By Catherine O'Connell
5
77 ratings
The podcast currently has 83 episodes available.
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
Miyako Ikuta is a partner at Kitahama Partners in Tokyo registered to practice in France, New York, and Japan. Miyako shares her journey across multiple countries and legal systems and discusses her diverse roles, including serving as an auditor and outside director. and shares valuable tips for preparing for board roles. Additionally, she delves into her passion for privacy and data law, her experiences with the EU Court of Justice, and her advocacy for human rights. Miyako is truely making a big impact on the legal landscape in Japan, listen to hear the full 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 an early frustration with a lack of privacy from her family set Miyako on the path to become a lawyer
How a one year exchange in France led to Miyako becoming one of a few Japanese Advocat (Lawyer)
Miyako’s passion for the law and her efforts to bring about positive changes in Japan
What you need to study up on when you get shoulder tapped for a board role
Her restaurant and other fun facts
About Miyako
Miyako is a Partner in the Tokyo office of Kitahama Partners.
As a qualified lawyer in Paris, New York, and Tokyo, her main practice areas are corporate law, IP law, and data privacy law. She has extensive experience in court proceedings in France and Japan, so she is very able to handle litigation matters including cross-border arbitrations when requested.
Most recently, she has been advising on and handling various cross-border matters in Europe, especially in regard to the EU regulations including the GDPR. From the start of her career she has always been active in cross-border transactions between Japan and France.
Miyako studied an LL.B. in Japan (at Ritsumeikan University) and furthered her study of law in France (at Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Tours and the University of Paris II). She started her career as a French attorney at Baker & McKenzie, Paris, then moved to Mandel, Ngo, and Partners in the nineties. She lived in France for about 10 years including 1.5 years of living in Vietnam. Miyako then moved to the US in 1999, went to Columbia Law School where she studied for an LL.M. and then spent half a year at the EU Court of Justice (TFI) in Luxembourg. She moved to New York and joined Hughes Hubbard and Reed LLP and then returned to practice in Japan. Outside of the firm she is an auditor of the Environmental Restoration and Conservation Agency (a Japanese public agency under the governance of the Ministry of Environment) and is a corporate auditor of PCA Corporation (also listed on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange). She was previously a corporate auditor at Renaissance Inc. (listed on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange), Miyako is also an outside director of kaonavi, inc. (listed on the Growth Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange).
Outside of work, Miyako is active, serving on the Data Issues Committee and the Working Group regarding Attorney-Client Confidential Communication at the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA), and on the Attorney Mediation Committee at the Daini Tokyo Bar Association.
In the spring of 2024, Miyako restarted doing “Kokyo runs”, jogging with her colleagues around the Imperial Palace. She also completed a full marathon at the Tokyo Marathon in 2019. Miyako’s favorite pastimes are listening to the radio, watching sumo and kabuki, and going to operas.
Connect with Miyako
Website: https://www.kitahama.or.jp/english/professionals/miyako-ikuta/
Links
Namamugi Fish Market: https://www.kanagawa-kankou.or.jp/spot/369
Connect with Catherine
Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair
Gillian Musgrave is a seasoned lawyer with a rich background in maritime law and marine insurance. Gillian shares her journey from qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales to working internationally in London, Italy, New York, Singapore, and now as an in-house consultant in Tokyo. We go on a voyage of discovery into the depths of a truly fascinating and not so well known area of the law. Grab your sea legs, let’s get into it!
In this episode you’ll hear:
How ships featured in Gillian’s childhood and how she steered her way into maritime law
P&I Clubs: what they are and what it’s like to work for one
Gillian’s top tips for success in the law and in Japan
Her favourite late night cocktail bar, a current favourite book and other fun facts
About Gillian
Gillian Musgrave is a lawyer who qualified as a solicitor in England & Wales in 1990. Her specialist area of law is shipping and marine insurance.
Initially she worked in maritime law firms in London and Italy. She then moved in-house and worked for many years as a Director of Claims with a P&I Club, (a specialist insurer of shipowners’ liabilities) managing teams of claims executives in various company offices worldwide. For two years she also acted as the Head of Claims of a Lloyd’s Syndicate in the London insurance market.
She is now working in Tokyo as an in-house Consultant to a Japanese insurance company giving advice on English law maritime matters. To this end she has become a Japanese registered foreign lawyer.
Connect with Gillian
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-musgrave-33834741/
Links
Bar Trench in Ebisu: https://small-axe.net/bar-trench/
Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky https://amzn.asia/d/0gSnSQXD
Connect with Catherine
Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair
If you are at a crossroads and wondering if you should give up on that dream that hasn’t come true yet, then this is the episode for you. Toshimi Itakura is the General Manager of the Legal Department at Sojitz Corporation. Toshimi shares her inspiring career journey over more than 20 years and her professional experiences in the United States and London. Toshimi discusses her approach to career growth, emphasizing the importance of focusing on achievements rather than specific job titles and shares valuable tips on time management, leadership, and mentoring. You are going to love hearing from this ground breaker in the Tokyo legal world!
