Projects & Energy: Domestic
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : Japan
Band 1
Contact number
+81 3 5220 1800About
Provided by Mori Hamada & Matsumoto
Mori Hamada & Matsumoto has a broad range of expertise to represent and assist Japanese and non-Japanese clients in the energy and infrastructure sectors in relation to project development, project financing, construction/EPC, M&A, regulatory issues, and dispute resolution. Its close relationships with major players, industrial associations and regulatory authorities enable the firm to help its clients navigate the most recent regulatory reforms and draw upon the most current trends in the industry.
Mori Hamada & Matsumoto has represented major clients in the most cutting-edge transactions in the fast-changing energy and infrastructure markets. For instance, it has recently acted for major consortiums in large-scale offshore wind projects, cross-border M&As of renewable projects and developers, and many bilateral carbon credit transactions. It has also advised major developers and retailers in cutting-edge corporate PPA deals including project financing deals based on corporate PPA. Mori Hamada & Matsumoto also have represented the majority of the existing infrastructure funds listed in the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
The firm has worked on major infrastructure projects - including the first-ever Integrated Resort project in Osaka as well as large-scale concession-based privatization deals for public infrastructure such as airports and toll roads, as well as many PFI projects for construction of a variety of public facilities.
Chambers Review
Mori Hamada & Matsumoto is regularly engaged as legal counsel by trading companies, development banks and energy companies to advise on renewable energy projects, including solar, wind and biomass. The firm is equally capable in the traditional energy sphere, especially acting on LNG developments, and is highly proficient in financing, having worked on numerous syndicated loan transactions, including advising on some of the first infrastructure investment funds in Japan. The team is also knowledgeable regarding market regulations due to its strong relationships with major supervisory authorities. Mori Hamada acts for both lenders and sponsors, either individually or as part of a bidding consortium.
Work Highlights
- Mori Hamada & Matsumoto advised Mizuho Bank, MUFG Bank and the Development Bank of Japan on project finance for Kitakyushu-Hibikinada offshore wind farm.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Mori Hamada is a law firm with a wealth of knowledge and a high reputation in the industry, and we feel confident in entrusting our work to the firm and can always expect a high output."
"From partners to junior lawyers, you can feel that they are working as a team."
"Mori Hamada is a law firm with a wealth of knowledge and a high reputation in the industry, and we feel confident in entrusting our work to the firm and can always expect a high output."
"From partners to junior lawyers, you can feel that they are working as a team."
Notable Practitioners
Takahiro Kobayashi is a distinguished lawyer in Japan with substantial experience in the financing and development of renewable energy projects.
"Not only is he quick to respond, but he always works from the customer's perspective, understanding what customers are thinking and what they are looking for."
"He understood the case well and we received appropriate advice."
Shigeki Okatani enjoys a solid reputation in Japan's legal market for his work on solar and wind power projects, acting for a range of notable clients in this area.
"He has strong expertise in asset-related and regulatory matters, and can provide appropriate responses and advice."
"Shigeki Okatani is a renowned practitioner in this industry and has a deep understanding of the renewables business."
"He is always flexible in responding to our requests, has a deep understanding of our business and provides satisfactory solutions based on his advanced knowledge."
Yusuke Murakami is a well-regarded lawyer, notable for his work assisting clients in relation to renewable energy projects. He counts energy companies and developers among his clientele and frequently advises on wind projects.
"Yusuke Murakami knows what the customer's problems are before he attends the meeting, which makes it very smooth."
"I receive a professional response backed by a wealth of knowledge and experience for each question I ask."
Ranked Lawyers at
Mori Hamada & Matsumoto
Japan
Members
Provided by Mori Hamada & Matsumoto
Hironobu Noma
Hiroshi Maeda
Kei Shirakawa
Mihoko Shima
Head of Department
Toshifumi Ueda
Yuki Matsuda
Yuko Nihonmatsu
