A blue ocean journey as in-house counsel and legal pioneer in Japan with Akiko Kawaguchi

Celina Lee shares insights from her journey as a lawyer, writer, podcast host, and executive coach. She discusses the importance of working with an executive coach to gain clarity, reframe past experiences, shoo away the naysayers and stay accountable. This episode is a great way to see out 2024, take stock of what you have achieved so far, and start dreaming about 2025 and the changes you might make in your career.  If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here! In this episode you’ll hear: How Celina won the career race to be a high flying lawyer in New York, and then found that she had in fact been in the wrong “race” Common struggles lawyers face when dreaming of new ideas or career pivots How coaching works and what you can achieve in working with a coach Her favourite saying, book and other fun facts  About Celina Celina Lee is the founder of Live Your Dream Club and a globally recognized executive and career coach. She is also a lawyer, award-winning writer, and the host of Live Your Dream Podcast. She has extensive experience coaching many lawyers and other corporate professionals to achieve success and fulfillment in their careers, and has given speeches and delivered workshops in many countries.  Celina started her career as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch and worked as a corporate lawyer at a law firm, Ropes & Gray LLP in New York City.   On her Live Your Dream Podcast, which has listeners from over 100 countries around the world, she shares lessons learned in her journey as well as interviews from inspirational leaders from diverse industries about what they have learned in life and career. Celina is the founder of Give One Dream, a global movement that inspires people to pursue and achieve their dreams. She has been invited to deliver keynote speeches and speak at industry-leading events, universities, and organizations including TEDx, MIT, Stanford, Princeton University, and Google. Celina received her undergraduate degree from MIT and law degree from U.C. Berkeley School of Law. She is a certified professional coach and is a graduate of the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC).  Connect with Celina LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celina-lee/  Website: https://celinalee.co/  Links The Hotel Chelsea, NY: https://hotelchelsea.com/  Connect with Catherine  Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair 

Tomoka Miho is an AI ethics expert and award-winning lawyer at IBM Japan. From her education in the UK to becoming a legal counsel, Tomoka shares her career journey, her thoughts on AI's impact on the legal profession. If you are wondering how you can be at the forefront of the new wave of generative AI or name and claim an area of specialty in this area then this is the episode for you.  If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here! In this episode you’ll hear: Tomoka’s experience studying and working as a solicitor in the UK  How she overcame key challenges during her career  Her thoughts on AI and why women should be more involved in this area of law  Her favourite books and other fun facts  About Tomoka Tomoka Miho is a multi-award-winning lawyer who is Counsel and Trust & Compliance Officer at IBM in Japan. After graduating from law school in the UK, she qualified as a solicitor in the UK.  First working as an associate at a major British law firm, she then returned to Japan and gained many years of experience in financial law as an in-house lawyer in the legal department of a foreign financial institution (UBS, 2005).  Tomoka then worked as an Attorney with Deutsche Bank in 2015. She started with IBM at the end of 2021. Tomoka was a founding member of the Japan AI Ethics Team, which was established in the summer of 2022.  She provides advice on AI ethics and risks to IBM from a legal perspective - specifically, through the review of cases such as IBM Japan's services and products that use AI, and the review of contracts, etc., based on IBM's “Principles of Trust and Transparency.” In her spare time, Tomoka likes walking, gardening, climbing and cooking.  She’s a certified sushi chef and the mother of a pampered dog, Liz. Connect with Tomoka  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomoka-miho-99b55920a/  Links “W” Toranomon Station Tower: https://www.cardenas.co.jp/shop/restaurant/w-toranomon/  Tomoka’s book she co-wrote with her team: AI リスク教本 https://amzn.asia/d/bqPC8AR  Swimmy: https://amzn.asia/d/eHYWnqt  Who Moved My Cheese: https://amzn.asia/d/7Lr3MJH  Connect with Catherine  Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair 

