Catherine’s Monthly Wrap Up - November 2025
November Wrap-Up: A Month of momentum, milestones & meaningful connections
As the temperatures dipped and the autumn leaves both shone and started to fall in Tokyo, I took off to New Zealand for the opposite season of new green buds and early summer flowers. November has turned out to be one of those months that reminded me why I love doing what I do - connecting people, sharing stories, and celebrating community across Japan and New Zealand.
Here’s my November highlight reel.
🎶 Out & About — November Adventures
Melbourne Cup - MC extraordinaire
Nothing beats the energy of the Melbourne Cup, and this year I had the absolute pleasure of stepping behind the mic as MC at the Grand Hyatt Roppongi. From the fashion on the field to the electric atmosphere (and yes, the Penfolds champagne bottle I was gifted!), it was a day of fun, flair, and supporting two fantastic charities. A brilliant reminder that community and celebration always go hand in hand.
A Fireside Chat with NZ’s New Ambassador to Japan, Lucy Duncan Chargé d’Affaires
On 5 November, I had the honour of moderating a fireside chat with New Zealand’s new Ambassador to Japan, Lucy Duncan, New Zealand Chargé d'Affaires a.i., hosted by the NZ Embassy. We delved into regional dynamics, people-to-people links, and the future of NZ–Japan collaboration.
From the photos you’ll see we unintentionally (or perhaps intuitively!) turned up matchy-matchy, bold red and pearls. A perfect combination for an evening of diplomacy with heart.
Tokyo–Kurashiki Furusato-kai
I made my way to the Tokyo–Kurashiki Furusato-kai, where hundreds of former Kurashiki and Okayama residents now living in Tokyo gathered for food, drinks, and performances celebrating regional culture. My highlights?
My favourite sake 🍶
Salty-lemon ramen 🍜
And the most delicious udon 🍲
Carb overload… but joy overload too. I also caught up with Mayor Kaori Ito and the kimono-clad honorary tourism guide - such a warm, community-filled evening.
Office Visitors — Peace Plants & Mug Shots
My office was buzzing this month!
Harumi Gondo stopped by to check on her peace plant (thriving!).
Midori Yamaguchi and Shiho Kagasaki, both Lawyer on Air guests, came bearing sweet gifts and received their official Lawyer on Air mugs.
We even snapped our traditional “mug shots” - truly some of my favourite visitor rituals.
🌋 Japan New Zealand Business Council — Conference #51 in Rotorua
Yes… Rotorua again! This was my second conference in Rotorua this year, and the geothermal magic and wairua of the place never disappoint. Between geysers, hot pools, and a full-on program, it was a powerhouse gathering of NZ–Japan business minds.
And for 2026? Let’s just say Rotorua might just make it a hat trick…
📘 Jandals in Japan Book Announcement
Stop the presses! The Jandals in Japan book is coming!
Four years. Nearly 80 podcast episodes. Endless Kiwi-Japan stories.
Jayne and I are turning this treasure trove into a practical, heart-filled handbook for doing business in Japan - grounded in lived experience, not etiquette lists.
We’ve identified five mindsets shared by every successful guest. The book dives deep into each one with tools, examples, and real talk.
How you can help us bring it to life:
⭐️ Share the book when it launches
⭐️ Host a stop on our Japan/NZ book tour
📧 jandalsinjapan@gmail.com
🎧 Listen to the announcement episode
🏆 NZ Podcast Awards – A Near Miss & A Big Win
We submitted Jandals in Japan for the New Zealand Podcast Awards, and while being an overseas-based NZ show might have been our Achilles heel, your votes and support meant the world.
A huge shout-out to my co-host Jayne Nakata, who won Bronze for That’s Just Criminal, the podcast she produces for two NZ barristers.
👏 Go Jayne!
👏 Go community!
👏 Go Kiwi–Japan storytelling!
Thank you so much in advance for cheering us on and helping spread the word about Kiwi–Japan stories that inspire connection, courage, and curiosity. 🌸🩴🇳🇿🇯🇵
✍️ Writing & Reflection
In my latest LinkedIn article, I explored a Lady Gaga quote on being “the antithesis of the status quo.”
It sparked a reflection I didn’t expect:
Leadership in 2026 won’t be defined by reaction, but by intentional response - and by what we choose to create from there.
If you’re looking for your own antithesis heading into 2026, this piece might be the spark: 🔗 Read here
👋 Wrapping November
A month of connection, creativity, community in two countries, two seasons and with two languages … and a reminder that momentum comes from movement, even small ones or big ones across the latitudes.
Thanks for following along on this journey.
See you in December for the final wrap-up of 2025! 👋
— Catherine