Welcome to my blog! Here are a few of the moments, shifts, and observations from April - some were planned and expected, some were not but were enriching, and there were a few that made me pause and reflect more than usual.

It turned out to be a month of both opening and closing chapters, of stepping into new rooms and stepping back from others to allow the warmed up seat to be sat in by the next generation. And, in between, noticing the small details, whether that be in boardrooms, through bonsai, or even a convenience store sandwich (!) - that say more than they first appear.

Here’s what went on in April ⬇️

Joining the Tokyo North Rotary Club

One of the highlights of April was joining the Tokyo North Rotary Club - an institution with a long history, founded in 1950, and still meeting at the Imperial Hotel. There is a real sense of tradition and professionalism in how the club operates, with a tone that is both dignified and welcoming.

What stood out to me most is the diversity of ages and business sectors. With around 80 members ranging from their 30s to their 90s, and spanning professions from business and law to medicine, academia, and the arts, it creates a genuinely rich environment for conversation and learning. It is not just about who people are on paper - it is about the depth of experience and how openly that is shared across generations.

The challenge ahead is increasing female representation. With one Japanese female member and myself as the first foreign female member, there is clearly more to be done—and I see that as an opportunity as much as a responsibility.

At the same time, the club feels refreshingly modern. It is not tied to a specific geography or industry, making it more accessible and dynamic than many traditional associations. Meetings are thoughtfully curated, with high-quality speakers and discussions that go beyond formality into real dialogue.

There is also a relaxed and understated culture of fellowship. It is not about grand gestures, but about building genuine relationships over time. That balance between tradition and openness, structure and ease, is what makes it quite special.

What I have appreciated early on is how inclusive it feels. There is a sense of equality in the room, regardless of title, and an openness to contribution that makes it easy to engage from the outset.

It is a club that values both personal growth and meaningful connection, something that resonated with me immediately.

To let this chapter open I closed another chapter …

Closing a Chapter as ACCJ Legal Services & IP Committee Co-Chair

April marked the close of a significant chapter, as I stepped down asCo-Chair of the Legal Services & IP Committee at the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ)after six years in the role (and over eight years involved overall). I continue to be a member as I have since 2012.

It’s been quite a journey. I still remember kicking off 2020 with the merger of the IP and Legal Services Committees, celebrated with a “wedding party.” Not long after, COVID hit, and we pivoted quickly: moving everything online, advocating on re-entry restrictions, and launching our monthly Wine Down sessions, which became a much-needed space for connection during that time.

Co-chairing alongside Scott A. Warren through that period was a highlight, and being jointly recognised with the ACCJ Leader of the Year Award in 2020 is something I will always value.

Over the years, the committee tracked key legal and regulatory developments, engaged with US and Japanese government stakeholders, advocated for greater flexibility in cross-border legal practice, and hosted seminars with leading voices across sectors.

But the real highlight was the people, working with an exceptional group of colleagues and building relationships across the legal, business, and government communities.

I will remain connected with ACCJ and support the next chapter. It feels like a handover, not an ending.

If there is one takeaway, it is this: the value of voluntary work is not just in what it produces, but in the quality of connections it creates.

IWD 2026: Women in Leadership Luncheon – “Leading and Living with Purpose”

This event felt a little different for me, as it wasn’t directly business-focused. I went in with my word of the year—intentional—front of mind. We were seated in small groups of 4–5, and for once I didn’t know anyone at my table, nor was I the “table captain.” Both were new experiences. I found myself listening more, observing different facilitation styles, and taking in perspectives I would not usually encounter—including insights like Singapore’s “Five C’s” that shape how many children there are raised. I came away with a strong reminder of the value of putting yourself in rooms where you know no one, or at least, no one at your table. There is a different kind of learning that happens in those moments. It also made me reflect on something I have written about before: not every event needs to lead directly to business to be valuable. A question worth asking—if you are not attending events like this, why not?

