WELCOME TO THE Lawyer on air podcast
I’m Catherine, the host of Lawyer on Air, the #1 podcast for legal careers in Japan. In each episode, I bring you award-winning insights and inspirational inside stories about working in law as a woman in Japan. Whether you’re dreaming of a career here or already practicing, this is your go-to guide for finding your place in Japan’s legal landscape. We’ll dive into what hiring managers look for, emerging trends in the legal market, what it takes to earn a seat on a Japanese corporate board, and how to thrive personally and professionally.
Tune in and join the Lawyer on Air community by subscribing on your favorite podcast app below.
TOPICS YOU’LL HEAR ON THE SHOW…
Navigating your legal career
Leadership in law
Life as a woman lawyer
Podcast Accolades
Best Podcast by a Kiwi Abroad | Bronze Award
2021 Quill Podcast Awards Nominee
2022 Quill Podcast Awards Nominee
Lawyer on Air is produced by award winning Jayne Nakata of PodLaunch with Jayne, winner of the BCCJ BBA Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2022.
Our special thanks to Kristen McQuillin for the design of our Lawyer on Air podcast logo!
Recent Episodes
Following Curiosity Across Industries: Hiroko Ochi's In-House Legal Journey to Panasonic Energy
Hiroko Ochi is Section Manager of the Compliance Department at the Legal Center of Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd. In this episode, Catherine O'Connell, herself a former Panasonic alumna, traces Hiroko's remarkable journey across Ricoh, JCOM, Sumitomo Corporation, Persol Holdings, and now Panasonic Energy. Hiroko's career is one of relentless curiosity, systems thinking, and the deep belief that legal and business are always one team. If you are contemplating a change in industry, listen in to hear how Hiroko did it.
From Paralegal to Legal Department Manager with Sawako Kakutani
Sawako Kakutani is Corporate Secretarial Department Manager and Legal Department Manager at ASA Professionals Singapore, working remotely from Japan, and an attorney licensed in Washington State. She previously worked as Legal Department Manager at Hitachi Construction Machinery and does hybrid work between Singapore and Japan.
Building a Legal Career in AI Ethics at Sony with Yoko Arisaka
Yoko Arisaka is General Manager of Sony Group's Legal Department and a key architect of Sony's AI ethics guidelines. Yoko shares her journey from Tokyo to New York, experiencing the World Financial Crisis there, and finding her niche at Sony, forging a deep interest in AI governance. You will be surprised at how Yoko looks to the past and outside of the law for hints on how to bring about the future.
Unlearning Fear: From Law to Launch - Mika Fukutomi’s Pivot & App for Japan’s Succession Crisis
What happens when a lawyer decides success isn't about climbing the ladder, but about creating freedom? Join Catherine as she talks with Mika Fukutomi, who traded her career at top-tier international law firms for entrepreneurship - and built an app to solve one of Japan's biggest business succession challenges: who will maintain the SMEs in Japan with aging leaders and no successors. If you are curious about how legal skills translate into unexpected entrepreneurial ventures then this is the episode for you.
Raising your hand and embracing opportunity: Yoko Oshima’s blueprint for global legal leadership success
Yoko Oshima is Associate General Counsel of Corporate, External and Legal Affairs at Microsoft Japan. In this inspiring episode that spans continents, cultures, and cutting-edge technology, Yoko's journey is a masterclass in authentic leadership and purposeful career building. Yoko shares powerful insights on adaptive leadership, the importance of being true to your values, and why seeking support is actually a sign of strength, not vulnerability.
Whether you're navigating cultural shifts in your career, looking to embrace emerging technology, or seeking to lead with authenticity, Yoko's wisdom will resonate long after the episode ends.
Leadership and Law: Alexander Dmitrenko's Path to Managing Partner and Advice for New Lawyers
Alexander Dmitrenko is the Managing Partner of Ashurst’s Tokyo office and a dear friend Catherine has been wanting to introduce to the Lawyer on Air listeners. Get ready to hear how you can be successful in Japan and being a good person is on top of the list. If you are wondering about the culture and lifestyle of working at a firm such as Ashurst, make sure you catch this episode.
Journey to the Boardroom: Ayako Shotoku's Path in Panasonic
Ayako Shotoku, Group General Counsel and Chief Risk Management Officer at Panasonic, shares her journey detailing her unexpected pivot from an international marketing role to go on to become the head of Panasonic's legal team and also an Executive officer and board member. Ayako opens up about her early career, including her decisive transition into law, the influence of mentors, and the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone.
Unpausable: The Impact of 100 Episodes of Lawyer on Air
In this solo episode marking the final installment of Season 9, Catherine reflects on the growth and significant impact of 'The Lawyer on Air Podcast' over nearly 100 episodes. Catherine shares heartfelt stories about how the podcast has positively influenced her life and the lives of listeners and guests worldwide. To celebrate this milestone, Catherine unveils a special surprise at the end. Join us as we toast to the journey so far and look forward to an even more exciting Season 10.
Infusing the Art of Tea, Languages and Law for a Successful Career in Japan with Naoko Tahara
Naoko Tahara is Senior Manager of Legal Japan at Olympus Corporation. As a new recruit to a law firm, she took the chance to study Chinese intensively when some of her cohort said she shouldn’t. Listen to hear what happened next in this fascinating career dive with Naoko. If you are wondering if the challenging opportunity that has landed at your feet is really for you, then this is the episode for you!
From sales to a legal career at Amazon Japan with Michiko Hirai
Do you really need law firm experience to have a great legal career in Japan? Let’s hear another diverse story, this time from Michiko Hirai, in-house counsel at Amazon Web Services Japan. Discover her untraditional journey from sales in the semiconductor industry to law and how she uses her experience in building business relationships to be a stand out member of her team.