Joint Real Estate/International Business Law/Banking, Finance and Capital Markets Commissions Seminar - Navigating Growth through Innovation, Sustainability, and Technology

Tokyo, Japan

09 April 2026 - 11 April 2026

Navigating Growth through Innovation, Sustainability, and Technology


Thursday 09 April 2026

11:00 Opening of the registration desk 
12:00 » 13:30 Welcome lunch at Uncafe Tokyo
13:30 » 14:00 Welcome address by the AIJA Bureau representative and the Organising Committee
14:00 » 15:15 Panel 1 - Trends in financing structures in the infrastructure, real estate and data centers: The Intersection of Finance and Real Estate
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 Coffee break
15:45 » 17:00 Panel 2 - ESG in Data Centers: Navigating Real Estate and International Business Law Perspectives
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 Transfer to dinner
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 Optional Dinner cruise 
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 Optional Karaoke-Party 
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!

Friday 10 April 2026

08:30 Opening of the registration desk
09:30 » 10:45 Panel 3 - Workshop: Bridging Cultures: Mastering Negotiations Across Global Boundaries
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 Coffee break
11:15 » 12:30 Panel 4 - Building the Backbone: Data Center Development Through the Lens of Real Estate and Finance
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 Lunch
14:15 » 15:30 Panel 5 - Powering and Running Data Centers: Financing and International Business Law Perspective for Critical Infrastructure
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 Coffee break
15:30 » 16:30 Panel 6 - Strategies for Risk Mitigation in Cross-border infrastructure for economic prosperity
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 Dinner at Togo Kinenkan
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. 

Saturday 11 April 2026

08:30 » 17:00 Optional activity: Bus trip to Kamakura
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 Optional dinner at Sun-mi Takamatsu
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.