International law firm Withers has expanded its Asia platform with the hire of a projects and energy team in Tokyo, led by partner Ean MacPherson and including partner Fumihiko Hori and special counsel Keisuke Misuda. The trio brings combined experience across project development, construction, finance, and regulation, strengthening Withers’ capabilities in renewables, infrastructure, and energy transition work across Asia-Pacific.
MacPherson will lead the practice for Asia and split his time between Withers’ Tokyo and Singapore offices. He joins from Baker McKenzie in Tokyo, where he co-headed the Renewable and Clean Energy Group, and has more than 20 years of experience advising on renewable and conventional power projects—including offshore wind, solar, and biomass—as well as data centers, joint ventures, and major projects across the region. His work includes advising Japanese and international clients on projects in Japan and supporting Japanese companies investing in power and infrastructure assets across APAC.
Hori joins from Morrison & Foerster in Tokyo and advises on Japan’s regulatory and policy framework, including energy and Green Transformation (GX) initiatives, national security rules affecting inbound and outbound investment, and telecommunications regulations, particularly for digital and advanced technology sectors.
Misuda, who joins from Baker McKenzie in Tokyo, focuses on project finance and real estate transactions, including large-scale solar and wind projects, asset securitization, and structured finance. Withers said the combination of corporate, regulatory, and finance expertise broadens its renewables and infrastructure offering in the region.
The new team will work as part of Withers’ APAC projects and energy group alongside corporate, funds, real estate and finance, tax, and disputes partners across Tokyo and the wider region.
KEY QUOTES:
“Ean, Fumihiko and Keisuke together represent one of the most accomplished renewable energy teams in Asia. Their combined energy project experience, encompassing corporate, regulatory, and finance, positions Withers at the forefront of the region’s growing clean energy market.”
Jeremy Wakeham, CEO, Withers’ Business Division
“Withers has an outstanding track record in advising fund and corporate investors… With investment continuing to grow in the energy sector, I am excited to join the Withers team to further expand this practice area.”
Ean MacPherson, Partner and Head of Projects and Energy Practice for Asia, Withers
“Japan’s push towards Green Transformation and energy transition is accelerating. By combining Withers’ international platform with our regulatory and policy insight, we can help clients navigate this evolving landscape and capture new opportunities across the renewable energy value chain.”
Fumihiko Hori, Partner, Withers
“Withers’ integrated cross-border team enables us to support clients from project financing through to development and operation, across multiple jurisdictions.”
Keisuke Misuda, Special Counsel, Withers
