Event Overview

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Explore the forefront of innovation, sustainability, and technology growth through infrastructure and business. The event organised by the AIJA Real Estate, International Business Law and Banking, Finance and Capital Markets Commissions is designed to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration.

The agenda spans a dynamic range of topics, starting with a deep dive into emerging trends in financing structures. Participants will gain insights into innovative models and strategies that are reshaping how projects are funded and executed in the sector. The importance of environmental and social governance, highlighting the latest practices in sustainable construction and energy-efficient solutions, will be also explored.

A key highlight is the comprehensive exploration of data centre development, addressing the critical considerations in designing, constructing, and maintaining these essential facilities. Experts will discuss the infrastructure required for optimal operation, from energy supply and cooling systems to physical security.

The event also delves into the evolving landscape of digital transformation, public private partnerships, crowdfunding, REITs, and compliance, providing practical guidance on risk mitigation and safeguarding investments in an increasingly interconnected world.

Interactive elements of the programme include a hands-on workshop focused on bridging cultural differences in negotiations, providing actionable strategies for professionals working across global markets. This collaborative session underscores the value of adaptability and cultural intelligence in creating successful outcomes.

Tokyo, a global hub of innovation and tradition, is the ideal host city for this seminar. Renowned for its cutting-edge technology, world-class infrastructure, and vibrant cultural heritage, Tokyo offers a unique blend of modernity and history that inspires creativity and collaboration. As one of the world's leading financial and business centres, the city provides a dynamic environment for networking and idea exchange. Participants will also enjoy its rich culinary scene, efficient transportation, and iconic landmarks, making Tokyo not just a venue but an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

Supported by Japan Federation of Bar Associations

AIJA Commissions involved
  • Banking, Finance and Capital Markets
  • International Business Law (+ Sports Law)
  • Real Estate

Programme

Navigating Growth through Innovation, Sustainability, and Technology

11:00

12:00 - 13:30

13:30 - 14:00

14:00 - 15:15

This opening panel examines the innovative financing models and legal structures that are reshaping infrastructure, real estate, and data centre projects globally. Legal experts will explore emerging trends including public-private partnerships, REITs, crowdfunding mechanisms, and alternative capital structures, addressing the regulatory frameworks and contractual considerations across different jurisdictions. The discussion will provide lawyers with practical insights into advising clients on cross-border transactions and navigating the evolving investment landscape.

Speakers:
  • Anneloes van Uhm, Van Doorne, Netherlands
  • Daniele Messina, Quorum Law & Tax Studio, Italy
  • Jean-Bernard Spinoit, Elvinger, Hoss & Prussen, Luxembourg
  • Satoru Hasumoto, Mori Hamada, Japan
15:15 - 15:45

15:45 - 17:00

This session addresses the growing legal implications of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) requirements in data centre development and operations. Panelists will examine the regulatory landscape across jurisdictions, including mandatory ESG reporting, sustainable construction standards, and energy efficiency obligations. Lawyers will gain insights into advising clients on ESG compliance, drafting appropriate contractual provisions, and managing liability risks in an increasingly regulated environment.

Speakers: 
  • Jonathan Bench, Kirton McConkie, USA
  • Santiago Albán, HEKA, Ecuador
  • Keith Newman, Mason Hayes & Curran, Ireland
  • Vanessa P Fialdini, Fialdini Advogados, Brazil
18:30

The buses will leave from the UNU (conference venue) promptly at 18:40. All participants must arrive by 19.15 the latest at the boat stop to get acces to the ship.
19:15

Start your stay with a boat cruise along the Sumida River on a Yakatabune, a traditional Japanese boat featuring a roof and tatami mats. Enjoy a Japanese-style set dinner during the cruise.
23:15

Join us for a fun karaoke after-party! In Japan, it’s typical to enjoy karaoke in private rooms — a cozy and lively way to keep the evening going, share laughs, and connect with friends. Whether you sing or just enjoy the vibe, come experience this uniquely Japanese way to unwind and have fun!

08:30

09:30 - 10:45

This interactive workshop provides actionable strategies for lawyers negotiating across cultural boundaries in international transactions. Participants will develop practical skills to navigate diverse legal traditions, communication styles, and business practices encountered in cross-border deals. Through collaborative discussions, attendees will enhance their cultural intelligence and adaptability-essential competencies for legal professionals advising multinational clients and managing international matters.