Dior’s new Golden Bamboo Pavillion in Tokyo

This was a difficult booking to secure, but very much worth it. I visited with friends for an elegant afternoon tea, and we were not disappointed. The standout for me was the blue tatami room. Tatami is usually underfoot, but here, it was used on the walls of the changing room. Completely unexpected, and quite breathtaking. The garden is equally striking, with koi swimming through it - except they are not real, but LED robotic fish. A beautiful blend of tradition and innovation.

Japan Marketing did it’s work on me 🍫🌸

The latest creation from 7-Eleven: 👉 the Chocolate Sprinkles Whipped Cream Sandwich (“sando”) At first glance, it feels slightly outrageous - soft pink bread, whipped cream, and a generous (very generous) layer of chocolate sprinkles. In my case - I paused, looked again, and suddenly it was the kind of sando I simply had to try out.. This sandwich is part of 7-Eleven’s new “Greedy Sandwich” line (a clever response to feedback that fillings were a bit modest apparently). And they clearly decided to go all in …which convinced even a sceptical me to try it:

🌸 Sakura-pink bread (seasonal, visual, emotional cue)
✨ Overfilled, slightly indulgent positioning (“treat yourself” energy)
🍫 Playful, nostalgic sprinkles (hello to any Kiwi readers thinking of fairy bread - ‘cause this is what captured my wallet to open)

The Price? ¥213 - honestly it was that fairy bread moment for me and I’d buy it again. It ended up also being the perfect little case study in marketing in Japan as we discovered on the latest episode of Jandals in Japan® which you can read about scrolling down below

🌸 Australia Day in Spring (ADIS)

If you have known me for a while, you will know I love a mascot — and how fortunate to live in Japan, the land of mascots. Two meetings with mascots happened this month. Australia Day is in January but the Australian Embassy have for the last several years created ADIS to celebrate Australia Day in the spring when their garden is resplindid in full bloom cherry blossoms. The food is always good and the flat whites. Introducing a key colleague from my board to the new Australian Ambassador was highlight as was capturing a pic with Koko the Koala.

And the second Mascot moment was at …

The celebration of 100 years of the Tokyo Dai-Ni Bar

Tokyo has three bar associations, each with its own personality… and I’ve been registered in one of them since setting up my law firm in 2018. But I found many of my Japanese attorney friends and foreign registered lawyer colleagues are in another bar. Well it took a bit of effort (as all good things do) and a lot of help from my friends, and in Q3 of 2025 I switched my Bar membership to Tokyo Dai Ni Bar Association, affectionately called “Nii-Ben.” Ni-Ben celebrated 100 years since being established and in the last year or so they created a mascot character for Ni-Ben which is a Ninja character, fighting for justice, called Nii-Ben. I was on their YouTube Channel (see below) and was rewarded with a little Nii-Ben ninja mascot who now takes up residence in my law firm office. I’m searching for my next Mascot opportunity!

Continuing with Ni-Ben I was on their YouTube Channel!

I had the opportunity to be interviewed by the Tokyo Daini Bar Association (第二東京弁護士会) for their YouTube series “Working with the World.” 🎥 You can watch it here: https://lnkd.in/gXRWzByY

This series focuses on foreign registered lawyers (外国法事務弁護士　“Gaiben”) working in Japan, and in this conversation we covered quite a wide range of topics, from how I first came to Japan (⛷️ a ski field and restaurant in Nagano!) to building a career as a bilingual lawyer bridging New Zealand and Japan, and what “collaboration” really means in practice.

Some of the themes we touched on:

📺 The difference between civil law vs common law (& why neither is “better,” just different)

📺 Building trust in Japan through consistency & follow-through

📺 The art of silence (and learning not to rush to fill it)

📺 Working with Japanese lawyers as collaborators, not counterparts

📺 Creating pathways for the next generation of lawyers in Japan

I hope it can be of use to those wanting to understand a little more about the lighter side of practising law in Japan.

Lawyer on Air Highlights

In the break between Season 11 and Season 12 of the Podcast, let me share two of the wonderful testimonials from guests who have been on the Lawyer on Air Podcast in Season 11. Thank you to Macaulay (Mac) Curtis and Yoshie Midorikawa!