This is Part 3 of 3, you can find Part 1 and Part 2 here.  In this special session of the Lawyer on Air podcast, guest host Akiyo Inoko Hewett, an attorney based in Atlanta, Georgia, interviews Catherine O'Connell about her path to becoming a successful board member in Japanese corporations.  If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here! In this episode you’ll hear: Catherine’s time management tips and practices for care of self, including her “Angela Krantz Philosophy” of calendar blocking and Hiring an executive assistant to help her out Akiyo and Catherine discuss what is coming up for 2025! Catherine’s favourite podcasts, sayings and what she would do with that million yen gift About Akiyo Akiyo Inoko Hewett is the founder and principal of Inoko Law and Consulting, LLC, General Counsel at AI Medical Service America Inc. Akiyo earned her undergraduate degree from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, her J.D. from Keio University Law School, and her LL.M. from Emory University School of Law. While in law school, she attended several United Nations conferences as a legal advocate on international human rights law. Akiyo passed the Japanese bar exam and is eligible to practice law in Japan. She also passed the Georgia bar exam and is admitted to practice law in Georgia, USA. Akiyo loves to meet new people and build friendships. She is a member of the Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association, the Japan-America Society of Georgia, and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia. Connect with Akiyo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akiyo-inoko-hewett-3ba626126/  Links Akiyo’s episode: https://www.catherineoconnelllaw.com/podcast/season-six-ep-1-akiyo-inoko-hewett  Ako Shimada’s episode: https://www.catherineoconnelllaw.com/podcast/season-eight-ep9-ako-shimada  Connect with Catherine  Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair 

This is Part 2 of 3, you can find Part 1 here. In this special session of the Lawyer on Air podcast, guest host Akiyo Inoko Hewett, an attorney based in Atlanta, Georgia, interviews Catherine O'Connell about her path to becoming a successful board member in Japanese corporations.  If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here! In this episode you’ll hear: Catherine’s advice for lawyers at every level of Post Qualification Experience Her thoughts on starting your own law firm and the benefit that has for potential future board roles and other activities What Catherine’s day looks like and the things she prioritises to be successful About Akiyo Akiyo Inoko Hewett is the founder and principal of Inoko Law and Consulting, LLC, General Counsel at AI Medical Service America Inc. Akiyo earned her undergraduate degree from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, her J.D. from Keio University Law School, and her LL.M. from Emory University School of Law. While in law school, she attended several United Nations conferences as a legal advocate on international human rights law. Akiyo passed the Japanese bar exam and is eligible to practice law in Japan. She also passed the Georgia bar exam and is admitted to practice law in Georgia, USA. Akiyo loves to meet new people and build friendships. She is a member of the Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association, the Japan-America Society of Georgia, and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia. Connect with Akiyo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akiyo-inoko-hewett-3ba626126/  Links Akiyo’s episode: https://www.catherineoconnelllaw.com/podcast/season-six-ep-1-akiyo-inoko-hewett  Ako Shimada’s episode: https://www.catherineoconnelllaw.com/podcast/season-eight-ep9-ako-shimada  Connect with Catherine  Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair 

In this special session of the Lawyer on Air podcast, guest host Akiyo Inoko Hewitt, an attorney based in Atlanta, Georgia, interviews Catherine O'Connell about her path to becoming a successful board member in Japanese corporations. This is Part 1 of 3 where Akiyo asks all the questions you have been wanting to know. Akiyo bravely reached out to Catherine to ask her for this opportunity that would benefit all listeners of Lawyer on Air. In Part 1, Catherine generously shares all the steps and timelines for board readiness. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here! In this episode you’ll hear: Catherine’s favourite place to meet for a glass of her favourite beverage Catherine’s own journey to her various board roles and how long it took Step-by-step preparations for aspiring board members Practical advice for navigating the selection process and securing board roles About Akiyo Akiyo Inoko Hewett is the founder and principal of Inoko Law and Consulting, LLC, General Counsel at AI Medical Service America Inc, and member of “Next on Board”. Akiyo earned her undergraduate degree from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, her J.D. from Keio University Law School, and her LL.M. from Emory University School of Law. While in law school, she attended several United Nations conferences as a legal advocate on international human rights law. Akiyo passed the Japanese bar exam and is eligible to practice law in Japan. She also passed the Georgia bar exam and is admitted to practice law in Georgia, USA. Akiyo loves to meet new people and build friendships. She is a member of the Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association, the Japan-America Society of Georgia, and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia. Connect with Akiyo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akiyo-inoko-hewett-3ba626126/  Links Akiyo’s episode: https://www.catherineoconnelllaw.com/podcast/season-six-ep-1-akiyo-inoko-hewett  Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya Gallery 11: https://gallery11.jp/  Connect with Catherine  Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair 

