Catherine’s Monthly Wrap Up - April 2024

Written By Catherine O'Connell

Welcome to the April edition of my blog!

As April bids farewell, Tokyo moves from being adorned in a vibrant tapestry of pink cherry blossoms into lush greenery, and azaleas that paint the landscape with their brilliant hues, adding an extra layer of charm to the already enchanting scenery. I love the post blossom surge of green and have reinstated my #soulstrolls to coincide with this perfect weather season.

Amidst this lively backdrop, April has been abundant with friends gatherings once more. Like blossoms coming into bloom, we have been eager to reconnect and revel in the joys of togetherness after that long hibernation in the pandemic that was still hanging over us this time last year. Lunches and dinners became vibrant affairs for me in April, and they were filled with laughter and lively conversations, accompanied by the clinking of glasses and the effervescent fizz of bubbly and wine. I celebrated a birthday, Pride Week at the NZ Embassy, a concert bucket list all marked by indulgent treats. With the weather warming up, outdoor venues beckon (check out the terrace at INDIGO in the photos), offering the perfect setting to toast to friendship and the season’s delights.


If you have never visited Tokyo, it is a playground of possibilities, where every street corner holds the promise of adventure and every gathering is infused with the spirit of spring. 

Here’s what I got up to the last month. 

  • Pride Week at the New Zealand Embassy: Rainbow colours abounded in the cupcakes served, the sparkle of the singers who performed and people who spoke as we celebrated the first event in Japan at the Embassy to stand alongside people of diverse SOGIESC (sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics). Aotearoa New Zealand supports equal rights for all. Super pleased to receive a rainbow silver fern too. “Your voice and my voice are expressions of identity. May our descendants live on and our hopes be fulfilled.”

  • Celebratory dinners galore:
    Fabulous to catch up with Lawyers Extraordinaire who have been on my podcast and these lovely ladies, Junko, Yasuko and Mami, celebrated belatedly my appointment to the Toyota Board in June 2023. Better late than never as they say. For me it was the first time to have Sakura-flavoured Mont Blanc dessert! Lovely and subtle and perfect in cherry blossom season. 

  • Wine Bluff for Charity: Engaging in a Wine Bluff charity competition for the first time since 2019, I found myself captivated by the challenge of discerning truth from fiction amidst the tantalising mystery of each poured glass. As three individuals spun their tales of the enigmatic wine before us, the task at hand proved to be a delightful labyrinth of sensory exploration.

With the camaraderie of my esteemed female imbibing companions, aptly christened the "Decanted Divas," we embarked on our quest with true gusto, embracing the spirit of friendly competition and shared revelry. Amidst the swirling aromas and whispered conjectures, our laughter echoed through the room, infusing the atmosphere with an infectious energy of mirth and camaraderie.

While the task of deciphering the genuine connoisseur among the trio proved to be a formidable challenge, our collective efforts yielded an abundance of joy and camaraderie. Each sip brought us closer together, as we shared in the thrill of the chase and celebrated the artistry of the grape.

In the end, while our victory may not have been sealed with a triumphant proclamation and victory in the wine guessing game eluded our Decanted Divas, but our fortunes took a delightful turn in the realm of raffle prizes. the true reward lay in the bonds forged and the memories created amidst the swirling merriment of the Wine Bluff. As the evening drew to a close, we departed with hearts full and spirits lifted, knowing that our participation had contributed to a worthy cause and that the true essence of the event lay not in winning, but in the shared experience of joy and camaraderie.

  • Unpacking Japan Podcast: Did you catch my recording on the "Unpacking Japan Podcast," last month? I got a lot of feedback about how useful it was to learn about law concepts in Japan. One person told me it appeared in his shorts, which I found out means his YouTube highlight reel. If you have some time, watch the recording on YouTube here. 🙏Thanks to the team at Unpacking Japan again for interviewing me with really insightful and curious questions.

  • Monthly Kiwi Aussie Mixer (KAM): This month we were back at the Hotel Indigo for the KAM event. You can check out the photos of their gorgeous terrace in this blog, and their quirky way of serving hors d'oeuvres on a skateboard! Come join us for the May KAM for fun times catching up with Kiwis and Aussies and Japanese, for pure networking with no agenda. 


