Infusing the Art of Tea, Languages and Law for a Successful Career in Japan with Naoko Tahara

Naoko Tahara is Senior Manager of Legal Japan at Olympus Corporation. As a new recruit to a law firm, she took the chance to study Chinese intensively when some of her cohort said she shouldn’t. Listen to hear what happened next in this fascinating career dive with Naoko. If you are wondering if the challenging opportunity that has landed at your feet is really for you, 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:Naoko’s experience growing up in several overseas countriesThe life changing experience of taking an opportunity to study Chinese with her firm as a new associateHow she made the most of career breaks and family changes Her initial challenges when she went to an in-house roleHer favourite podcasts, books and other fun facts About NaokoNaoko Tahara is a Senior Manager of Legal Japan at Olympus Corporation. She graduated from Keio University Law School and became a Bengoshi (Attorney-at-law admitted in Japan) in 2009. Since then, she has 15 years of experience in Cross-border Business, specialising in Global Compliance and General Corporate Matters.She started her career at Uryu & Itoga, a corporate law firm with offices in several Asian countries, and had a chance to work and study in China (2010-2011) and Singapore (2017-2018). After she finished the LLM program at the National University of Singapore, she joined the legal department of Recruit Co., Ltd. in 2018.At Recruit, she developed existing expertise and also became involved with Data Privacy issues and Capital Markets matters. After spending about six years at Recruit, she joined Olympus Corporation in 2024. As a senior manager of Legal Japan, she is now in charge of the Business Support Group, which proactively supports Olympus's business through legal assistance for strategic projects and daily legal support for business divisions.Regarding her personal life, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 9-year-old son. Her hobbies are Chinese Language and Chinese Tea. She learned them in Beijing when she worked for her first law firm back in 2011.Connect with NaokoLinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/naoko-tahara-82b2361b6 LinksShisen Restaurant: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/tyomy-sheraton-miyako-hotel-tokyo/dining/ Book: なぜ働いていると本が読めなくなるのか https://amzn.asia/d/fShhknh Connect with Catherine Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronairYouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair 

Shiho Kagasaki is an Associate at MinterEllison based in Australia. We hear from Shiho why she loves working in the law so much and how her recent passion for ballet contributes to her pursuit of grace and poise in her work life, too. If you are also an up and coming associate wanting to hear from a sempai (more experienced co-worker) 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:Why Shiho enjoys the multifaceted work of being a lawyerThe importance of networking and what Shiho believes is important when building a networkThe parallels between ballet and the lawHer favourite podcast and other fun facts About ShihoShiho Kagasaki is an Associate at MinterEllison, presently based in Australia.  After obtaining her Bachelor of Laws at Griffith University and completing her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at The Australian National University, she was admitted as a lawyer in Australia in 2017.  She has since practiced in various areas of law, including Plaintiff Personal Injury, General Insurance and Class Actions in her previous roles. Corporate Risk & Insurance is her current area of focus at MinterEllison. Shiho currently specialises in the management of non litigated and litigated matters and works for both Australian, Japanese and International Insurers as well as Australian and International Corporations.Connect with ShihoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shiho-kagasaki-4072a4118/ LinksNyorosuke Ungai restaurant: https://kiwa-group.co.jp/nyorosuke_ginza/ Legal High: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_High_(Japanese_TV_series) The Balanced Ballerinas podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3vPmGkYbpsvo8JAaytJf1s?si=481f054555724b27 Connect with Catherine Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronairYouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair 

Earl Rivera-Dolera is an accomplished arbitrator with extensive experience in Singapore, Vietnam and Japan. Earl shares her transition from a tribunal law clerk to becoming a prominent figure in international arbitration, the valuable lessons from her mentors, and her advice for those aspiring to enter the field. Arbitration is gathering steam in Japan so this episode is a wonderful fountain of knowledge of what it’s like to work in this area of law. 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 Earl’s initial interest in detective stories led her into lawThe challenges and enriching experiences she faced moving from the Philippines to Singapore, Vietnam, and JapanThe intriguing cultural nuances in arbitration in different countriesThe blend of competence and confidence needed to succeed in the arbitration landscapeHer favourite podcast, book and other fun facts About EarlEarl is a Partner at Tokyo International Law Office specializing in dispute resolution (i.e. arbitration, litigation, mediation) and investigations. She represents clients or acts on matters in arbitrations across key hearing jurisdictions such as Japan, Singapore, London, Vietnam, and New York under major arbitral institutions like ICC, SIAC, HKIAC, LCIA, VIAC, KCAB, SCC, ICSID. Her expertise spans a wide spectrum of sectors including but not limited to traditional and renewable energy, commodities, cross-border sale of goods, and construction.Earl has served as arbitrator for cases seated in Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and India. She has served as sole arbitrator, chair of the tribunal, and party-nominated arbitrator. She is impaneled as an arbitrator or mediator at several institutions, including JCAA, KCAB, CAAI, AIAC, THAC, HKIAC, SIAC, and E-bram, and has been appointed under the ICC rules.Her experience includes working as a tribunal law clerk for leading international arbitrators in proceedings held globally, from Nigeria and London to France, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, the Republic of Korea, and the USA, under institutions like ICC, SIAC, LCIA, AIAC, AMTAC, VIAC, KCAB, SCMA, AAA-ICDR and ICSID. With involvement in more than 180 matters, her work in dispute resolution encompasses total claims exceeding US$8 billion. Earl has co-authored two editions of “Halsbury's Laws of Singapore: Arbitration” and authored the definitive guide, “Arbitration in Vietnam”.  Her hobbies include: hiking, onsen-hopping (in Japan), reading true crime/ detective stories, piano-playing and singing.Connect with EarlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/earldolera/ Website: https://www.tkilaw.com/en/members/earldolera LinksHuberman Lab: https://www.hubermanlab.com/ The Relentless Elimination of Hurry: https://amzn.asia/d/13b1obf Connect with Catherine Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronairYouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair 

