June - busy end of financial year reporting and new starts

June is traditionally the rainy season in Japan, but it’s been a strange one this year with just a few scattered showers, followed by full-blown summer heat, then back again to the soft pitter-patter of rain. We’re in that in-between space where the skies can’t decide what season it is. So for now, the trusty folding umbrella stays in my bag, though the soaring temperatures leave no doubt that summer has arrived.

Here’s a look at everything June brought with it… ⬇️

🥝 Kiwis don’t fly… or do they?

Well, it turns out some Kiwis do fly - especially when they hitch a ride in a suitcase.

One made the journey with me all the way from Rotorua to Tokyo and is now happily ensconced in my office, nestled beside my LED “Kia ora” sign and office logo. Together, they make for a cheerful, distinctly Aotearoa-inspired display that always sparks conversation.

It’s a little reminder that home travels with you, wherever your career might take you.

👜 Getting creative at Kate Spade

Sometimes, the best kind of weekend is the one where you get a little lost in colour, texture, and creativity. That’s exactly what happened when a couple of friends and I joined a handbag accessory workshop at the Kate Spade flagship store in Ginza.

It was a free event, and such a joy to use the creative (left?) side of my brain - choosing beads, layering mesh ribbons, and crafting something whimsical and stylish. For an hour on a lazy Saturday, I got to play designer in one of the most vibrant shops in town.

Sometimes it’s the small, creative detours that leave the brightest spots in your month don’t you think?

🎨 Immersed in the World of Hokusai

If you’ve ever visited Japan, chances are you’ve pulled out a blue 1,000-yen note and seen one of the most iconic images of Japan- the Great Wave off Kanagawa by the ukiyo-e woodblock master Katsushika Hokusai. It’s instantly recognisable and deeply woven into Japan’s cultural identity (yes, Japan is still a very cash-friendly society!).

In June, I had the joy of visiting the Hokusai Another World exhibition - an awe-inspiring, next-generation immersive experience that brings Hokusai’s Edo-period world to life. You don’t just view the landscapes; you walk them. You feel the tremble of the earth, the crash of the waves, and the quiet awe of Mt. Fuji through motion, projection, and sound. I was absolutely mesmerised by the sensory layers and depth of creativity in how this exhibition was designed.

This exhibition runs until 8 November 2025, so if you’re in Tokyo (or planning to be), it’s well worth a detour into Hokusai’s visionary world.

🔗 More details here

🤝 A warm welcome, and a lasting bond

In June, I had the honour of attending the welcome reception for the Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives during his visit to Japan. It was a powerful reminder of how diplomacy isn’t just conducted in meeting rooms and official speeches because it is also found in shared meals, cultural exchanges, and genuine human connection.

This year marks more than 40 years since my journey with Japan began - from studying the language full-time, joining Sister City and Japan Festival committees, to now clocking over 23 years of working on the ground in Tokyo.

Events like this bring those years full circle. They remind me that the New Zealand–Japan relationship is not just strategic, it’s deeply personal and anchored in decades of care, mutual respect, and people-to-people ties that continue to grow stronger.

It’s a privilege to contribute, in even the smallest way, to that enduring story.

**🎧 Built to Lead – When the mic turned on me**

In June, I swapped roles and stepped from host to guest, featured in the final episode of the Built to Lead podcast series hosted by the incredible Bridgit Norris.

We got real about what happens when you stop operating purely as a technician and step fully into your role as the CEO of your legal business. This conversation wasn’t about time hacks or tools- it was about transformation.

Together, we explored:
☑️ The mindset shift from legal technician to business visionary
☑️ Why delegation is essential—not optional—for growth
☑️ How self-leadership sets the foundation for team success
☑️ The role of visibility in building trust, opportunity, and credibility
☑️ Why women in law must redefine success—on their own terms

It was a powerful and reflective moment to share lessons from my own journey, and to speak directly to other women lawyers navigating their own pivot points. If you're straddling the line between expert and executive, this one’s for you.

🎧 Tune in to the episode here →

🌟 Matariki & EXPO adventures in Osaka

What a scorcher of a few days in Osaka! I kicked things off by attending the Kansai celebration of Matariki, honouring the Māori New Year - a beautiful moment of reflection, renewal, and connection to home while here in Japan.

