Banking & Finance: International
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : Japan
Band 1
Contact number
+81 3 6384 3300Chambers Review
White & Case boasts a respected asset finance practice, most notably representing major clients in significant aircraft finance transactions, and is known for advising on transactions incorporating JOLCO structures. The team additionally represents clients in regulatory and structured finance matters and possesses experience in export credit financing. The practice is also active on cross-border securitisation and privatisation issues, and has additional expertise in refinancing and cross-border acquisition finance.
Work Highlights
- White & Case advised Mizuho Bank as mandated lead arranger in connection with the senior secured facilities provided to acquisition vehicle K.K. BCJ-70, controlled by affiliates of Bain Capital Private Equity, for its acquisition of Impact HD.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"We rate Clara and her team very highly, given the commercial insights, best-in-class market knowledge and strong execution capabilities."
"Their expertise as legal advisers is very high, and their comments are always appropriate and supportive for us to make sound judgements from the legal standpoint."
"The White & Case team are extremely responsive and able to provide quick turnaround on time-sensitive situations without diminishing the quality of work."
"We rate Clara and her team very highly, given the commercial insights, best-in-class market knowledge and strong execution capabilities."
"Their expertise as legal advisers is very high, and their comments are always appropriate and supportive for us to make sound judgements from the legal standpoint."
"The White & Case team are extremely responsive and able to provide quick turnaround on time-sensitive situations without diminishing the quality of work."
Notable Practitioners
Clara Shirota acts as lenders' counsel in relation to senior and mezzanine facilities provided by banks and funds. She is noted for the depth of her experience with regard to leveraged finance.
"She is very commercial, extremely knowledgeable and manages her team well to ensure prompt execution and the best outcomes."
"Clara is a very experienced lawyer and we really appreciated her negotiation skills."
"Clara is an extremely commercial, user-friendly counsel who ensures we maintain the best terms in the Japan market."
Zenya Onishi is a partner of White & Case's debt finance and restructuring groups and operates a highly visible lender and sponsor-side practice. He is experienced in advising on syndicated loan transactions.
"Onishi Sensei is a great partner with strong expertise and commercial awareness."
"He has been extremely supportive for us. I really appreciate his professional and reliable comments and support."
"He is well versed in operations and has a high level of service."