What are the most significant cases, transactions or projects that your legal team has recently been involved in?

JERA was created through the consolidation of the fuel and thermal power departments of the Tokyo Electric Power Company and the Chubu Electric Power Company. The company was established with the concurrent aims of creating an energy company capable of competing in the global energy market and providing a stable supply of globally competitive energy, all while increasing corporate value.

To achieve decarbonisation over the middle and long term while securing a stable electricity supply, JERA will, in addition to strengthening operations of the thermal power generation business it has cultivated over the years, establish a clean energy supply platform that utilises digital technology to combine renewable energy and low greenhouse gas thermal power. By providing Asia and the world with a platform that achieves both supply stability and decarbonisation, JERA aims to contribute to the sound growth and development of the world and maximise its corporate value.

JERA’s legal group uses its expertise as a tool to support the business and contribute to the management. As a large energy company with global reach, it is committed to energy stability and decarbonisation. Despite its rapid expansion, JERA Legal Group ensures that its involvement is extended to every corner of the company.

How important is choosing to work with external lawyers who align with your company’s values?

JERA legal group’s mission is “Assisting in the decision making (informed decision) of JERA’s management and business by providing legal advice and solutions, and enhanced governance that serve to improve JERA’s enterprise value and global competitiveness, thereby ultimately contributing to the realization of JERA’s mission and vision.”

Our vision is to be “A team of in-house legal professionals with capabilities comparable to those of leading global energy companies and a trusted partner to JERA’s management and business.

In this day and age when the energy industry is changing at a rapid pace, it is critical for our external lawyers to have a thorough understanding of JERA’s entire business.

How do you suggest in-house lawyers build strong relationships with business partners?

JERA’s Legal Group has three pillars – legal, corporate governance and compliance. We need to continue to live up to the expectations of the business unit, and at the same time, continue to contribute to the top management. Hence, in-house lawyers must be agile to keep up with changing business needs. It is also important to serve as a moral compass and firmly communicate with business units and top management on difficult issues without hesitation.