Katsumi Shirai Joins Pillsbury in Tokyo to Bolster Cross-border Projects

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP has augmented its Tokyo practice by adding Katsumi Shirai as a partner specializing in cross-border projects. Shirai brings extensive experience advising global financial institutions, investment funds, and multinational corporations, particularly from English and German-speaking countries, on complex investments in Asia, focusing on Japan's energy and real estate sectors. Shirai's arrival is part of Pillsbury's strategy to reinforce its capability to advise on both inbound and outbound legal matters, further cementing its status as a leading international law firm in Tokyo. His expertise spans transactional, M&A, and investment structuring activities, notably in solar, wind, and large real estate ventures. David Dekker, Pillsbury's Firm Chair, expressed that Shirai's skills align with Pillsbury's focus areas while adding capacity to respond to rising Japanese investments. Shirai, acknowledged as one of Japan's leading lawyers for real estate and energy, previously advised on substantial projects like the construction of a 92 MW solar power plant. Pillsbury's presence in Asia continues to grow, evidenced by its recent hiring in Hong Kong and the expansion of the Shanghai office. The firm leverages its profound understanding of Japanese business practices, demonstrating its commitment to serving international and Japanese clients across multiple industries with its well-regarded Tokyo office led by experienced legal professionals.