Nishimura & Asahi’s broad practice, led by Yoshihiko Kawakami, spans both financing and development matters within the sector. In addition to sale and purchase, and leasing and management issues, the team advises on large-scale developments. The group notably advises a varied client base of Japanese mega banks, financial institutions and both domestic and foreign investment banks. Hiroshi Niinomi regularly assists builders, developers and lenders with their real estate transactions, while Yoshiaki Ikeda advises both private REITs and J-REITs on Japanese real estate transactions. Norio Maeda is known for assisting foreign investors entering the Japanese real estate market, and Takuya Shimizu works with international financial institutions and funds. The real estate group works closely with the firm’s Singapore-based construction team, led by Shintaro Uno and supported by Natalie Yap, which handles construction disputes and represents Japanese construction companies across Southeast Asia.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Key clients

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
Mizuho Trust & Banking Co., Ltd.
Mizuho Bank, Ltd.
Tokyu Land Corporation
Kajima Corporation
Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation
ORIX Corporation
Mitsui & Co. Asset Management Holdings Ltd.
Mori Trust Co., Ltd.
Tokyo Tatemono Investment Advisors Co., Ltd.
Kajima Real Estate Investment Advisors Inc.
The Blackstone Group Japan K.K.
SMFL MIRAI Partners Company, Limited

Work highlights

Acted for Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Tokyo Branch as lenders to Gaw Capital Partners in its acquisition of seven logistics facilities from Blackstone Japan.
Represented the buyer, SMFL MIRAI Partners Company, Limited, in acquisition of a plot of land consisting of 105,270 square metres, which previously housed Panasonic subsidiary Sanyo Electric’s Suminodo factory and Kyocera’s Osaka Daito Office.
Represented the seller, Blackstone, in the acquisition of 30 residential properties in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, including the Grace Residence Tokyo, from M&G Investments using a TMK structure.