MHM combines legal, commercial and even technical aspects. The firm is an outstanding firm with integrity and empathy. Their advice were not only risk adverse but also creative to tackle a difficult situation by actionable solutions.’

‘Hironobu Noma is a remarkable lawyer. His in-depth knowledge is not limited to legal, but extends to financial, commercial and engineering matters. His remarkable business skills helped us to bridge finance and engineering. Without his support, we have never ever achieved financial close and involved the new financial facilities applied for the first time in the country.’

‘Deep knowledge of renewable energy industry in Japan and swift and timely responses.’

‘Takahiro Kobayashi has a deep knowledge of the renewable energy industry in Japan and provides flexible and practical solutions.’

Key clients

JERA Co., Inc.


Marubeni Corporation


Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.


TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company) Holdings, Inc., TEPCO Renewable Power, Inc.


ENEOS Corporation


Osaka Gas Co., Ltd.


Mizuho Bank, Ltd.


MUFG Bank, Ltd.


Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation


Work highlights


  • Acted as the lead legal counsel to Mizuho Securities Co., Ltd. (MHSC) regarding the JTOWER Inc. financing based on the economic value and cash flow realised from telecommunications towers acquired from NTT DOCOMO, Inc., through a project-financing-like whole business securitisation scheme arranged by MHSC.
  • Acted as a counsel to Enewill Inc. and Osaka Gas Co., Ltd., and assisted in drafting and negotiation of project related contracts and project financing in a major biomass power plant.
  • Advised METAWATER Co., Ltd., Veolia Jenets K.K., ORIX Corporation and other sponsors on a PPP project for Miyagi Prefecture’s water supply service, industrial waterworks business, and sewerage service.

Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu

The ‘outstanding’ projects and energy team at Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu, co-led by Shunpei Tanaka, advises both domestic and foreign clients on all aspects of renewable energy projects. It advises sponsors, investors and contractors, as well as power utility and trading companies, on energy and infrastructure projects.  It also has an internal carbon neutrality team and is actively involved in decarbonisation matters. Practice co-head Jiro Mikami excels in energy and resources financing projects, supported by Rintaro Hirano and Kiyoshi Honda. Terukazu Katsuyama strengthens the team's PPP/PFI expertise. Yoshihisa Watanabe has notable experience in renewable energy spans solar, wind farm and biomass projects.

Practice head(s):

Shunpei Tanaka; Jiro Mikami


Other key lawyers:

Rintaro Hirano; Kiyoshi Honda; Terukazu Katsuyuma; Yoshihisa Watanabe


Testimonials

‘The deal was quite complicated and on a tight schedule, but the team showed us the priorities and potential landing points based on their ample experiences. The team guided the client in the above way and delivered very effective service.’

‘The team leader was very quick to understand what the real concern and “wants” of the client are – the team leader captured what the client themselves hasn’t realised yet. The team leader was also very clear and precise in his explanation – rather than remarks with a lot of disclaimers. This helped a lot for the client to understand the gist of the legal review.’

‘Projects often come with tight negotiation deadlines, but they all met the deadlines and offered multiple realistic and acceptable solutions.

‘Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu has a particularly broad scope of practice compared to other law firms in Japan and other countries in Asia.’

‘I feel and assume that they think that they have to advise not only on legal points but also on how to make our business successful from an external advisor’s point of view. They have a high level of expertise and professionalism. In addition, there seems to be an information-sharing relationship between several partners and their partners have appropriate control over the quality of the associate’s work and billing.’

‘Each person from Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu was outstanding.’

Key clients

Development Bank of Japan Inc.


Mizuho Bank, Ltd.


Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc.


The Tokyo Electric Generation Company, Incorporated.


TEPCO Power Grid, Incorporated


JERA Co., Inc.


Tokyo Electric Power Company Group


Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited.


Japan International Cooperation Agency


Hokkaido Electric Power Co., Inc.


ABLE Co., Ltd.


Renova, Inc.


Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.


Equinix Inc./Equinix Japan Kabushiki Kaisha


Z Energy Co., Ltd.


Japan Infrastructure Initiative Co., Ltd.


Work highlights


  • Advising MGM Resorts as sole counsel in its quest to open Japan’s first integrated resort in Osaka, valued at $7.4 bn.
  • Advised TEPCO HD on the sale of its 40% shares in Eurus Energy Holdings to Toyota Tsusho Corp.
  • Advising a consortium consisting of NTT Anode Energy Corporation and JERA Co., Inc., in its acquisition of Green Power Investment Corporation from Pattern Energy Group LP.