Do you really need law firm experience to have a great legal career in Japan? Let’s hear another diverse story, this time from Michiko Hirai, senior corporate counsel at Amazon Web Services Japan. Discover her untraditional journey from sales in the semiconductor industry to law and how she uses her experience in building business relationships to be a stand out member of her team.  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: The advice Michiko received that helped her to take her first step in her career How learning sales helped her to be a better in-house lawyer even without law firm experience How Michiko structures her day to do “two jobs” as a lawyer and as a parentMichiko’s surprise question for me and a reminder of some advice I gave her that stuck Her favourite book and other fun facts  About Michiko Michiko Hirai is a Senior Corporate Counsel at Amazon Web Services Japan G.K. She graduated from Keio University and began her professional journey in sales, focusing on semiconductor products for the Asian market.  Recognising her true calling, Michiko transitioned to the legal field, joining Toshiba Corporation's legal team. There, she specialized in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and global antitrust matters. In 2011, Toshiba sponsored Michiko's pursuit of an L.L.M. at the University of Chicago Law School. Upon completing her degree and obtaining admission to the NY Bar, she returned to Toshiba, where she provided legal support for their semiconductor business. Seeking new challenges, Michiko joined Amazon Japan's legal team as a contract manager in 2014. After seven years with Amazon Japan and becoming a counsel, she transitioned to Amazon Web Services Japan G.K. in 2021. She is now a Senior Corporate Counsel supporting sales and marketing business in AWSJ. Outside of her professional life, Michiko is a mother to a six-year-old son. She enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family and friends. Connect with Michiko LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michiko-hirai-1a07702b/  Links Smoke and Mirrors Bar: https://www.smokeandmirrors.com.sg/  The Cultural Map: https://amzn.asia/d/7bUYdbB  Connect with Catherine  Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair 

Catherine speaks with special guest, Shinsuke Kaneko, about his diverse career path from working as an associate at Morrison & Foerster, experiencing the start-up world and becoming a solo practitioner at his own firm, Verse. Shinsuke shares a pivotal early career challenge and how a moment of courage helped him unlock opportunities. If you are feeling like technology is getting away from you and you can’t keep up with it, please listen to Shinsuke’s explanation of why getting out of your office is so important! 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: Shinsuke’s misunderstanding as a first year associate and how he overcame his situation Creating your own fans and why your weakness is your greatest strength you haven’t harnessed yet The importance of understanding technology in the market where your clients are  Shinsuke’s advice for aspiring lawyers, particularly those who are good at worrying and overthinking About Shinsuke Shinsuke Kaneko is a sole practitioner lawyer at his law firm, Verse. He has worked at Morrison & Foerster, Accenture, and a Japanese startup, dely (de-li). As a tech lawyer, he has consistently followed technology trends, such as IT, DX, UX, and AI. He is always expanding his business scope from legal through corporate and HR to become a better advisor to entrepreneurs and managers. Recently he started learning ping pong again for the first time in 30 years. He loves talking about the benefits of being bad at something. He also believes that the joy of playing something is the key to enjoying his life fully in this aging society. Connect with Shinsuke LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shinsuke-kaneko-00425895/  Links Botan: https://www.facebook.com/sakababotan  Perplexity: https://www.perplexity.ai/  GenSpark: https://www.genspark.ai/  Fellow: https://fellow.app/  Connect with Catherine  Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair 

Emi Takeda is General Counsel for Japan at Accenture. It was a pleasant surprise to hear about Emi’s passion for sake and wine as well as the law, and how she managed to overcome the culture shock of acclimatising to big city life upon arriving at Tokyo University, having come from being a student from Fuji City. If you are wondering what it’s like to lead a team of over 100 lawyers, like Emi does, then enjoy listening as she shares insights into the challenges and rewards of managing large legal teams, embracing leadership roles, and the work-life “juggle” while raising a family. 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: Emi’s culture shock at arriving at Tokyo University from Fuji City and again at Columbia Law School Emi’s advice for leading large teams and for making sure you always have time for yourself How submitting for law awards as a team can create a great reflection opportunity  Her favourite book and other fun facts  About Emi Emi is a senior international lawyer with over 20-years experience at top global law firms and as General Counsel for Accenture Japan. In her current role and Board Member at Accenture Japan, she manages a team of more than 130 lawyers and contract professionals.  Emi received her LL.B. from the University of Tokyo and graduated from the Legal Training and Research Institute of Japan. She went on to receive her LL.M. from Columbia Law School. Emi is a Japanese bengoshi admitted to practice in Japan and she is also admitted in New York.   Emi is a working parent of three children, 9, 13 and 16 years old. She also enjoys classical guitar, Japanese sake and wine. Awards and recognitions:  GC Power list – Japan 2023, 2024 ALB Japan Law Awards: In-House Lawyer of the Year (2022, 2021); Woman Lawyer of the Year (In-House)(2022);  In-House Team of the Year (2021); Innovative In-House Team of the Year (2021) Connect with Emi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emi-takeda-6935a4142/  Links Sushi Kuon Kamagai: https://sushikuon-kumagai.food-tenpo.com/  Connect with Catherine  Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair 

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