Moderator:
  • Yurika ("Yuri") Inoue, Mori Hamada, Japan
Speakers:
  • Azmul Haque, Collyer Law LLC, Singapore
  • David Jin, Forbes Hare, Hong Kong
  • Constantin Frank-Fahle, emltc, United Arab Emirates
  • Johannes Meyer-Myklestad, Advokatfirmaet Selmer AS, Norway
10:45 - 11:15

11:15 - 12:30

This panel offers a comprehensive exploration of the legal and financial considerations in data centre development projects. Speakers will address site acquisition, planning and zoning regulations, construction contracts, financing documentation, and risk allocation mechanisms. The session will examine jurisdiction-specific challenges and best practices for structuring transactions, ensuring lawyers are equipped to advise clients on the complex legal requirements of developing mission-critical digital infrastructure across different legal systems.

Moderator:
  • Woody Guirand, BG2V (Beylouni Carbasse Guény Valot Vernet), France
Speakers:
  • Alexandra Linusson, Cirio Advokatbyrå AB, Sweden
  • Emma Niemistö, Borenius Attorneys Ltd, Finland
  • Hayato Kimura, Atsumi & Sakai, Japan
13:00 - 14:15

14:15 - 15:30

This session focuses on the legal frameworks governing data centre operations as critical infrastructure. Panelists will examine energy procurement agreements, regulatory compliance requirements, data protection obligations, and security standards across jurisdictions. The discussion will address the intersection of energy law, telecommunications regulation, and international business law, providing lawyers with practical guidance on drafting operational agreements and managing regulatory risks in a global context.

Moderator:
  • Teresa Kauppila, Castrén & Snellman Attorneys Ltd, Finland
Speakers: 
  • Dr. Nikita Gontschar, GxG Legal, Germany
  • Gustavo Coelho, Bastilho Coelho Advogados, Brazil

15:30 - 16:00

15:30 - 16:30

This panel provides practical guidance for lawyers advising on cross-border infrastructure projects. Experts will discuss legal strategies for mitigating political risk, regulatory uncertainty, dispute resolution mechanisms, currency and payment protections, and force majeure considerations. The session will explore choice of law provisions, and contractual safeguards essential for protecting client investments whilst promoting sustainable economic development across jurisdictions. Tokyo's position as a leading Asian financial centre provides an ideal backdrop for examining these critical issues.

Moderator: 
  • Lena Hoss, Elvinger Hoss Prussen, Luxembourg
Speakers: 
  • Nicolò Laitempergher, Simbari Avvocati Penalisti, Italy
  • Başak Küçük, Dentons Europe LLP, Netherlands
19:00

Enjoy drinks on the terrace of Togo Kinenkan, overlooking the Japanese garden, followed by a Japanese-inspired Western course dinner.

Location: Togo Kinenkan (1-5-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Meeting point: Please gather directly at Togo Kinenkan in Harajuku. 

08:30 - 17:00

Meeting point: In front of SHIBUYA TOKYU REI HOTEL. The bus will depart promptly at 8:30.

Take a one-day bus trip to Kamakura, often referred to as "Little Kyoto"! You'll enjoy stunning ocean views from Hasedera Temple, see the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple, and visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, a historic shrine dedicated to the samurai and known for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings. You'll also have time to shop on the famous Komachi Street. The trip will conclude around 17:00 at the same location as the pick-up point. Lunch is included in the trip.
20:00

Enjoy the traditional dish shabu shabu in a Japanese-style room at Sun-mi Takamatsu in Ginza, where thinly sliced meat and vegetables are cooked in a pot of simmering broth. A vegetarian menu is also available. 

Location: Sun-mi TAKAMATSU (Sun-mi Takamatsu Building)
Meeting point: Please gather directly at Sun-mi TAKAMATSU in Ginza.

Fees & General Info

AIJA Members
AIJA Member < 35 - On or before November 14
AIJA Member < 35 - On or before March 25
AIJA Member < 35 - After March 25
AIJA Member >= 35 - On or before November 14
AIJA Member >= 35 - On or before March 25
AIJA Member >= 35 - After March 25
Non AIJA Members
Non AIJA Member < 35 - On or before November 14
Non AIJA Member < 35 - On or before March 25
Non AIJA Member < 35 - After March 25
Non AIJA Member >= 35 - On or before November 14
Non AIJA Member >= 35 - On or before March 25
Non AIJA Member >= 35 - After March 25
For all
Speaker - On or before November 14
Speaker - On or before March 25
Speaker - After March 25
Local lawyers (Japan) - On or before November 14
Local lawyers (Japan) - On or before March 25
Local lawyers (Japan) - After March 25
In-House Counsel - On or before November 14
In-House Counsel - On or before March 25
In-House Counsel - After March 25

General terms and conditions

By registering you have to accept the general terms and conditions and accept that your registration is considered binding immediately, but participation to the event is possible only after full payment of the registration fee.