Yumi Itakura is a feminist theorist and practicing lawyer who runs the Sakura International Law Office in Japan. The conversation delves into Yumi's extensive work on addressing gender violence, workplace discrimination, and sexual harassment, especially for foreign women. We are so fortunate to have Yumi working on these issues to support families and women in particular. If you are wondering what it’s like to work in this area or you are in need of legal support for a family matter such as divorce or a gender violence related matter in Japan then this is the episode for you. You can find a full list of Yumi’s recommended legal resources and lawyers on the page for this episode on my website. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here! In this episode you’ll hear: How Yumi’s work supporting gender violence against foreign women in Japan is her true passion Some recent cases Yumi has worked on which demonstrate the challenges that foreign women face in Japan Yumi’s guidance on the four kinds of divorce proceedings available in Japan and what not to select if you are two foreigners deciding to divorce.  Her favourite author, her favourite Hollywood actor and what she would do if she was not a lawyer About Yumi Yumi Itakura, is a feminist theorist and a practicing lawyer admitted in Japan as a bengoshi. She  is at the Sakura International Law office and has been based in Tokyo for 20 years. Yumi graduated from Tsuda University with a BA in International Relations (1994) and did her Diploma at the Legal Training and Research Institute of the Supreme Court of Japan (2005). Yumi was a visiting scholar dispatched from the Japan Federation of Bar Associations to the University of California, Berkeley School of Law to research the U.S Labor system for gender equality in the workplace.  After working in the Tokyo Public Law Office and in a private law firm in Tokyo she took the step to open her own practice. Yumi specializes in family law and labor law. She has worked in the fields of domestic violence, discrimination in the workplace, sexual assault, and harassment for many years through her legal consultation, representing victims in their legal proceedings as well as advocacy activities as a member of Gender Equality Committee of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations. As there is an increasing number of cases where foreign national women living in Japan are also suffering from gender related violence and discrimination in the family and the workplace. They can find it difficult to locate a capable lawyer to help them in Japan. Yumi Itakura is one such lawyer who can provide legal services to foreign clients in both Japanese and English. Yumi is also an adjunct lecturer of labor and employment law at Hitotsubashi Business School of Law. In her spare time, she likes to do yoga and listen to Jazz fusion music. In particular, Yumi is a big fan of Eliane Elias and Pat Metheny Group. Connect with Yumi  Sakura International Law Office: https://skrint-law.com/en/  Links Star Bar Ginza: ​​ https://www.starbar.jp/  Bar Lupin Ginza: http://www.lupin.co.jp/  Natsuo Kirino https://www.amazon.com/stores/Natsuo-Kirino/author/ Connect with Catherine  Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronairYouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair

