Baker McKenzie (Gaikokuho Joint Enterprise)’s team is proficient in handling cross-border transactions, with a particular specialism in foreign investment into Japan. The practice provides ‘excellent’ advice to international clients on inbound acquisitions, disposals, sale and leasing of assets. Practice head Seishi Ikeda is known for having longstanding experience in advising on both cross-border and domestic real estate acquisitions, dispositions, developments and financings, while Taijiro Suzuki specialises in real estate securitisation matters. The hotel and resort industries remain key areas of focus for the group, with Chris Hodgens regularly advising on hotel management, lease and franchise projects in Japan and overseas, and Maki Kawamura handling retail and resort projects. Regularly advising foreign clients carrying out construction work in the Japanese market, Ean Mac Pherson, head of the projects team, frequently assists EPC contractors and project developers on the construction of renewable energy, aquaculture and conventional power projects. Associate Hojung Jun has vast expertise in construction, advising Japanese and international clients on overseas construction projects. Samir Desai is noted for advising on global data storage infrastructure projects. Masahiro Tanabe left the team in January 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The BM team knows the strategy, culture, business custom and people very well. This enables BM to engage and its service is efficient. All members of BM team have high level of specialty and the collaboration with the team always proceeds smoothly.'
- 'Samir Desai's performance is always satisfactory. He knows when to respect commercial decision, and when to need legal instruction. As he is always respectful to commercial members and uses simple words to explain the complex legal issues, the commercial team highly appreciates his attitude and performance.'
- 'Commercially-focused team providing excellent service. Responsive to business timelines without compromising quality.'
- 'Chris Hodgens brings experience, commerciality, responsiveness, humour, timeliness. He is a team player.'
Key clients
- Air Trunk
- Nomura Real Estate
- Pacific Century Group
- Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR)
- Deutsche Bank AG, Tokyo Branch
- Blue Melon Capital
- Lone Star Group
- Niseko Real Estate
- Ito-en, Ltd.
- InterContinental Hotels Group
- Pacifico Energy K.K.
Work highlights
- Represented AirTrunk, hyperscale data centre specialist, in the development of its West Tokyo data centre and the additional development of data centre in Inzai, Chiba (TOK1).
- Advised InterContinental Hotels Group on its proposed joint venture, hotel management and other agreements with BentallGreenOak and Royal Hotel Co., Ltd.
- Advised Nomura Real Estate on the redevelopment of a complex consisting of residential, office, commercial, and hotel buildings and three temples and shrines.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners: Gaiben
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Chris Hodgens
Baker McKenzie (Gaikokuho Joint Enterprise)Next Generation Partners: Bengoshi
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Maki Kawamura
Baker McKenzie (Gaikokuho Joint Enterprise)Taijiro Suzuki
Baker McKenzie (Gaikokuho Joint Enterprise)Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Seishi Ikeda, Ean MacPherson