Listen to Mac’s episode here:https://www.catherineoconnelllaw.com/podcast/season-11-ep10-macaulay-curtis

Listen to Yoshie’s episode here: https://www.catherineoconnelllaw.com/podcast/season-10-ep10-yoshie-midorikawa

Trademark approved for Jandals in Japan®

It is a great pleasure to announce that Jandals in Japan® is now a registered trademark with the Japan Patent Office, officially registered on April 3, 2026. Congratulations to Co-hosts Catherine O’Connell O'Connell and Jayne Nakata on this important brand milestone. Press release here: https://wix.to/7jWnAc4

Listen to the Podcast here: Jandals in Japan® Podcast

Jandals in Japan® Latest Episodes

Glen Argyle - CEO of Baxter Japan
Glen Argyle left Invercargill for what he thought would be a two or three-year teaching stint in Osaka. Twenty-eight years later, he is currently the CEO of Baxter Japan, one of the world's leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies. His journey from JET program teacher to pharmaceutical industry leader is a masterclass in cultural adaptation, patience, and authentic leadership. Whether you're considering a move to Japan, leading a team here, or exploring business opportunities, Glen's wisdom will resonate deeply.

In this episode you’ll hear:

🔵 How Glen Argyle went from teaching English on the JET program to becoming CEO of Baxter Japan

🔵 The best decision of Glen's career, and how learning to adapt communication styles, was essential to his success

🔵 The critical importance of supply consistency, relationship building, and earning trust in the Japanese market

🔵 How the inverted pyramid leadership model and values-based decision making can drive cultural change in Japan

🎧 Link to listen: https://lnkd.in/gJKS9Gtz

▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gWaeEhJ8

Kanako Inomata - Marketing head for APAC, at ZESPRI
Kanako Inomata is the Head of Marketing APAC for Zespri International, one of the world's most recognised fresh produce brands. Working remotely from her hometown in Aizu, Fukushima, she leads marketing strategy across Japan, Korea, Singapore, Australia, Vietnam, and beyond. Kanako reveals the fascinating story behind the Kiwi Brothers characters, which have become so iconic in Japan that they've been rolled out globally across Europe, the Americas, and even back to New Zealand. Whether you're interested in brand building, cross-cultural marketing, or living a purpose-driven career, Kanako's wisdom will resonate.

In this episode you’ll hear:

🟢 What drew Kanako to move her career to a kiwifruit company from New Zealand

🟢 How Kanako and her team created the now-iconic Kiwi Brothers characters (and now their little sister “Ruby”)

🟢 The importance of being consumer centric marketing

🟢 Kanako’s experience working remotely from Fukushima and leading teams across APAC

🎧 Link to listen: https://lnkd.in/gJKS9Gtz

▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gC4bKP8R

🌸Cherry Blossom Bonsai workshop

One of my top highlights this cherry blossom season in Tokyo was joining a cherry blossom bonsai workshop. The activity of making the Bonsai was, quite simply, magical & the kind of experience that keeps giving long after you leave. We each selected a budding Bonsai cherry tree & a container. I was initially drawn to a pristine white ceramic pot … and then found myself choosing a rustic, handmade one-of-a-kind piece with a bit more character.From there, everything slowed down. We were guided to find the “face” (kao) of the bonsai - the front, the perspective from which it would be best seen and “best” appreciated. We carefully positioned the tree, worked the soil around the roots, gently pressing as we went. No air pockets. No rush. Then came the finishing touches: moss and stones, placed in a way that felt natural and balanced and a deep watering. One small detail I loved discovering: moss has no roots; it absorbs water through its fronds.

We were told the blossoms would appear within a week. And you can see in the attached photo they did come into full bloom, As I gazed at it each day over spring I felt the value in slowing down and doing things with care (we don’t do this enough in this whirlwind world). She is now outside on the balcony enjoying late spring in Japan. And apparently, Bonsai gather the energy for their spring blossoms in the summer before… which makes summer 2026 feel rather important this time - especially when I’m not a fan of summers in Japan, so this irony has me now wondering.

— Catherine 🌿