Nishimura & Asahi

Nishimura & Asahi draws on its strong international offering to advise on energy and infrastructure projects in Japan, Asia and beyond. Led by Tomohiro Sato, the team advises across the energy and natural resources sector, handling project financing, development and procurement. It is also active in the offshore wind sector, advising foreign and domestic lenders and sponsors on major offshore wind projects. Within the team, Teruyuki Yamamoto is an expert in PPP and PFI projects; Kohei Ishida handles solar and wind power projects; Hiroyasu Konno focuses on oil and LNG transactions; and Sadayuki Matsudaira focuses on the energy sector, including electricity, gas and heat-supply businesses. Maya Ito counts Japanese megabanks, international banks and trading houses among her clients. Adrian Joyce’s expertise spans the LNG, offshore wind and shipping sectors and Nathan Schmidt advises on solar PV projects, as well as both onshore and offshore wind projects. Alexander Woody advises on international energy and natural resources project investments, development and financing. Nagahide Sato retired in March 2023.

Practice head(s):

Tomohiro Sato


Other key lawyers:

Teruyuki Yamamoto; Kohei Ishida; Hiroyasu Konno; Sadayuki Matsudaira; Maya Ito; Adrian Joyce; Nathan Schmidt; Alexander Woody


Key clients

Brookfield Asset Management Inc.


Daiwa Energy & Infrastructure Co. Ltd.


Hudson Sustainable Group


JX Mining & Metals Corporation


Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc.


Mizuho Bank, Ltd.


MUFG Bank, Ltd.


Nomura Capital Investment Co., Ltd.


Pattern Energy Group LP


Renova, Inc.


Sonnedix Japan


Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation


Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Ltd.


Tohoku Electric Power Co., Ltd.


Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.


Tokyu Land Corporation


Toyota Motor Corporation


Work highlights


  • Advised the lenders on the project financing for the construction of the 112MW Ishikari Offshore Wind Project, a combined offshore wind and power storage project.
  • Advised Hibiki Wind Energy Co., Ltd. on its development of and project financing for the “Kitakyushu–Hibikinada offshore wind farm,” a 220MW offshore wind power project in Fukuoka, Japan.
  • Advised NTT Ltd. Japan Corporation and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. on the construction of “JUNO”, a new trans-Pacific submarine cable system between the US and Japan.

Atsumi & Sakai

Atsumi & Sakai‘s projects practice is led by Miho Niunoya, Michiaki Hosoi, Akira Shimazaki and Kimiharu Masaki. The diverse practice advises both renewable and traditional forms of energy from wind power to LNG and petrochemicals, and has handled an increasing number of battery storage projects. Further names to note include Yutaka Sakai who excels in solar, biomass and geothermal projects; Mayumi Hongo who has particular experience handling EPC contracts; Tomoko Watanabe who advises ECAs and banks; and Takeshi Takahashi who counts financial institutions and Japanese utilities as clients.

Practice head(s):

Miho Niunoya; Michiaki Hosoi; Akira Shimazaki; Kimiharu Masaki


Other key lawyers:

Yutaka Sakai; Mayumi Hongo; Tomoko Watanabe; Takeshi Takahashi; Daniel Jarrett


Key clients

Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc. (MRI)


The Japan Research Institute, Limited (JRI)


Photovolt Development Partners GmbH


Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting Co., Ltd.


EY Strategy and Consulting Co., Ltd.


Work highlights


  • Advised Mitsubishi Research Institute (MRI) and Nagoya City on an international MICE PFI project in Nagoya.
  • Advising Mitsubishi Research Institute (MRI), Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City on the development of the site for the 20th Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in a PPP project.
  • Acted on behalf of a data centre business operator, investigating whether carbon dioxide gases emitted from data centre facilities are considered to be carbon dioxide gases emitted by data centres and researching comparative renewable energy credit schemes in Japan.

TMI Associates

Renewable energy is a key focus for TMI Associates’ team which is led by Yoshiyasu Yamaguchi. It advises on wind, biomass and geothermal power plants projects, and handles development projects, including urban redevelopment, advising financial advisors, real estate developers and construction companies. Takenobu Imaeda advises financial institutions and business operators in a range of renewable energy power generation projects. Mizuki Koshimoto has notable experience in inbound renewable energy transactions, secondary transactions of renewable energy projects. Katsutoshi Kimura and Hiroshi Ideyama advise on project finance mandates.

