Tsutomu Kobayashi

Tsutomu focuses his practice on energy projects (e.g., renewables and gas-fired IPPs), infrastructure projects (e.g., PFI/PPP projects) and project finance related to such projects. He also has extensive experience in structured finance matters, including acquisition finance, real estate finance, structured leasing and securitization/liquidation in addition to his expertise in trust law matters, financial regulations and general banking and finance law matters.

• Represented financial institutions, sponsors and investors in the development, operation and project financing of numerous energy projects, including renewable energy power generation projects (e.g., onshore/offshore wind, solar and biomass) and large-scale gas-fired thermal power generation projects.
• Represented JAPEX, Mitsui & Co. and other sponsors in the development and project financing of a 1,180 MW natural gas-fired power generation project at Soma Port in Fukushima Prefecture, which won the Projects, Energy and Infrastructure Deal of the Year award at the Asian Legal Business Japan Law Awards.
• Represented MUFG Bank and other financial institutions in the project financing of a 1,080 MW Integrated coal Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) power generation project in Fukushima Prefecture.
• Represented a syndicate of financial institutions in a project finance transaction for multiple solar power projects on agricultural facility rooftops.
• Represented financial institutions, sponsors, investors and public sector entities in the development, operation and project financing of numerous PFI/PPP projects, including PFI projects related to government office buildings, school facilities, indoor pools, gymnasiums, civic halls, hospitals, satellites, vessels and other facilities, in addition to airport concession-type PFI projects.
• Represented a syndicate of financial institutions in a PFI transaction involving the construction, operation and maintenance of the Diet Members' Office Building — the largest ever PFI transaction in Japan at the time.
• Represented a syndicate of financial institutions in a PFI transaction involving the development, operation and maintenance of a satellite system.
• Represented a syndicate of financial institutions in a PFI transaction involving the purchase and operation of shipping vessels — the first ever PFI involving such vessels in Japan.
• Represented a syndicate of financial institutions in a going-private MBO transaction involving one of the largest Japan-listed leisure and amusement companies at the time in a deal which won the Debt Market Deal of the Year award at the Asian Legal Business Japan Law Awards.
• Represented a syndicate of financial institutions in a going-private MBO transaction involving a listed manufacturer of electrical equipment for specialized vehicles.

• Leading Lawyer for Projects & Energy (Domestic) in Japan, Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific Japan (2023)

• Tokyo Bar Association – Member
• PFI Promotion Committee of the Cabinet Office – Expert Member (2020-2022)

• London