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 Toshimi came to be working in the legal department at Sojitz
Her international experiences and negotiating for what she wanted in her career
Toshimi’s way of leading as a section head (課長) and now division head (部長)
Her top three tips for aspiring professionals
Her favourite book and other fun facts
About Toshimi
Toshimi Itakura is the General Manager of the Legal Department of Sojitz Corporation. She graduated from Keio University and joined Sojitz Corporation in 2005. Sojitz is one of Japan’s sogo shosha, or general trading company, covering various industries globally including automotive, aerospace & transportation, infrastructure, energy, healthcare, metals & minerals, chemicals, agriculture, retail etc.
After a few years at the Tokyo headquarters of Sojitz she studied abroad at Duke University Law School in the United States (LL.M.) and worked in the legal department of Sojitz Corporation of America as a qualified attorney-at-law (admitted in NY).
Later in her career, she also spent 2 ~ 3 years, working in the legal department of Sojitz Corporation in London and seconded to the Herbert Smith Freehills London Office.
In 2022, she was appointed as the General Manager of the Legal Department. Throughout her career, she has engaged in corporate legal practice in Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom, and has been involved in M&A, project finance, disposal of bad assets, collateral management, corporate restructuring, litigation and dispute resolution and other various matters and transactions.
Apart from her work, Toshimi enjoys her life being an artist in the world of ballroom Latin dancing and playing the flute.
Connect with Toshimi
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toshimi-itakura-31b081152/
Links
Gentle Dining Omotesando https://www.gentle-base.com/
Book: そうか、君は課長になったのか。https://amzn.asia/d/aDHyTEJ
Connect with Catherine
Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair
Hiroko Miyazaki is a legal luminary who has made her mark across various prestigious roles in Japan's corporate legal landscape. From her modest beginnings as a part-time law firm assistant to her ascent to Managing Director at 3M Japan, Hiroko's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and growth mindset. She opens up about her strategies for overcoming failure, the value of prioritizing tasks, and the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership. Pour yourself a glass of sake - Hiroko’s favourite - and join us for a conversation that promises to enlighten and inspire anyone aiming to master their leadership presence.
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 Hiroko transformed from a sports-focused student to a learning-focused student
Using an opportunity to be inside a law firm as an assistant’s assistant while trying to pass the bar exam
Taking her child with her to the US to complete her LLM
The importance of emotions and emotional intelligence
Her recommended book and other fun facts
About Hiroko
Hiroko Miyazaki is truly a powerhouse in the legal and corporate scene. She was VP and Managing Director at 3M Japan, leading corporate affairs and making things happen until October 2023, when she broke away and is now on her next quest for brilliance. Before 3M, Hiroko was General Counsel at Alcon Japan, which was a part of the Novartis group at the time. She not only led the legal and compliance department, but also pulled off a major overhaul, turning the team into a bona fide business partner. She was leading counsel at Dell Japan, where she led the legal and contract management teams, earning accolades like the direct to the top award.
Hiroko started her career in a part time job at a law firm as a supporting assistant. Then after passing the law exam from such humble beginnings, she became an associate in law firms and then took on her in-house legal roles and managing director work. Hiroko holds an LLM from the University of Washington and she is licensed to practice in both Japan and New York.
Connect with Hiroko
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiroko-miyazaki-09235b13/
Links：
Restaurant Kou: https://www.instagram.com/kou_sakurashinmachi/
Grow the Pie: https://www.amazon.com/Grow-Pie-Companies-Deliver-Purpose/dp/1108494854
Saying: 我以外皆我師なり “Ware igai wagashi nari”. I can learn from everyone.
Connect with Catherine
Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair
Dive into the inspiring journey of Akiko Kawaguchi, a true pioneer in the Japanese legal world. Akiko shares her groundbreaking path of becoming the first Japanese qualified lawyer at Mitsubishi Corporation. In this episode, Akiko reflects on the historical events that shaped her pursuit of justice and logic, her courageous leap into the blue ocean of in-house counsel, and her belief in the transformative power of young minds. Tune in to discover how Akiko's passion for curiosity, continuous learning and embracing new challenges is shaping the future 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 Akiko became the first ever Japanese lawyer at a Japanese trading company
The way Akiko took charge of her career for the benefit of Mitsubishi by leaving for another position
Bringing about change in Chiyoda Corporation
Starting the organisations and networks she needed, many of which you may have heard of!
Her favourite book and other fun facts
About Akiko
Akiko Kawaguchi is Assistant Division Director, Legal & Corporate Affairs Division for Chiyoda Corporation, a global engineering company headquartered in Yokohama, Japan.
