Tomohiro Sato > Nishimura & Asahi > Tokyo, Japan > Lawyer Profile

Nishimura & Asahi
OTEMON TOWER, 1-1-2 OTEMACHI
CHIYODA-KU
TOKYO 100-8124
Japan

Work Department

Project Finance practice

Position

Partner, Tokyo

Career

Tomohiro is a partner in the Tokyo office and leads the project finance practice. He has been practicing for more than 20 years and his practice focuses on project finance and project development.

Tomohiro regularly serves as legal counsel to major financial institutions, trading companies, and energy companies on various projects and project finance transactions. His extensive experience with domestic projects covers a wide variety of sectors including renewable energy, IPP, grid connections, airports, water, and social infrastructure. He also has broad experience with international project financing transactions, including financing for LNG projects, mining projects, and refineries. Tomohiro is recognized as a leading project finance lawyer by Chambers Asia-Pacific, The Legal 500, IFLR1000, Best Lawyers and Who’s Who Legal. He was also named “Energy and Infrastructure Lawyer of the Year” at The Asia Legal Awards 2021.

Languages

Japanese, English

Memberships

2008 | Admitted in New York
2002 | Admitted in Japan

Education

2008 | King’s College London (LL.M. in International Financial Law, Distinction) 2007 | Boston University School of Law (LL.M. in Banking & Financial Law)
2000 | Keio University (LL.B.)

Lawyer Rankings

Japan > Projects and energy: Independent local firms

(Leading individuals: Bengoshi)

Tomohiro SatoNishimura & 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.