The team at Anderson Mori & Tomotsune ‘possesses top-level specialised knowledge’ in the field of project finance and advises both international and Japanese clients involved in major commercial projects. Team leader Takashi Akahane is highly experienced in advising Japanese ministries, municipalities, and multinational companies on public-private partnerships. Reiji Takahashi focuses on project finance and private finance initiatives, while Norifumi Takeuchi is at the forefront of domestic and global strategy for projects and energy matters. Kunihiro Yokoi and Teruma Naito are noteworthy names in the field of international project finance transactions, particularly in the areas of power and natural resources.
Projects and energy: Independent local firms in Japan
Anderson Mori & Tomotsune
Responsables de la pratique:
Takashi Akahane
Autres avocats clés:
Reiji Takahashi; Norifumi Takeuchi; Kunihiro Yokoi; Teruma Naito
Les références
‘This law firm possesses top-level specialized knowledge in the field of project finance in Japan and provides legal advice for numerous projects. In particular, Norifumi Takeuchi is a top-tier lawyer within the firm, consistently offering the best legal advice. The firm’s greatest strength lies in the excellence of its lawyers, which extends not only to the partners but also to the young attorneys. Their exceptional abilities allow them to deliver high-quality performance in a short time, resulting in a reasonable fee structure.’
‘The team is far stronger than others in providing reasonable and reliable solutions quickly.’
‘AM&T has a large number of highly specialized attorneys in various fields. Our company has been receiving support from AM&T for renewable energy companies and business acquisition cases, which involve multiple legal areas. M&A has been able to meet our needs in forming a team of appropriate attorneys for each case and ensure smooth collaboration among them.’
Principaux clients
Tohoku Electric Power Company
Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd.
JERA Co., Inc.
Electric Power Development Co., Ltd.
Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.
X-ELIO ENERGY, S.L.
Canadian Solar
Daiwa Energy & Infrastructure Co. Ltd.
Barclays Securities Japan Ltd.
Goldman Sachs
Mizuho Securities Co., Ltd.
Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities Co., Ltd.
MUFGBank, Ltd.
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
Mizuho Bank, Ltd
Japan Bank for International Cooperation
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Daiwa Energy & Infrastructure Co. Ltd. in its acquisition from Equitix of a minority stake in the Hornsea One offshore wind project.
- Advised JERA Co., Inc., Electric Power Development Co., Ltd., Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc., and Itochu Corporation in various issues such as structuring, negotiations for contracts related to development, construction, procurement of wind turbines, corporate PPA, and preparation of bidding documents.
- Advised JBIC and other commercial lenders on its financing to PT Indonesia International Automotive Proving Ground in Indonesia, which is invested in by, inter alia, Toyota Tsusho Corporation.
Mori Hamada & Matsumoto Tokyo Office
Mori Hamada & Matsumoto Tokyo Office‘s project finance team has significant experience in the offshore wind sector, representing major developers and consortiums in various ongoing projects. Jointly led by Takahiro Kobayashi, Shigeki Okatani, and Yusuke Murakami, the team supports clients with infrastructure projects in the biomass and photovoltaic sectors. Kobayashi and Murakami have extensive experience in energy and infrastructure projects, while Okatani focuses on renewable energy and leads solar, onshore and offshore projects. Other notable names are Hironobu Noma, who is well-versed in energy and PFI projects, and Naoki Ishikawa, who focuses on inbound cross-border investments in renewable energy projects.
Responsables de la pratique:
Takahiro Kobayashi; Shigeki Okatani; Yusuke Murakami
Autres avocats clés:
Hironobu Noma; Naoki Ishikawa
Les références
‘The team is outstanding in terms of collaboration. One thing which I found remarkable about the firm is its team work. I have worked with the firm on an offshore wind project, which comprises of many different finance and project contracts. While the tasks were allocated to each lawyer, the case was shared and discussed among the team. This effort provided consistency in the quality outcome and enabled flexibility in the negotiation. Needless to say about their legal capability, MHM’s project management team is outstanding.’
‘Among MHM Team, Lawyer Hironobu Noma is exceptional. He deeply understand the nature of projects, not limited to legal issues, but also project design, engineering and of course finance. His advise is always productive. He takes technical and engineering aspects into account, when considering risk mitigation and allocation. Without his wide ranged expertise, intellectual curiosity and morale, the project was not possible. I will definitely designate Mr. Noma as our legal advisor, if I am asked to choose any lawyers.’
‘People on the team are all sophisticated and professional. The team structure is well-organized, with a sufficient number of associates, senior associates, and partners to provide high-quality legal advice. Billing is always timely and maintains transparency.’
Principaux clients
ENEOS Corporation
JERA Co., Inc.
Marubeni Corporation
Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
Mizuho Bank, Ltd.
MUFG Bank, Ltd.
Osaka Gas Co., Ltd.