Akiko holds an LL.B. from Hitotsubashi University (1996) and an LL.M. from Columbia Law School (2005), with Harlan Fiske Stone Scholars. She is a licensed attorney admitted to practice in Japan (since 1999) and in New York, USA (since 2006).
Akiko began her professional career in 1999 as the first Japanese qualified in-house counsel at Mitsubishi Corporation, so-called sogo shosha, unique corporate model in Japan to cover broader business “from ramen to rocket,” where she supported local and international business transactions and disputes. In 2019 while working at Mitsubishi Corporation, Akiko was heavily involved in negotiation and implementation of Chiyoda Corporation’s revival plan and then she was seconded to Chiyoda Corporation to directly support them. While the work is tough, she enjoys new challenge covering legal, compliance, corporate governance, IR, PR and sustainability, among others.
Akiko has been actively involved in the Japan Legal community and has engaged in numerous activities to develop the capabilities of those who have legal background for them to break the silo to fly to higher sky. As one of the first penguins as Japanese in-house counsel, she was the founding member of the Japan In-house Lawyers Association (JILA). In 2021, she co-launched the Japanese Legal Operations Study Group to release legal operations framework “CORE8.” She is also the founding member of CLOC Japan Shared Interest Group. In 2023, she co-launched the Strategic Legal Governance Study Group with reputable Japanese companies’ GCs and chairs its subcommittee to explore the corporate function necessary to operate the company in the view of the management and to take necessary action.
Outside of work, Akiko enjoys visiting various libraries and bookstores, strolling around the neighborhood (“wonder wander” according to Stanford school) and listening to rock music.
Connect with Akiko
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akiko-kawaguchi-b24b8b100/
Links
Bar Jiro: https://r.gnavi.co.jp/7fa704yu0000/
JILA: https://jila.jp/eng/
CLOC Japan interest group https://cloc.org/
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Cho-Nam-Joo/dp/1471184285
Connect with Catherine
Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair
Saki Nakahara joins us to share her story of finding her way to starting her own practice in the perfect area for her. We hear about how she spent a lot of time on the qualification she thought she should achieve because it was more difficult. However that experience then went on to become part of a strong foundation for her true calling. If you are wondering how starting your own firm could be a chance to do the work you want as well as incorporate some of your passions, this is a fantastic episode showing a different way to work in the law in Japan.
In this episode you’ll hear:
How Saki became interested in the law at an early age
Finding her way to the work she really wanted to do after receiving the right information
The importance of emotions and how you want to “feel” in your practice
How Saki built a practice that incorporates how she wants her clients to feel
Her favourite podcasts, books and other fun facts
About Saki
Saki Nakahara is the founder and an immigration lawyer at Small Seasons & Co., where she provides clients with assistance for their business set-up, visa applications, and other legal services. Through her legal office, in particular where capacity allows, she loves providing specialized services to artists, creators, and anyone interested in exploring Japan's rich arts and culture scene.
Born in the UK, Saki spent her formative years immersed in diverse environments across the globe. Growing up amidst an international community, she developed a profound appreciation for cultural diversity and the interconnectedness of the world.
She was educated at the Canadian International School in Singapore from 2004-2005, Shanghai Community International School from 2006-2010 and undertook a summer program at SGH Warsaw School of Economics. She graduated from Keio University obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 2015.
Saki started out her working career at Teach For Japan, and after that had a variety of experience in different industries and roles. She was a hospitality intern at Kagaya Ryokan a well-known Japanese Style Hotel established in 1906 and ranked 1st for hospitality for 33 years. After that she had an internship at Wahl & Case, Tech specialist recruiters and joined Rakuten as a Sales Associate in 2015. Her love for the law found her studying for the Shihoshoshi (judicial scrivener) exam while working as a legal assistant at June Advisors Group from 2019 to 2020 and at the same time working for Lumina Learning a visionary learning and development consultancy.
Saki shifted from studying for the Shihoshoshi qualification to Gyoseishoshi (Administrative scrivener) and having passed the Gyoseishoshi exam successfully in 2022, she established her own immigration law firm in July 2023.
In her spare time, Saki is devoted to shedding light on the Way of Tea and promoting creative ways to bring fulfillment to people's lives through Japanese cultures and heritage. She juggles a full-time digital marketing role at a marketing agency while also dedicating every morning to work for an immigration lawyer's office, in addition to managing her own legal practice.
By combining her passion for tea with her expertise in law and marketing, Saki is dedicated to fostering a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture and heritage on her entrepreneurial journey while striving to see the dots connect.
Connect with Saki
Website
Links
Favorite restaurant: KAKIDEN in Shinjuku
Book recommendation: The Comfort Zone: Create a Life You Really Love With Less Stress and More Flow by Kristen Butler
Japanese perfume company KITOWA
Templates from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs
Connect with Catherine
Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair
The podcast currently has 83 episodes available.
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