The team at Mori Hamada advises on a diverse range of projects, spanning offshore wind, hydrogen and ammonia, PFI, infrastructure, and those within the photovoltaic sector. The practice is led by Takahiro Kobayashi who has broad expertise across energy-related transactions, including project-financed power plant developments, the sale and purchase of renewable energy assets, alliances and M&A involving energy companies, as well as regulatory and licensing issues within the sector Spearheading the group alongside Kobayashi are Shigeki Okatani who specialises in renewable energy projects, from solar, to onshore and offshore wind, and Yusuke Murakami who advises sponsors, lenders, and EPC contractors on all stages of projects, from development and project finance to construction, M&A and dispute resolution.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Mori Hamada has very well-experienced renewable energy lawyers. They have a number of former secondee of Japanese various ministries. This makes MH stand out especially for regulatory matters.’
‘Shigeki Okatani is a leading runner of renewable energy legal fields. He understands the commercial mechanisms of renewable energy and has strong knowledge of updated legal matters.’
‘Shigeki Okatani has a deep knowledge of the relevant legal systems and project finance, and through smooth and friendly communication, he can accurately grasp the client's request and quickly provide accurate advice and results using the firm's collective capabilities.’
‘The Mori Hamada team demonstrates deep expertise in renewable energy projects in Japan, consistently supporting our business with both legal and commercial insight.'
'Their understanding of market dynamics and practical challenges allows them to deliver advice that is not only legally sound but also strategically aligned with our business goals.'
'Their client-focused approach ensures that guidance goes beyond identifying legal risks to offering actionable solutions. The team’s breadth of capability across multiple practice areas, including corporate, M&A, finance, competition, construction, and dispute resolution, makes them a reliable and versatile partner for our legal needs.’
Key clients
- ENEOS Corporation
- JERA Co., Inc.
- Marubeni Corporation
- Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
- Mizuho Bank, Ltd.
- MUFG Bank, Ltd.
- Osaka Gas Co., Ltd.
- Development Bank of Japan
- TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company) Holdings, Inc., TEPCO Renewable Power, Inc.
- Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.
Work highlights
Represented MUFG and others in the JPY 530bn project financing of the first-ever casino complex (“integrated resort”) project in Japan, developed by a consortium of US-based casino operators, MGM Resorts International and a major Japanese financial services group, Orix Corporation, in partnership with Osaka city and Osaka prefecture.
Represented ENEOS Renewable Energy Corporation (ERE) in the negotiation of a share purchase agreement for a project in which ERE purchased 20% of the shares of GoliatVIND, a Norwegian floating offshore wind power generation company.
Represented the client in the first grid-scale battery energy storage system for which project finance has been arranged in Japan.
Lawyers
Leading partners: Bengoshi
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners: Bengoshi
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Takahiro Kobayashi; Shigeki Okatani; Yusuke Murakami