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company) Holdings, Inc.
TEPCO Renewable Power, Inc.
Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Mizuho Bank, MUFG Bank, and the Development Bank of Japan on financing for the Kitakyushu-Hibikinada Offshore Wind Farm with a total capacity of 110MW, which is the largest offshore wind farm in Japan.
- Advised MUFG Bank and SMBC in the development of Japan’s first-ever casino complex developed by MGM Resorts and Orix Corporation in partnership with Osaka City.
- Advised Shizen Energy Inc. and CDPQ as co-investors for a large-scale solar project, arranging the project financing in Japan for a Virtual PPA with Microsoft as an off-taker.
Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu
The team at Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu advises both foreign and domestic project sponsors, contractors, and financiers on structured investment schemes and project finance, as well as on the operation, financing, and investment in IPP projects in Japan. The team is led by Jiro Mikami and Makoto Saito, who have extensive experience in handling infrastructure and renewable energy matters. Kiyoshi Honda is well-versed in the acquisition and development of renewable energy projects, such as solar, wind farms, and biomass projects, while Terukazu Katsuyama specialises in handling energy, IPP, and PFI project finance transactions. In January 2024, Kaori Sugimoto and Eiji Miyagi were promoted to the partnership.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jiro Mikami; Makoto Saito
Autres avocats clés:
Kiyoshi Honda; Terukazu Katsuyama; Kaori Sugimoto; Eiji Miyagi; Yoshihisa Watanabe
Les références
‘NO&T stands out as an exceptional law firm, exemplifying the highest standards of professionalism, expertise, and dedication. The firm’s ability to work cohesively as a team, seamlessly integrating the talents and knowledge of each member, is truly remarkable. From the very beginning of our collaboration, it was evident that NO&T’s team operated with a unified purpose, ensuring that every piece of advice delivered was not only meticulously considered but also strategically sound. This level of coordination and teamwork instilled a deep sense of confidence in our company, knowing that we were supported by a group of professionals who were always in sync and committed to our success.’
‘The financing team led by Mr. Mikami and Saito at Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu is remarkable as they have strong expertise both in asset finance and LBO finance. They can move very quickly and flexibly. Their billing late is reasonable considering the quality of work and amount of resources they can deploy.’
‘One of the most impressive aspects of NO&T is their profound understanding of the Japanese financing markets. Their expertise in this area is unparalleled, allowing them to provide insights and advice that are both deeply informed and highly practical. The firm’s ability to navigate the complexities of these markets and translate their knowledge into actionable strategies was invaluable to our operations. This deep market understanding, coupled with their comprehensive legal acumen, meant that NO&T was always equipped to offer advice that was not only legally sound but also commercially viable.’
Principaux clients
Development Bank of Japan Inc.
Mizuho Bank, Ltd.
Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc.
The Tokyo Electric Generation Company, Incorporated.
TEPCO Power Grid, Incorporated
JERA Co., Inc.
Tokyo Electric Power Company Group
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited.
Japan International Cooperation Agency
Hokkaido Electric Power Co., Inc.
ABLE Co., Ltd.
Renova, Inc.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Equinix Inc./Equinix Japan Kabushiki Kaisha
Z Energy Co., Ltd.
Japan Infrastructure Initiative Co., Ltd.
Principaux dossiers
- Advising MGM Resorts International on its joint venture’s procurement for Japan’s first Integrated Resort in Osaka.
- Advised a consortium consisting of NTT Anode Energy Corporation and JERA Co, Inc. on its acquisition of Green Power Investment Corporation.
- Advivsed TEPCO Power Grid, Inc. on its joint venture development projects for a data center.
Nishimura & Asahi
The team at Nishimura & Asahi offers comprehensive legal services for domestic and international power, renewable energy, and infrastructure projects, covering all aspects from project development and financing to offtake and transportation. Team leader Tomohiro Sato advises lenders and sponsors on project finance transactions, particularly those related to renewable energy and concession-based projects. Maya Ito is well versed in cross-border energy projects and financing, while Kohei Ishida focuses on solar and wind power projects. In May 2024, Sean Conaty joined the firm’s Tokyo office.
Responsables de la pratique:
Tomohiro Sato
Autres avocats clés:
Maya Ito; Kohei Ishida; Sean Conaty; Sadayuki Matsudaira; Adrian Joyce; Alexander Woody; Nathan Schmidt
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Societe Generale on project financing for a 25MWac solar power project in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
- Advised Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., RENOVA, Inc., and Himeji Energy Storage Facility G.K., a Japan-based entity sponsored by Idemitsu Kosan, RENOVA, Nagase & Co., Ltd., and SMFL MIRAI Partners Co., Ltd., on the commercialization and project financing for a grid-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.
- Advising NTT Corporation and Mitsui & Co. Ltd. on the project development of the JUNO trans-Pacific submarine cable system, a new trans-Pacific submarine cable system between the US and Japan.
