March felt like a month of movement - across cities, seasons, and conversations. From celebrating women and community in Tokyo, to a quick reset back in New Zealand,also celebrating women, to watching the first hints of spring return, here’s what March looked like.

Here’s what went on in March ⬇️

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🎁 Women in Law Japan — 10th Anniversary

A special evening marking 10 years of Women in Law Japan. It was a privilege to be part of the celebration, not just of the organisation’s 10 years (and three of those I had the privilege of being President), but of the people behind it. The energy in the room reflected years of effort, generosity, and quiet leadership from so many women (and allies) who have built this community. It was a moment to pause and appreciate how far things have come and also how important it is to keep creating spaces like this.

💐 ANZCCJ — International Women’s Day Event

Another meaningful IWD breakfast gathering with the ANZCCJ community. What always strikes me at these events is the mix of stories, different industries, different stages, different paths, but with a shared sense of momentum. The conversations this year about the plight of single mothers and fathers, were extremely thoughtful, open, and forward-looking. A reminder that progress often happens through these moments of connection as much as through formal initiatives.

🐑 More family in the collection (rooster, snake, tigers,dog and mouse!)

Born in the year of the sheep, I’ve been slowly collecting the 12 teal-blue zodiac figurines. This year I added a few more family members - rooster, snake, tiger, dog and mouse - and it’s starting to feel like a proper collection now.

Just 3 or 4 to go…

I’ve realised I quite like collecting something that has a natural limit. Otherwise, it could very easily go on forever.

🌸 Life After Rugby Event

This was a great afternoon-evening connecting sport, leadership, and life after elite performance. Jess Souchon a Kiwi performance analyst with the Mitsubishi Dynaboars was in top form on stage. These conversations always resonate with me - the idea of transition, identity, and what comes next after our so-called “real jobs” finish. Whether in sport or in law, there’s something very universal about navigating the “after” and we can always - always - reinvent ourselves. And of course, always lovely to reconnect with familiar faces in the rugby and NZ–Japan community at the drinks afterwards.

🥗 Haircut — Got Layers!

I have a small but surprisingly refreshing change to my look. There’s something about a haircut that resets more than just your hair. A little lighter, a little sharper - all ready for the next spring and summer season.

🎧 Lawyer on Air — 5 Years Young

On March 8, Lawyer on Air celebrated its actual fifth birthday!

Launch on International Women's Day 2021, now five years and over 100 guests later we are a big community of listeners, fans, and guests. I’m building a Lawyer on Air Lounge LIVE community now and you’ll see more of that in the coming months.

✈️ Down Under to NZ

I had a quick but full trip back to New Zealand. Quietly ignoring I had a sore throat and body aches, I pushed through and went to see Mel Robbins live on stage talking about her Let Them Theory. It was as energising as expected.

I also attended the Global Women investiture of life memberships for a number of incredible and inspirational Dames, at Government House in Auckland.

I dropped into a Doing Business in Japan event (always nice to see familiar faces on the other side of the world), convened our second Japan–Kiwi Lawyers Coffee Club in central Auckland, and fully committed to testing award-winning hot cross buns… daily. Because… why not?

I totally indulged in family drinks, friends drinks and eats, and I brought back a bottle of my favourite Bluff Gin. The colour of the bottle alone makes it so worth it.

Coming back into Tokyo just as the blossoms were beginning felt perfectly timed. And I stumbled across the most beautiful winter cherry blossom bonsai - 40 and 60 years old. Little works of living art.

🎙️ Lawyer on Air Highlights

Two wonderful conversations this month were recorded on the podcast:

Didem D. Tari
A thoughtful and globally minded discussion on building a career across borders. We talked about navigating different legal systems, staying grounded in your values, and the importance of being intentional about your path, especially when it doesn’t follow a straight line.

🎧 Listen here

Keiko Uchida
A deeply reflective conversation on leadership, growth, and what it means to evolve over time. Keiko shared insights on balancing ambition with authenticity and how experiences - both expected and unexpected - shape who we become as leaders.

🎧 Listen here

🌿💛 Visiting My Dad’s Grave

My dad is buried under a kōwhai tree in a small church garden. We visited as a family while I was back in New Zealand. It’s a peaceful, beautiful spot and one of those places where time feels slower. Standing there, you can’t help but reflect. On how quickly life moves. On what matters. On the importance of making the most of the ordinary days, not just the milestone ones. It’s truly grounding, and quietly motivating, all at once to carry on the legacy and remember the past.

— Catherine 🌿