September: Autumn Ease & Eventful Days 🍂✨

Finally, the heat has dropped! Tokyo skies are back to clear blue, and the first hints of autumn are whispering in the night air - the crickets and cicadas (the few we heard in this hottest on record summer!) are fading, and being replaced by the gentler chorus of autumn insects. After a summer of relentless heat, it feels like the city has done a big exhale. September was anything but quiet though: concerts, embassies, community events, and a few lucky wins kept the month full of energy. Here’s the September highlight reel.

🎶 ☕ Out & About with September Adventures

Sting in Tokyo - Twice Over

Some artists you just can’t see once. Sting came through Tokyo this month and I found myself there not for one night, but for two. There’s something about hearing “Fields of Gold” or “Englishman in New York” live that makes you appreciate how timeless music can weave itself into the background of your own life. The encore alone - “Roxanne” and “Fragile” - made the double-visit worth it.

Lunch at the Philippine Embassy

A highlight was visiting the Embassy of the Philippines in Tokyo for a special lunch with Ambassador Mylene Garcia-Albano, who was my guest on the Lawyer on Air Podcast. I i’s always a joy to continue the conversations sparked on the podcast in person. Over lunch, we spoke about the history of the embassy residence - frequented often by none other than Yoko Ono - and we also talked about bridges between law, diplomacy, and leadership - conversations as rich as the cuisine itself.

Lexis Nexis AI Seminar

This month also brought the chance to explore the future of law at the Lexis Nexis-sponsored Roppongi Bar Association AI seminar. Not only did I walk away with practical insights, but also with a prize - proving that sometimes learning and luck go hand in hand if you raise your hand to answer the quiz.

Run for the Cure Casino Night

I attended the annual Run for the Cure Casino Night. The tables looked tempting, but this year I resisted. Instead, I saved my wins for the charity auction, successfully bidding on a rare bottle of Ferrari bubbles from Italy. It was the kind of prize that sparkles twice - once on the night and again when the cork eventually pops.

Indigo Moments

Work took me to Karuizawa where I checked another Hotel Indigo off my list - Indigo Karuizawa. The poetic mist settled in and, unlike my colleagues, I actually loved it. There’s something about mist that slows the pace and makes you lean into reflection.

Later in the month I celebrated the 2nd anniversary of Hotel Indigo Shibuya, where the party came complete with a magician dazzling us with card tricks. Magic, bubbles, and Shibuya lights - it doesn’t get more Indigo than that.

Book of the Month

I dove into “Letters from the Ginza Shihodo Stationery Shop” by Kenji Ueda - a gentle, nostalgic read that carries you straight into the heart of Tokyo’s stationery culture. It left me with the irresistible urge to linger in a paper shop longer than planned - not hard because I love Japanese stationery. In fact in a previous life I wanted to work in a stationery shop as my career. Now I get to live in a country where there is no such thing as bad stationery.

Mugshots

The beloved mugs made more appearances this month! I snapped photos with Tomoko Nakajima and Mina Hoshizaki, both past Lawyer on Air guests whose episodes continue to resonate with listeners. Yes, it’s a play on words! Every Lawyer on Air guest receives a branded podcast coffee mug to keep, and I ask them to snap a photo with it, their very own “mug shot.” These Mugshots aren’t just fun photos; they’ve become little emblems of connection, showing how the conversations we record together live on beyond the microphone.

✍️ Writing & Reflection

Two pieces of writing stood out this month:

Board Roles at a Younger Age

My LinkedIn article tackled a common myth - that board seats are reserved for your 40s or 50s. I shared why readiness, visibility, and courage matter more than waiting your turn. Read the article: here

30 Years in Law

I also marked my 30th anniversary as a lawyer. Reflecting on three decades across New Zealand and Japan was both grounding and energizing - proof that the journey is never a straight line but always a worthwhile one. Read about my reflections: here

🎧 Podcast Power

September wouldn’t be complete without a podcast roundup.

Lawyer on Air – Ep 78: Akemi Suzuki

This month’s episode with Akemi Suzuki was a standout. Akemi brought warmth, wisdom, and a unique perspective to our conversation, reminding us that leadership often comes from resilience and openness. If you haven’t tuned in yet, catch the full episode here: Season 10, Ep 78 with Akemi Suzuki.

Jandals in Japan – Ep 67: Charles Wilson

Over on Jandals in Japan, I’m resharing our most recent episode in case you missed it. The NZ–Japan bridge grows stronger with every conversation, and the podcast continues to be a space where rugby, business, and culture overlap in surprising and inspiring ways. This is Charles Wilson, Tatua Japan’s CEO on dairy, protienization & strategy 🎧 Listen here

🌸 Community News

WILJ Summer Sizzle

The Women in Law Japan Summer Sizzle is back on October 23rd - Usually held in Summer it was too hot this year so it’s a bit later. You can join with members of their growing community for an evening of connection and laughter. Events like this remind me of the strength in networks and the joy of building them. Link to sign up: here

Claire Chino’s January Recital

Looking ahead, save the date: January 12, 2026. Lawyer on Air guest Claire Chino will be performing a recital. It’s free but with reserved seating, so don’t wait - I will be there! Reserve your spot via this Google Form link.

👋Wrappng September

From Sting’s timeless tunes to casino bubbles, from embassy lunches to Indigo mist, September was a month of contrasts: music, magic, and meaningful conversations. The thread that ties it all together? Community and connection, in all their forms.

As autumn deepens, I’m looking forward to crisp mornings, turning leaves, and new adventures waiting in October. 🍁

See you next month! 👋

— Catherine