Atsumi & Sakai
Atsumi & Sakai‘s team has deep expertise in renewable energy matters, both in Japan and internationally, spanning solar, wind, biomass, hydro, and geothermal power projects. Led by Kimiharu Masaki, Akira Shimazaki, Michiaki Hosoi, and Miho Niunoya, the team is well-versed in the development and financing of LNG, petrochemicals, coal, and mining projects. Masaki and Shimazu bring extensive experience across all aspects of renewable energy projects, Hosoi advises clients on acquisition, real estate, and project finance, and Niunoya is well-versed in PFI, PPP, and construction projects within the infrastructure and energy sectors. In relation to shipping finance transactions, Yutaka Sakai is the name to note.
Responsables de la pratique:
Kimiharu Masaki; Akira Shimazaki; Michiaki Hosoi; Miho Niunoya
Autres avocats clés:
Yutaka Sakai; Rie Kishida; Tomoko Watanabe
Principaux clients
Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc. (MRI)
The Japan Research Institute, Limited (JRI)
Photovolt Development Partners GmbH
Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting Co., Ltd.
EY Strategy and Consulting Co., Ltd.
Principaux dossiers
TMI Associates
With a focus on renewable energy, the team at TMI Associates advises domestic and foreign companies on solar, wind, biomass, hydro, and geothermal power plant projects. Led by Yoshiyasu Yamaguchi, the team is well versed in inbound transactions implemented by Asian, US, and European investors and secondary transactions by way of business transfers, share deals, and cross-border corporate split transactions. Takenobu Imaeda advises financial institutions and business operators on renewable energy power generation projects, while Mizuki Koshimoto brings significant experience in inbound renewable energy transfers, particularly those involving cross-border funding. Noriko Yao and Noriko Yao are key names in the areas of cross-border financing transactions and real estate finance.
Responsables de la pratique:
Yoshiyasu Yamaguchi
Autres avocats clés:
Takenobu Imaeda; Mizuki Koshimoto; Noriko Yao; Keita Tominaga; Katsutoshi Kimura
Les références
‘Keita Tominaga is excellent in balancing the cultural differences between national government agencies and international MNCs. He was hands-on in managing communications in all directions at the negotiating table and behind the scenes.’
‘TMI Associates is an excellent firm and stands out in their ability to navigate more complex legal and cultural divides. Keita Tominaga is an individual we turn to when we need a little more nuance.’
‘The team has extensive experience in drafting and negotiating PPA agreements and has experience in negotiating contracts with leading global renewable energy procurement companies.’
Principaux clients
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
Mizuho Trust & Banking Co., Ltd.
Mizuho Securities Co., Ltd.
Aozora Bank, Lrd.
Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy Pty Ltd
Siemens Energy K.K.
Enfinity Japan K.K.
Eneseed Co., Ltd.
EEX
Integrity Partners LLC
Principaux dossiers
- Advised the real estate developed on the farming-based and off-site PPAs solar power plants, which combine agriculture and solar power generation at the same time.
City-Yuwa Partners
The team at City-Yuwa Partners provides ‘pragmatically useful advice’ and assists Japanese companies and financial institutions with project financing for renewable energy development. Team leader Masamichi Sakamoto is well versed in cross-border real estate and energy transactions, advising foreign investors and developers on solar power project development in Japan. Yukinori Sasaki is another key figure, specialising in the renewable energy power generation sector.
Responsables de la pratique:
Masamichi Sakamoto
Autres avocats clés:
Yukinori Sasaki
Les références
‘City-Yuwa Partners has demonstrated high proficiency in delivering clear, coherent, and comprehensive legal solutions for complex matters, considering our bank’s unique stance as a foreign bank while ensuring regulatory compliance. Their accurate advice enhanced our ability to evaluate complicated transactions with precision. By collaborating among partners and associates, they provided optimal, tailored legal solutions, fostering expertise and continuous learning. This approach ensured seamless legal services from consultation to the final closing of financings and loan disbursements.’
‘City Yuwa has always proactively engaged in innovative financing schemes without being bound only by traditional or stereotyped structures. The team’s speciality has incomparable value with positive passion, energy and experience, and know-how, domestically and internationally.’
‘The team is able to implement pragmatically useful advice on a wide range of matters with a high degree of expertise and a deep understanding of client requirements.’
Principaux dossiers
Kaynex Law Offices
Kaynex Law Offices’ team is well versed in representing both international and Japanese investors, as well as financial institutions, in the acquisition, development, and financing of solar projects. The team leader Kota Kikuchi has extensive knowledge across all stages of renewable energy projects, from regulatory guidance to dispute resolution. Makoto Fujii and Daisuke Shimizu are also notable names.
Responsables de la pratique:
Kota Kikuchi
Autres avocats clés:
Makoto Fujii; Daisuke Shimizu