Practice head(s):

Yoshiyasu Yamaguchi


Other key lawyers:

Takenobu Imaeda; Yoshikazu Noma; Mizuki Koshimoto; Yuki Kono; Katsutoshi Kimura; Hiroshi Ideyama


Key clients

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation


Mizuho Trust & Banking Co., Ltd.


Aozora Bank, Ltd.


SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY PTY LTD


Siemens Energy K.K.


Enfinity Japan K.K.


Eneseed Co., Ltd


EEX


Integrity Partners LLC


Work highlights


  • Advised Mizuho Securities Co., Ltd. on the establishment of a loan fund which provides a non-recourse loan backed by solar power generation business.
  • Advised a construction consulting company regarding a PFI project for a local government to rebuild an industrial testing center.

City-Yuwa Partners

Offshore wind projects have been a particular recent growth area for the energy and projects team at City-Yuwa Partners  which the team advises developers and financial institutions on the financing, development, construction and operation of wind power plants. The team also advises power companies on regulatory and compliance matters. Practice head Masamichi Sakamoto has extensive experience in the energy sector, acting for foreign investors and developers. Sakamoto is supported by Yukinori Sasaki, who advises Japanese renewable energy developers and power generation companies on developing solar and wind power plants.

Practice head(s):

Masamichi Sakamoto


Other key lawyers:

Yukinori Sasaki


Testimonials

City-Yuwa Partners’ wide range knowledge and experience over and into the detailed standards, regulations and governmental policies of renewable energy sectors such as solar power and biomass power business and of Japan Operating Lease have been greatly supportive during their legal advice and services.’

‘City-Yuwa Partners has displayed an outstanding level of expertise in the renewable energy sectors, particularly concerning legal aspects. Their profound understanding of these sectors, coupled with their insights into client’s business policy and background, originating from outside Japan, has proven to be remarkably beneficial.’

‘Their services in the renewable energy sector have played a crucial role in expanding our financing business as a foreign bank in Japan. Their contributions have paved the way for successful ventures and facilitated our bank’s experience to navigate this industry with confidence and efficiency.’

‘Extensive legal services based on aggressive and positive encouragement for developing the team’s capability and knowledge in project financing for renewable energy sectors.’

‘City-Yuwa Partners has proactively encouraged their team members to engage in ongoing learning opportunities, including studying in domestic government offices, commercial banks, investment banks, and other relevant institutions. This strategic approach has enabled their team to broaden and deepen their expertise in project financing, with a particular focus on renewable energy sectors such as solar power and biomass power projects. As a result of this continuous learning and professional development, the team at City-Yuwa has been able to provide highly effective legal services in the field of renewable energy project financing. Their in-depth understanding of the intricacies and nuances of these sectors allows them to offer tailored and valuable legal advice to clients involved in solar and biomass power projects.’

Work highlights


Kaynex Law Offices

Boutique firm Kaynex Law Offices has extensive experience in renewable energy projects. The team, led by Kota Kikuchi, advises both domestic and international investors and financial institutions in the acquisition, development and financing of solar projects. The team is well-situated to advise on projects in other jurisdictions and also to provide regulatory advice to developers and EPC contractors. Makoto Fujii was promoted to counsel in January 2023.

Practice head(s):

Kota Kikuchi


Other key lawyers:

Makoto Fujii


Work highlights


Oh-Ebashi LPC & Partners

Besides handling a steady flow of energy and PFI/PPP projects, Oh-Ebashi LPC & Partners saw a recent increase in renewable energy projects. The team also draws on the firm’s wider dispute resolution expertise, supporting clients through the full lifecycle of energy-related projects. Practice head Tomohiro Murakami has extensive experience advising on wind and solar power projects and counts lenders, sponsors and investors among his clients.

Practice head(s):

Tomohiro Murakami


Key clients

Daiwa Lease Co., Ltd.


MUFG Bank, Ltd.


JOYO Bank, Ltd.


Work highlights


  • Advised a project company, incorporated by the consortium led by Daiwa Lease Co., Ltd. on PFI project at the site of relocated Hachioji Medical Prison in Hachioji City, Tokyo, and on preparation of funding for the project.
  • Advised a project company, incorporated by the consortium led by Daiwa Lease Co., Ltd. on PFI project to construct and maintain the new high school of Misato City, Miyagi Prefecture, and on funding for the project.