Baker McKenzie (Gaikokuho Joint Enterprise)’s sizeable project finance team in Tokyo has both inbound and outbound capabilities covering LNG, oil and gas, mining, and infrastructure projects, with the team noted particularly for its expertise in the renewables space. With over two decades of experience handling inbound and domestic project finance mandates, Shinichiro Kitamura leads the group. Jon Ornolfsson regularly advises leading Japanese clients, including trading houses and energy companies, on high-profile energy transactions across the APAC region; he leads the firm’s Asia energy and infrastructure practice. Ean Mac Pherson’s practice encompasses both conventional and renewable energy power projects, including offshore wind, solar, and biomass. Samir Desai works on natural resources, renewable and electric power, oil and gas, and infrastructure projects. Naoaki Eguchi is also a key contact. Tsutomu Kobayashi left the firm in April 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Our bank relies on Kosuke Suzuki because of his professional and reasonable advice. He is smart, sincere and a gentleman. He understands well our bank’s stance on project finance.'
- 'Shun Fukazawa responds quickly and accurately. He gives reasonable and flexible advice from the commercial/legal point of view.'
- 'Mana Isobe does her job very efficiently and always prioritises clients'.
- ‘Jon Ornolfsson is flexible and can coordinate with people in various locations effectively.’
‘They have plenty of experience and understanding of transactions as a firm and as individuals, enabling them to provide proper and timely advice to their clients even in the case of complex matters. They respond swiftly and we are quite pleased with the quality of their work.’
‘The team offers thoughtful and persuasive advice based on their immense knowledge and understanding of transactions.'
'Baker McKenzie forms appropriate teams according to the content of cases and provides stable services. The team consists of a good balance of diversity in terms of age, gender, and nationality. They are very reassuring because their services for complex and difficult cases are based on a high level of expertise and ample experience.'
Key clients
- Goto Floating Wind Farm LLC
Work highlights
Advised Goto Floating Wind Farm LLC, a consortium led by Toda Corporation as well as Japan Renewable Energy Corporation, Osaka Gas, INPEX Corporation, Kansai Electric Power and Chubu Electric Power, on its joint business agreement, shareholders agreement, EPC contract, floating foundation lease agreement, loan agreement, asset management contract, project management contract, grid transfer agreement, turbine supply agreement, O&M contract, etc.
Lawyers
Leading partners: Gaiben
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading partners: Bengoshi
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Shinichiro Kitamura
Other key lawyers
Jon Ornolfsson; Ean Mac Pherson; Naoki Eguchi; Samir Desai; Kosuke Suzuki; Shun Fukazawa; Mana Isobe