I totally understand your concern about the withered leaves, Japanese Maples can be pretty sensitive to direct sunlight. Considering your yard has both sunny and shady areas, I'd say the ideal spot would be somewhere that gets morning sun and dappled afternoon shade, that way it gets some direct light but not too much. As for protection from the wind, you might want to plant it near a fence or a wall that can block harsh gusts, or even near a group of trees that can provide a natural buffer. This should help your Japanese Maple thrive and keep its beautiful leaf color.