Japan’s largest full-service firm, Nishimura & Asahi, whose own sustainability goals are closely aligned with the United Nations Global Compact, takes a multi-disciplinary approach in advising clients on reducing their carbon footprints, implementing sustainable business practices, and protecting the environment. The firm works across a range of matters, including green power projects (solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and hydrogen), climate regulation, ESG due diligence, as well as climate financing and green bonds. It also advises stakeholders seeking to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.

In a recent highlight, Adrian Joyce, among others, assisted JFE Engineering Corporation, a major Japanese engineering company, with the establishment of a joint venture with Thuan Thanh Environmental Joint Stock Company, a Vietnamese recycling company, for a large-scale waste-to-energy project in Vietnam. An innovative matter was energy expert Sadayuki Matsudaira’s advice to Hokuriku Electric Power Company regarding its investment in NCT Holdco, a US-based producer of renewable biocarbon products, such as black pellets, which can be burnt like coal, helping to reduce CO2 emissions in coal-fired power generation.

Of note is also the firm’s pro bono legal advice to Mobile Sea Otters (MSO), a non-profit organisation which seeks to restore deteriorating kelp forests along Japan’s coastline.

The firm operates a sustainability study group which aims to create and advocate for sustainability opportunities. The group hosts internal and external events, writes newsletters and articles, and works with clients and others seeking to improve their sustainability practices.

The firm’s lawyers also often serve as climate change and environmental experts at the request of the Japanese government and bar associations, such as in the Study Group on Competition Policy for Realisation of Green Society organised by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, which establishes competition policy for the country’s move toward carbon neutrality.