From there, it was straight into the Osaka EXPO, where I managed to cover a whopping 15 pavilions in just two days. My inner architecture nerd was in heaven - so many creative designs, cultural expressions, and big ideas for the future on display.

Bonus: I had a friend with the right connections, so we managed to jump a few queues and make the most of the experience (Osaka heat and all!).

Pro tip if you’re heading there this summer: wear a hat, bring sunscreen, and don’t forget your IC card to stock up on energy drinks - you’ll definitely need them!

💐Am I starting a florist business?

You’d be forgiven for thinking I’ve pivoted careers - with the abundance of stunning bouquets that arrived from dear friends and board colleagues this month to celebrate my new office opening.

While it may have looked like a boutique florist pop-up for a few days, rest assured I’m still doing my day job! The flowers were not only beautiful, but also a heartfelt reminder of the thoughtful community I’m lucky to be part of.

If you haven’t had the chance to stop by for a flat white yet, the invitation is still open. Come on over - I would love to see you.

🎉 Celebrating 90 years of Fujitsu

In June, we marked a major milestone: Fujitsu’s 90th anniversary. Since 1935, Fujitsu has been guided by one simple yet powerful habit - asking questions. The kind of questions that lead to innovation, connection, and bold progress.

As a member of the board, I see this spirit in action daily. It’s in the way people collaborate, challenge respectfully, and hold deep pride in serving customers, partners, and communities.

To celebrate, all employees and board members received a commemorative gift - with a clever twist in the packaging (I’m still working it out… hopefully someone can let me know!).

Happy 90th, Fujitsu! Here's to continuing the journey of curiosity and service.

🎙️ Podcast episodes – Keep on coming

June brought the continued momentum of one of the most exciting Lawyer on Air seasons to date — Season 10. This series is filled with legendary lawyers, and the first two episodes this month set the bar high:

🔹 Season 10, Episode 3 – Alexander Dmitrenko
In this special guest episode, Alexander shares how kindness is not a strategy; it’s a way of life, and why cross-sector learning is essential for legal advisors today. A fresh take on leadership, legal practice, and having fun while doing serious work.
🎧 Listen here

🔹 Season 10, Episode 4 – Yoko Oshima, Microsoft Japan
A standout conversation on AI governance, leadership, and cultural bridge-building from a lawyer who has shaped strategy at Microsoft, GE, and beyond. Yoko’s insights into trust, curiosity, and courageous decision-making are a must-hear.
🎧 Listen here

Meanwhile, over on Jandals in Japan, we welcomed Elizabeth Barbalich, founder of New Zealand’s iconic skincare brand Antipodes, to explore beauty, business, and branding in Japan.
🎧 Tune in here

Two podcasts. Three powerful stories.
And trust me—the stories just keep on coming.

🍷 Speed-Dating with Sauvignon – NZ Wine Event in Tokyo

One of the tastiest highlights of June was attending the New Zealand Wine event in Tokyo which was a vibrant celebration of Kiwi wine, culture, and connection.

It was a thrill to meet the fantastic team from CoalPit Winery, who I spontaneously invited out to lunch the next day. They were a bit surprised - wondering why someone they’d just met would do that - but I assured them it’s a very Kiwi thing to do, and they are (mostly) Kiwis after all. They were great company, and it was the kind of spontaneous connection that makes events like this so memorable.

Huge thanks to Saito-san for the heads-up and to Air New Zealand for their sponsorship and making it such a fun, fast-paced evening of wine speed-dating around the room!

Thanks to the lovely winemaker and sales manager for sending me a trio of bottles for me to enjoy over this coming summer

🖤 In closing…

June also brought deep sadness with the sudden passing of Tim Mackey, at the far-too-young age of 54. Tim served tirelessly as Chief Legal Officer at SoftBank Group, and was a well-respected and well-liked figure across the legal community in Japan and beyond.

He often spoke with pride about his daughters and family, and his presence was always marked by warmth, humour, and sharp insight.

I’ll never forget our lively banter at the All Blacks vs Japan match in Tokyo back in September 2022, nor our recent conversation at the Japan In-House Counsel Network panel, just days before his passing.

It’s now time for the jersey to be passed on.
Rest in peace, Tim. You will be greatly missed.

See you next month! 👋

Catherine