Nishimura & Asahi's group advises both domestic and international clients across a wide range of matters, including gas-fired power and IPP projects, as well as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass projects. The team is also active in emerging sectors such as clean hydrogen, clean ammonia, carbon capture and storage, and battery energy storage systems, alongside PFI and concession projects. The practice is led by Tomohiro Sato who has extensive experience in international project finance cases. Maya Ito regularly advises international investors on cross-border renewable energy projects and provides counsel to both borrowers and lenders in regards to the financing of renewable energy developments in Japan. Sadayuki Matsudaira focuses on project development, acquisitions and alliances. Adrian Joyce and Alexander Woody are key contacts for advising sponsors and financiers on the development, acquisition and financing of complex cross-border projects across renewables, oil and gas, and infrastructure. Nathan Schmidt is another notable name at the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge

Key clients

  • MUFG Bank, Ltd.
  • Mizuho Bank, Ltd.
  • Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
  • SPARX Green Energy & Technology Co., Ltd.
  • Hokkaido Electric Power Co., Inc.
  • Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd
  • Idemitsu Kosan Co.
  • Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Ltd.
  • Ichigo Inc.
  • Energy Grid Corporation Ltd.
  • Tokyu Land Corporation

Work highlights

Advised the borrower, which is a special purpose company established by our client for this project, on project financing from Aozora Bank, Ltd., as lender, for a 10 MW biomass power plant.
Advised the borrower and sponsor on the development of and project financing of the Specified Integrated Resort Facilities in Yumeshima, Osaka, Japan.
Advised Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. (MOECO), a subsidiary of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. [TSE: 8031], on financing for the Vietnam Block B Gas Field Development.

Lawyers

Leading partners: Bengoshi

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Sadayuki Matsudaira

Leading partners: Gaiben

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Alexander Woody

Next Generation Partners: Gaiben

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

Tomohiro Sato

Other key lawyers

Sadayuki Matsudaira; Maya Ito; Nathan Schmidt; Alexander Woody