What are the most significant cases or transactions that you have been involved in over the past year?
Tokyo Gas, originally a gas utility focused on the Tokyo area, has been expanding its business scope in recent years to include electricity, power generation and overseas energy-related projects. In particular, the company has been accelerating its efforts towards a decarbonised society while ensuring stable energy supply. Over the past year, Tokyo Gas actively engaged in various initiatives such as: partial investments in renewable energy companies, acquisition and investment in renewable energy projects, investment in offshore wind power funds in Europe, promotion of e-methane projects; and, in the US, acquisition of shale gas development companies, partial investment in gas marketing and trading companies, and acquisition of grid-scale battery businesses.

Our legal department has played a significant role in these important projects by collaborating with members of the business divisions from the early stages, actively supporting the reduction of legal risks and the realisation of business goals, thereby contributing to Tokyo Gas’ challenges in its business transformation.

Based on your experience, what is the key to collaborating successfully with business partners?

I believe that a trusting relationship with our business partners is the crucial element. Without trust significant risks may be overlooked, and business failures may occur. To build trust, it is important to
listen sincerely to what the other party says, ask appropriate questions to help clarify their thoughts when they are not well organizsd, and provide suitable advice based on legal expertise and high ethical standards to gain credibility.

Which political, economic or regulatory changes have impacted your work the most in the past year?

The progress of personal data protection laws and regulations in various countries. When conducting business activities in multiple countries, it is essential to appropriately manage each country’s personal data in accordance with its laws and regulations and comply with rules when transferring personal data to other countries. The complexity of this situation poses challenges in establishing compliance frameworks and managing associated costs.