Japan Chapter of Solar Power: A Practical Handbook, Second Edition
Tokyo partners Maya Ito, Nathan G. Schmidt, and Amane Kawamoto, and Tokyo counsel Sang-Kyun (Rafael) Bong co-authored the Japan chapter of Solar Power: A Practical Handbook, Second Edition, published by Global Law and Business.
Authors
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He represents clients engaged in a broad range of banking and finance matters, including real estate financing facilities, leveraged financing transactions, restructurings, project financing facilities and structured finance transactions. He also has expertise in representing foreign and domestic investors, funds, and corporate entities in various types of matters, including joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions, and investment transactions. In recent years, he has also represented clients engaged in many solar PV projects and other renewable energy projects.
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Amane has extensive experience in a number of project finance transactions and acquisitions in connection with renewable energy projects in Japan and other Asian countries. In addition to his broad knowledge of the complex regulations surrounding renewable energy, he also has a deep understanding of IPP business reinforced by his work experience in London at a major Japanese trading company. His clients include domestic and international energy project developers, investors, lenders, construction contractors, and utility companies. He advises, represents, and advocates on behalf of clients in a wide range of transactions in the renewable energy sector, including development of green-field projects, debt and equity financing, selling and acquisition of energy projects, and legal due diligence. He also has a wealth of experience in offshore wind projects from the emergence of offshore wind business in Japan in the mid-2010s, including advising clients in the public tender process under the Offshore Renewable Energy Act.
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- Offshore Wind Auctions in Japan – Guideline Changes for Round Four
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- Long-Term Decarbonization Power Source Auctions in Japan

Qualified in New York and Ontario (Canada), Rafael has worked on cross-border financial transactions by both Japanese and international clients with a focus on real estate, project finance, construction & infrastructure, energy, renewables and natural resources. He has considerable experience with real estate and structured finance transactions by international financial institutions and sponsors in their investments in renewable energy and real estate projects throughout Japan under various subsidy and auction regimes.
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Maya has extensive experience advising international investors on cross-border renewable energy projects, as well as advising both borrowers and lenders on financing for renewable energy projects in Japan. She previously worked in the cross-border project finance team of a Japanese megabank, handling matters relating to natural resources, power and energy, and infrastructure. Maya has also provided banks, financial institutions, and other corporate clients, most of which operate their businesses globally, with compliance and regulatory advice, as well as advice on a variety of governance matters. She is actively involved in D&I projects aimed at promoting the active participation of women, and has organized numerous D&I seminars and other similar events for corporations. She is also actively involved in Climate Change related projects and has organized Climate Change seminars and events.