  • A thorn between two Rugby Coach roses: It was fabulous to catch up with Steve Hansen and Robbie Deans after the Toyota Verblitz 💚vs 💙Panasonic Wild Knights game and grab a pic with them.  

  • Fujitsu Women's Basketball team triumphs! I’m truly privileged to be part of the journey with the Fujitsu Red Wave ❤️👋🏼 Women’s Basketball team both as a passionate supporter and as an external member of the Fujitsu board in Japan. Witnessing our team clinch a hard-earned victory in the W-League Finals against Denso, after a 16 year gap was truly exhilarating! In reflecting on the dynamics of sports teams, I find striking parallels with the collaborativeness within boardroom environments and so I wrote about my reflections on this great game here on Linkedin.

  • Embarking on a delightful double feature at The Tokyo Edition Toranomon … was a true indulgence. Beginning with a lavish lunch in the elegant confines of the Jade Room to celebrate Debbie's momentous birthday, the experience was nothing short of magical. From the exquisite cuisine to the impeccable service, every detail was carefully curated to elevate our celebration to new heights. And just look at that marvellous view of Tokyo Tower! 

Later, as the evening unfolded, and with a change of jacket, I seamlessly transitioned to the sophisticated ambiance of the Blue Room, where we rendezvoused with Katheryn and Jen for a sumptuous dinner. Amidst the enchanting atmosphere, laughter filled the air as we exchanged stories and caught up on life's adventures.

While The Tokyo Edition Toranomon may not be synonymous with a budget-friendly outing (!) its unparalleled service and attention to detail make it a worthwhile splurge. From the warm greetings that make you feel like family to the unforgettable culinary delights—particularly the divine miso butter—it's an experience that lingers in the memory long after the last bite has been savoured.

  • Lawyer on Air Podcast April releases: Three more captivating episodes of the Lawyer on Air Podcast, were released in April. I had inspiring conversations with legal luminaries Olga V Mack on Embracing Change in the Law and her insights on Technology, Personal Branding and Thought Leadership; Saki Nakahara came on the show to talk all about Building a Practice that you Love, and we got the low down on Akiko Kawaguchi’s Blue Ocean Journey as In House Counsel and a Legal Pioneer in Japan. 

Your support means the world to me, so don't forget to leave a rating and review on Apple podcasts – your words can inspire others to tune in, and share with their friends!

 

And finally … 

Witnessing Dominic Miller the renowned lead guitarist for Sting, perform live at the Cotton Club in Tokyo was a dream come true, marking a significant milestone on my bucket list. His mastery of the guitar strings not only stirred my soul but also brought tears of joy streaming down my cheeks, not once, but three times throughout his mesmerising one-hour performance.

Nestled on the second floor of the Tokia Tokyo building in the vibrant Marunouchi district, just a stone's throw away from Tokyo Station, the Cotton Club exudes an air of timeless elegance reminiscent of the iconic venue that thrived during the Prohibition era in 1920s New York. Crafted by the visionary Yasumichi Morita, this space has borne witness to the performances of countless musical legends, and it was truly special to be part of Dominic Miller's long-awaited return after a five-year hiatus. Sharing this unforgettable experience with my dear friends Debbie and Mari only added to the magic of the afternoon, as we basked in the harmonious fusion of music, history, and camaraderie. It's a day I'll cherish forever, a symphony of memories woven into the fabric of time 💖

As we left the concert room, with a bittersweet sigh, I stole a moment away in the Cotton Club bathroom, seeking solace in the quiet sanctuary there to tenderly touch up my makeup that had dissolved in my tears of joy listening to him. As I was dabbing my cheeks, the profound truth resonated within me: music, with its timeless allure, possesses the incredible power to transcend the confines of our mortal existence and transport us to a dreamy cloud. I felt for sure when I saw Dominic, that it was Sting on the bass guitar next to him. Sting may not have been there in fact, but for sure he was in the recess of my heart long after the final chord had faded.

As I basked in the beauty of Dominic Miller's guitar performance, I was reminded once again after having also seen Taylor Swift in February, of the enduring power of music to touch our souls and unite us in a shared experience of transcendence and grace.

See you next month!
Catherine

Catherine O'Connell https://www.catherineoconnelllaw.com
Next

Catherine O’Connell featured on Unpacking Japan