Nishimura & Asahi focuses on domestic funds with overseas investments but has the capacity to assist clients with a range of investment fund matters. Makoto Igarashi and Kei Ito are the pair leading the team; Igarashi has a long history of representing investment managers in connection with fundraising and investment issues. As well as displaying a knowledge of a range of investment funds including investment trusts, the team also assists with traditional asset management activities. Tsuyoshi Ito, Yoshiharu Kawamata and Kohei Ishida are key names in the group; Kawamata is frequently called upon for matters relating to private equity issues, mezzanine financings and infrastructure funds, and Ishida has a strong track record advising on investment fundraising.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Key clients

  • Nomura Holdings, Inc.
  • Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
  • Mizuho Capital Partners Co., Ltd.
  • Longreach Group
  • Aspirant Group Inc.
  • Nomura Mezzanine Partners Co., Ltd.
  • Government Pension Investment Fund, Japan
  • Pattern Energy Group
  • Toyota Motor Corporation
  • Toshiba Corporation
  • Mitsui & Co., Reality Management Ltd.
  • Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited
  • Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
  • Nippon Express Holdings
  • Star Mica Holdings Co., Ltd.

Work highlights

  • Advised the general partner of MCP Partners group firms’ establishment of three different types of funds; MCP Capital’s PE fund VI, MCP Mezzanine’s Mezzanine Fund V and MCP Familia’s PE fund.
  • Acted for Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited as Japanese counsel in its new business alliance with Energy Capital Partners, a US private equity infrastructure manager.
  • Advised Mitsui & Co. on the Reality Management Ltd. establishment of MBRM Fund, a real estate fund, as part of a joint venture between Mitsui & Co., Ltd., a major Japanese trading house, and Japan Post Insurance Co., Ltd., a member of the Japan Post Group.

Lawyers

Leading partners: Bengoshi
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners: Bengoshi
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Makoto Igarashi, Kei Ito

Other key lawyers

Tsuyoshi Ito, Yoshiharu Kawamata, Kohei Ishida