- Construction & Infrastructure
Important Legal Considerations for the Construction of Data Centers in Japan
The market for data centers in Japan is increasingly attractive to owners and investors. Increased demand driven by AI, digital transformation, and cloud servers, as well as government subsidies, favorable exchange rates, political stability, and a reliable supply of electricity are key factors driving the recent boom in data center construction. On the flip side, increasing construction costs, labor shortages, and extended lead times for equipment delivery pose challenges to both owners and contractors. In this newsletter, we will shed light on key considerations when entering into construction contracts for data centers in Japan, for example, general considerations for construction contracts, price fluctuations, insurance coverage, the importance of force majeure clauses, advance instructions for certain work and equipment, and limitation...To read the full article, please see the PDF file
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Construction / Infrastructure Newsletter
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Shintaro Uno is one of Japan’s leading experts on FIDIC and other construction-industry contracts. He specializes in international engineering and construction of infrastructure projects around the world, with a particular focus on Japan and Asia. He has extensive experience advising on a wide range of projects, including semiconductor plants, data centers, high-speed railways, highways, submarine cables, coal-mining process facilities, Mass Rapid Transit, high-rise buildings, lithium hydroxide plants, various types of power plants, tunnels, ports, dredging, offshore wind, and water treatment and supply facilities, with primary contracts based on the standard FIDIC contract forms (including Redbook, Yellowbook, Silverbook 1999 and 2017 editions), Minkanrengo Building contract, Nikkenren Design Build, and ENAA.
On the contentious side, Shintaro successfully represents both employers and contractors in proceedings before Dispute Adjudication Boards, international arbitral tribunals, and national courts. He has particular expertise in arbitration under the SIAC, ICC, BANI, and DIAC rules.
Shintaro has been recognized as a Leading Individual in the Construction: International category by Chambers Asia-Pacific for three consecutive years (2023–2025), reflecting his reputation and track record in the region.
Over the past 14 years, Shintaro has been based in Southeast Asia, where he has advised on numerous complex disputes and crisis scenarios. His regional experience is especially extensive in Indonesia, where he has handled more than 70 contentious matters—including litigation, internal investigations, local arbitrations, and criminal cases—demonstrating his capability to navigate sensitive legal issues in cross-border settings.