Ako Shimada is the Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of Ushio America Inc. Ako also serves as General Counsel for Ushio Europe BV and is an independent director for Fujitech. She shares her story of embracing her Japanese heritage and transforming her career. The discussion covers her journey from growing up in Japan to pursuing law in the U.S., her experiences in litigation and in-house roles, and her strategic approach to seeking board positions. You will hear a story of someone who is brave in speaking up about what they would like to do. Listen as each piece falls into place!  If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here! In this episode you’ll hear: How Ako found her way to study law after a stint in journalism and studying psychology Ako’s journey to owning her Japanese DNA and how that has transformed her life and career The extraordinary story of being nominated for a board role by an activist company Ako’s tips for preparing for board roles and networking Her favorite authors and other fun facts  About Ako Ako Shimada is Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Ushio America, Inc., in Cypress, California and General Counsel of Ushio Europe B.V. in the Netherlands, leading providers of light sources and solutions for a variety of applications including scientific, medical, semiconductor, entertainment, horticulture, and architectural applications.  In her role as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Ako oversees the company’s legal, compliance, risk management, and corporate governance matters.  Previously she held Assistant General Counsel positions at Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc., and Apria Healthcare LLC. Ako is also an independent outside director for Fujitec Co., Ltd. (TYO:6406), a publicly traded manufacturer of elevators and escalators headquartered in Japan with global operations and serves on the Nomination and Compensation Advisory Committee.  She also serves as a board member of KA Imaging Inc. in Kitchener, Canada, a developer of cutting-edge multi-energy X-ray detectors and micro-CT scanners for a wide variety of applications.  Ako serves as a board director of the Southern California Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel.  She is also a Council Leader for the U.S.-Japan Council (USJC). USJC’s mission is to develop and connect diverse leaders to create a stronger U.S.-Japan relationship.  Ako is also a charter member of the Japan Board Diversity Network, an influential global network of female board directors and senior professionals dedicated to improving corporate governance and board diversity in Japan.  Ako received her bachelor’s degree in psychology (highest distinction) from Northwestern University and a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.  Connect with Ako LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akoshimada/  Links L’Effervescence https://www.leffervescence.jp/  Connect with Catherine  Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair 

Yuko Kaneko is Director and Corporate Counsel of the Business Legal Department at Renesas Electronic Corporation. Yuko discusses her career journey, starting as an attorney at Nishimura Asahi before transitioning to in-house roles. A career can span many years and so we discuss career longevity, the importance of continuous learning, and balancing professional and personal life. If you are looking for a role model of how to do a legal career in Japan then please listen to Yuko’s story. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here! In this episode you’ll hear: How Yuko left Iwate for Tokyo and found her way to a legal career Her tips for lawyers transitioning from private practice to in-house How she spends her time and makes exercising a priority even with a family Her favourite saying and other fun facts  About Yuko Yuko Kaneko is Director & Corporate Counsel, Business Legal Department of Renesas Electronic Corporation. She graduated from Tokyo University, and after attending the Legal Training Research Institute of the Supreme Court as a Legal Trainee, she started her career as an attorney-at-law at Nishimura & Asahi in 2000. In June 2010, Yuko changed her career path and switched to become an in-house legal counsel. She served as the Manager of Legal Affairs Office at Nippon Otis Elevator Company for over five and a half years. Thereafter, she moved to Alconix Corporation, where she served as the General Manager of the Legal and Compliance Department for just under 6 years. Yuko obtained an L.L.M. from the Florida Coastal School of Law through e-learning while raising three daughters. Yuko is also a Certified Fraud Examiner and volunteers for the Executive Board of Women in Law Japan. In her spare time she loves to get involved in her hobbies, which are golf, running, skiing and playing the koto. Connect with Yuko  LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuko-kaneko-019188132/  Links Hakone Pola Art Museum: https://www.polamuseum.or.jp/en/  Connect with Catherine  Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair 