Please note that any arrangements related to the participation of the participant in an AIJA event, including but not limited to booking or cancellation of accommodation or flights, as well as respecting the cancellation deadlines indicated in the general terms and conditions, are the sole responsibility of the participant. AIJA shall not be held liable for any expenses the participant may suffer as the result of participant’s failure to comply with his/her obligations.

It is recommended for each participant to purchase a cancellation and travel insurance.

Please note that in-house counsel registrations are subject to review and confirmation by AIJA. AIJA considers in-house counsel professionals who hold a university degree in law allowing access to a bar association and practicing law as an in-house counsel in private, public, or non-profit companies, institutions or organisations. Please note that in-house counsel who are at the same time active as fee-earning lawyers or consultants are not eligible to the discounted in-house counsel fee.

Please read the general terms and conditions applicable for AIJA events.


Scholarships

If you are a lawyer under 35 years old and meet the requirements, apply to our Scholarship Programme for this event. You can check more details here.

Prepare your stay

We are pleased to announce that the sessions of the upcoming seminar will be held at the United Nations University 

Address: 5 Chome-53-70 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-8925, Japan

We have negotiated special rates with in different hotels for the participants of the seminar. However, availability is limited, and bookings cannot be guaranteed unless made before December 20, 2025. All the hotels listed below are tentatively reserved from April 8 check-in to April 12 check-out. Please find more information about the hotels below:

1.          SHIBUYA TOKYU REI HOTEL (main hotel) – 30 rooms 

Standard Double Room – JPY 39,080 (one person per night) 
Cancellation from 3 months before (30%) / from 2 months before (60%) / from 1 month before (90%) / from 14 days before (100%)

2.          SHIBUYA STREAM HOTEL – 20 rooms

Standard Room – JPY 55,790 (one person per night) 
Cancellation from 3 months before (30%) / from 2 months before (60%) / from 1 month before (90%) / from 14 days before (100%)

3.          TRUNK(HOTEL) CAT STREET – 6 rooms

Standard Room – JPY 66,375 (one person per night)
Cancellation from 3 months before (30%) / from 2 months before (60%) / from 1 month before (100%) 

All rooms are including tax and service fees; no breakfast. The link for direct booking will be provided as soon as possible. 

In addition to the above mentioned hotels, we can also recommend Sakura Fleur Aoyama
Please get in direct contact with this hotel for booking.

 

Organising Committee

Alessia GIACCARI Watson Farley & Williams (ITALY)
Andreas HERRMANN KWR Karasek Wietrzyk Rechtsanwaelte GmbH (AUSTRIA)
Yurika (Yuri) INOUE Mori Hamada & Matsumoto (JAPAN)
Naoki KANEHISA Atsumi & Sakai (JAPAN)
Weronika KAPICA Schoenherr Halwa Okoń Chyb sp.k. (POLAND)
Inka KNAPPERTSBUSCH CMS Hasche Sigle P. v. RAe u. StB mbB (GERMANY)
Inga-Kristin ZILLMER Zillmer Tax Law (GERMANY)

Sponsors


Become a sponsor

Partnership with AIJA as a sponsor provides the best networking opportunities in a relaxed business environment.
If you have any questions, contact us on ‘Become a sponsor’ and check for more opportunities.

Personal Protection

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Your data will be managed by AIJA's General Services, Events and Accounts Section:

  • For the purpose of administering your registration for the event and your on-site access to the event;
  • In order to pay for the selected services - your bank details will be deleted after receipt of your payment;
  • In order to communicate information messages from AIJA.

To the extent necessary for the execution of their respective tasks, our subcontractors in charge of our seminar organisation, our IT infrastructure, our management, the production and maintenance of our website and extranet, are likely to gain access to your data from time to time. Their servers are located in the European Union.

Data relating to your participation in the event shall be stored for a period of 10 years. We are obliged to archive billing data until the end of the period required for our tax and accounting obligations, i.e. for 7 full tax years.

We shall store your contact information to keep you informed until you ask us to stop. You have the right to access your data and have it corrected if necessary.