Considering a career change or moving to a different area of practice in your legal career? Perhaps you are considering the big leap to Japan from overseas? Yuna Yoshimasa, a legal recruiter at Just Legal in Tokyo, specialising in healthcare and life sciences gives us the latest information so you can think about new opportunities. The episode also covers the recruitment process, trends, and tips for lawyers aiming to work in Japan, particularly in the healthcare sector. Yuna also shares valuable advice on working with recruiters and the importance of English and communication skills. This episode is a must-listen for lawyers considering a career shift to the Japanese market or a change in industry. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here! In this episode you’ll hear: What industries and role levels are hot in the legal market in Japan right now The most asked for skills by hiring managers How best to maintain a great relationship with a recruiter and the benefits for both sides Her favourite restaurant, quote and other fun facts  About Yuna Yuna Yoshimasa is an experienced Legal recruiter at Just Legal, an executive search firm specialising in Legal and Compliance in Tokyo. She leads the healthcare sector and assists pharmaceutical, medical devices, diagnostics companies, and health tech companies with their mid to senior legal (both Bengoshi and FQLs) and compliance hires. She excels at relationship building and she is able to offer an abundance of information and connections through her relationships with hiring managers and aspiring candidates in the industry. Yuna is no doubt the most dedicated expert in this field.  In February 2024, Yuna was awarded the “Young Leadership Award” by the management committee of the Health 2.0 Conference, which was held in Dubai, with recognition for her contribution to the healthcare industry. Yuna lived in the UAE when she was in her second year of high school and studied in Australia as an exchange Uni student. She graduated in 2010 from the Faculty of Foreign Studies at Sophia University. When she is not so busy with transactions, Yuna enjoys playing the drums. She wishes to form a band (again) and perform at gigs. Yuna welcomes listeners who play any musical instruments to get in touch!  Connect with Yuna  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuna-yoshimasa-64bb42169/  Website: https://www.justlegal.co.jp/ja/team/yunayoshimasa/  Links Restaurant イル　https://www.makuake.com/project/ile/　 Survey with Head of Legal in Healthcare:  【Part 1】https://www.justlegal.co.jp/Just-Legal_Newsletter_healthcare_2404.pdf 【Part 2】https://www.justlegal.co.jp/Just-Legal_Newsletter_hmvoices2_2404.pdf Connect with Catherine  Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair 

Bonnie Kong is a partner at Anderson, Mori & Tomotsune in Tokyo. Bonnie shares how she came to be working in law and how an interest in Japan set her on a course over 10 years of visiting, learning the language, working on deals with Japan overseas and then finally moving to live in Japan. We discuss the importance of continuous learning, cultural understanding across generations, and community engagement in achieving legal career success. We also discuss the paradox of effortlessness! Join us for another fascinating story of a woman in the law in Japan. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here! In this episode you’ll hear: Why nothing is wasted when you learn continuously in your law career What it’s like to take on the leadership role of partner in a firm Inspiration from tennis star Roger Federer on effortlessness Her favourite restaurant and other fun facts About Bonnie Bonnie Kong is a Partner in the Tokyo office of Anderson Mori & Tomotsune. Bonnie has extensive experience in a broad range of corporate matters, including capital markets transactions, cross-border mergers and acquisitions, restructuring and securities and investment projects in Greater China and Japan, as well as licensing and regulatory compliance. Prior to joining Anderson Mori & Tomotsune, Bonnie was a partner of a prestigious international law firm in Hong Kong and prior to that in other firms in Tokyo and Hong Kong. Bonnie is fluent in English, Cantonese and Mandarin, and is conversational in Japanese.  She undertook a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Auckland in New Zealand, and she subsequently studied Bachelor of Chinese Laws at Tsinghua University and did a Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) at The University of Hong Kong. She also joined a Japanese Language Program at Keio University in Japan.  She is qualified as a barrister and solicitor in New Zealand and New South Wales, Australia, and as a solicitor in Hong Kong and England and Wales.  Outside of the practice of Law Bonnie served as a judge at the Intercollegiate Negotiation Competition in the past two consecutive years. She was previously a part-time lecturer at the Graduate Schools of Law and Politics at the University of Tokyo. Bonnie is passionate about diversity equity and inclusion and has been appointed as a member of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee at Anderson Mori & Tomotsune since April last year and as a member of the Pro Bono Committee since April this year. She is involved with supporting Women in Law Japan most recently with the International Women’s Day event in 2024, hosted at her law firm’s seminar room. In her spare time, Bonnie loves traveling and has been to different parts of Japan, and she also enjoys cycling.  Connect with Bonnie  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bwkong/  Links Bonnie’s Secret Restaurant, Suigian: https://suigian.jp/   72 Micro Seasons App https://www.kurashikata.com/72seasons/  Connect with Catherine  Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair