Anitha Henderson is an eDiscovery attorney in Japan. Anitha shares her journey from studying law to navigating a fulfilling career that intertwines with her passion for Japanese language and culture. From her experiences in the JET program to her love for communication in Japanese, Anitha's story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and embracing imperfection in the legal profession. Join us as we delve into Anitha's insights on eDiscovery work, the impact of AI in the legal industry, and her appreciation for small moments that give meaning to life.  If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here! In this episode you’ll hear: The benefits of an extensive first career before going into law  Why building trust with your colleagues is key to being a successful part of a workplace How Anitha created a trust ecosystem in her company in Japan and some great tips to working successfully here Anitha’s views on the future of AI, such as chat GPT and its use in the work of lawyers  Her favourite books and other fun facts  About Anitha Anitha is an eDiscovery attorney who focuses on managing Japanese language projects for cross-border litigation and for internal investigations. Her work includes starting from consulting clients and law firms, designing the most efficient workflows, managing reviewers, running AI analysis, and doing everything needed to make sure the project gets done defensibly, on time, in budget, and at a high quality.  She finds joy in providing first class service directly to Japanese firms that might not otherwise have access to it in their native language so close to home. She is fluent in Japanese and does 99% of her work in Japanese; this podcast will probably be the most English she has spoken in weeks.  She is also very easily bribed with Coca-Cola.  Originally from Florida, Anitha graduated from the University of Florida JD/MBA joint degree program and is a member of the Florida and Washington DC bars. She sends her love to her law school study group, Ashley, Nikki and Rob, for all their unconditional support over the years.  In her free time, Anitha loves watching way too much TV, playing casual video games, keeping up with her favorite idol groups (KAT-TUN and BTS), collecting anime trading cards, spending time with her host family in Kyoto, and traveling.  Connect with Anitha  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitha-henderson-488a467  Links Al Cepo https://www.al-ceppo.jp/  Terry Pratchett, Disc World Series https://amzn.asia/d/08BBvbV  Connect with Catherine  Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair 

Kotoe Oshima is an M&A associate at Shearman and Sterling's Tokyo office. Kotoe shares her international background and passion for advising Japanese companies on complex global transactions. Join us as Kotoe discusses the positive nature of Japanese companies, the importance of women in business, and her own journey of finding purpose in her work. Kotoe also turns the microphone on Catherine to find out more about what it’s like to go through a law firm merger on the other side of the table.  If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here! In this episode you’ll hear: How Kotoe experimented with various ideas for her career to then choose corporate law Some of the different things in working with Japanese organisations on M&A deals What it’s like experiencing an M&A situation between two law firms and Catherine’s advice for going through it with ease  The importance of purpose both inside and outside of work and how Kotoe is using her interest in aesthetics in an innovative way Her favourite podcasts, books and other fun facts  About Kotoe As a senior M&A Associate in Shearman & Sterling LLP’s Tokyo office, Kotoe specializes in cross-border M&A and particularly enjoys advising Japanese companies to achieve complex global transactions. As a Japanese citizen, she was born in Singapore, raised in Hong Kong and the U.K, before moving to the U.S. to pursue her undergraduate degree at Duke University and J.D. at Cornell Law School. Having started her career at Shearman’s New York office for 4 years, she relocated to Singapore to advise clients in SE Asia and India for 4 years before joining the firm’s Tokyo office where she is also experiencing living in Japan for her first time. Kotoe is passionate about promoting the benefits of international experiences and collaborates with various institutions in Japan and the U.S. to organize events influencing cross-cultural diversity both at the student and professional levels. In her spare time, she loves to play tennis and the piano, ski, wake surf, cook and hike. Inspired by her grandparents, she also designs luxury elderly wear in her free time and hopes to dress the elderly population in beautiful clothes one day! Connect with Kotoe  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kotoe-oshima/  Links Mixology Heritage: https://www.jrtk.jp/hibiya-okuroji/shop/detail_00013/  Sapiens: https://www.amazon.co.jp/Sapiens-Humankind-Yuval-Noah-Harari/dp/0062316095  Esther Perel, Where should we begin podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-should-we-begin-with-esther-perel/id1237931798  Connect with Catherine  Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair 

Sawako Ohgi is the General Manager in the Strategic Legal Unit at JERA Co. From living overseas in a variety of countries as a child to managing a team remotely from the UK, Sawako's story is one of resilience, leadership, and determination. Join us as we delve into Sawako's in-house career path, her advice for in-house counsels, and her passion for balancing work and personal life.  If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here! In this episode you’ll hear: How growing up in countries where the power supply was unstable helped Sawako to develop her passion for the work she does today Navigating and overcoming infertility with the help and support of her organisation Sawako’s story of managing to work remotely from the UK before the pandemic  Her favourite saying and other fun facts  About Sawako Sawako Ohgi is General Manager, Strategic Legal Unit, Legal Group, JERA Co., Inc. and a New York qualified lawyer. She spent 9 years at the International Affairs Division of Tokyo Electric Power Company handling M&As (domestic and international) and IPP development, project finance, and corporate law. Sawako was responsible for transferring overseas power assets from TEPCO/Chubu to JERA (2016). She also spent 3 years in the UK because of her husband’s transfer but continued to work fulltime remotely (2018-2021). Currently, she is responsible for JERA's legal issues, contracts review, disputes and regulatory support and is also the mother of two daughters aged 10 and 12.  Connect with Sawako LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sawako-ogi-008a411/  Links JERA Team mates:  Angela Yuen: https://www.catherineoconnelllaw.com/podcast/season-two-episode-seven-angela-yuen   Kenji Tagaya: https://www.catherineoconnelllaw.com/podcast/season-six-ep-8-kenji-tagaya  Connect with Catherine  Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair 

Louisa Gaoua shares her journey to be working in ESG and compliance in Japan. She also opens up about her personal journey of developing a stutter as a teenager and how she was able to overcome it. You might be surprised by what she learnt from this life challenge and how it has become part of her success story. Tune in to hear her inspirational stories and learn practical tips for excelling in DEI and ESG initiatives working in Japan. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here! In this episode you’ll hear: How Louisa overcame a stutter as a teenager through delivering a speech on stage in Dakar, Senegal The importance of allyship and caring for others for personal development How silence can be critical in some situations, particularly in Japan Tips for implementing ESG and DEI initiatives in your organisation Her favourite saying and other fun facts  About Louisa Louisa is an experienced ESG professional with a legal education, holding an MA in International and Anglo-American Laws, which qualifies her as a jurist under French law. She graduated in foreign languages, specialising in Japanese language and culture, and also completed a Masters of Science in Management. She began her career at General Electric as an International Communications Specialist, then spent several years at Schneider Electric as a Group Sustainability Performance Manager before relocating to Japan. Since her arrival in Japan, her main focus has been on diversity and ethics within an ESG agenda, initially in a law firm and more recently at Micron Technology. She approaches ESG from a compliance, risk, and performance management perspective. Connect with Louisa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisagaoua/  Links Lebanese restaurant, Le Bois le Vent: https://www.boislevent.com/  Junko Takagi: https://youtu.be/9l3woGXvsDY?si=_mHZTNs2Bg4De_Bi  Yoko Ogawa: https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E6%9C%AC-Yoko-Ogawa/s?rh=n%3A465392%2Cp_27%3AYoko+Ogawa  Molière: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moli%C3%A8re  Voltaire https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltaire Gisèle Halimi: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gis%C3%A8le_Halimi  Connect with Catherine  Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair 

Kenji Tagaya joins Lawyer on Air as a very welcome male guest, fan of the show and ally of women working in the law in Japan. Kenji is General Counsel at Jera and shares his own lived experience of being a minority and how he uses that experience to help empower others. In addition to his career, Kenji is very active in volunteer activities and we hear about how he asks if he can join in and help and in doing this he has been able to use his skills for good outside of the office too.  If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here! In this episode you’ll hear: How Kenji’s interest in foreign affairs led him to an international career even without any international experience Kenji’s lived experience of what it’s like to not be part of the majority and how he uses this in his work to help all team members succeed How Kenji uses his skills in English for good and how it helps him to lead a fulfilling life His favourite podcast and other fun facts  About Kenji Kenji Tagaya is the Executive Officer, Head of Legal Group of JERA, which is one of the major energy companies in Japan, encompassing the entire energy supply chain from upstream fuel investment and fuel procurement through power generation. Prior to joining JERA in 2016, Kenji worked for a Japanese governmental financial institution (JBIC) and was involved in oil & gas and power project financing in Asia and the Middle East. He also spent time at Allen & Overy’s Projects Group in London as an Associate, and also at an international financial institution (EBRD) in London as a Principal Counsel, involved in development financing in emerging countries. He was awarded ALB (Asian Legal Business) Japan “In-house Lawyer of the Year” in 2017 and Chambers “GC Influencers” Japan in 2019. He received LL.B. from Kyoto University (Japan) and LL.M. from Georgetown University (US). Connect with Kenji LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenji-tagaya-b6811675/  Links Rokusei https://www.rokusei.co.jp/  “How I Built This” Podcast: https://www.npr.org/series/490248027/how-i-built-this  Connect with Catherine  Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair

Akiko Kikuchi is a skilled general counsel with over two decades of experience in the legal industry. In this episode, we delve into the challenges of creating a career at a time when it was unusual to hire university graduate women in Japan. Akiko shares the benefits of building a strong team and how to get through the career challenges that might crop up for a general counsel. Get ready to be inspired and informed in this episode of Lawyer on Air. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here! In this episode you’ll hear: How Akiko gave up her first job offer for a study abroad opportunity, even though they had “already started making her uniform” How adversity and even “war room” level organisation emergencies can be overcome  Bringing innovation and fun to compliance issues Her favourite podcasts, books and other fun facts  About Akiko Akiko Kikuchi is the General Counsel, Head of Law, Patents & Compliance, and Senior Operating Officer for Bayer, a global life science company, in Japan.  Akiko holds law degrees in both Japan and England and is licensed to practice law in England and Wales as well as Hong Kong SAR of the People’s Republic of China.  Akiko has worked in the legal industry for over two decades previously serving as the General Counsel for PwC Japan and General Counsel for GE Plastics Japan.   Akiko is a Japanese national born in Yokohama, but she spent her important formative years from age 3 to 8 living in London due to her father’s job.  Through this experience, England very much became her second home.  For study, she first obtained her BA in law from Keio University in Japan.  She was awarded a scholarship by the Jardine Matheson Foundation to study law at the Honour School of Jurisprudence of Exeter College, Oxford University where she obtained an MA in Law.     In 2020, Akiko won the ALB Japan Law Awards as the Woman Lawyer of the Year (In-House category), and she led her team to win the Compliance and Risk Management In-House Team of the Year Award. This year in June, Akiko’s team won two awards at ALB Japan Law Awards, Innovative In-house Team of the Year and Healthcare and Pharmaceutical In-house Team of the Year.   Akiko is also a very active member of the Japan legal community and serves as the Co-President of Japan In-house Counsel Network and Executive Board Member of the Japan CLO Association.  She was listed on the GC Powerlist Japan chapter in July, the Legal 500 list that highlights the most influential in-house lawyers and legal team in the local legal industry. Outside of work, Akiko built a house with her husband 2 years ago and is very much into design and decoration.  She lives minutes’ walk away from the ocean in Kamakura and enjoys going on walks to view the sunset.  Akiko also enjoys wine,  food and spas (hot springs).  She is blessed with two sons – one, a 14-year-old teenager and another, a small furry toy poodle. Connect with Akiko  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/akiko-kikuchi-74826b45/  Links Smoke Door: https://hotel-the-knot.jp/yokohama/smoke-door/  Shimon: https://www.seamon.jp/   Connect with Catherine  Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair 

Sayaka Ohashi, a legal counsel specialising in employment law, shares how her experience of raising three children and listening to what they have to say, has greatly improved her practice in employment law. She also encourages male lawyers to embrace child-rearing as it can make them better professionals. Her reasons are a little different from what you might be thinking (you will need to listen in!) Sayaka has had a varied career with big law firms and now running her own practice also makes time for new hobbies and even a side business!  If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here! In this episode you’ll hear: The importance of listening skills for all lawyers How Sayaka practiced effective communication with her children that helped her support her clients too The social pressures that Japanese mothers face and what can happen when you try to do it all yourself Finding meaning in imperfections through the art of Kintsugi and creating a side business from learning about gardening Her favourite book and other fun facts  About Sayaka  Sayaka Ohashi is a lawyer who has been practicing almost 20 years. Her focus is on employment, as well as supporting foreigners living in Japan on legal issues. She is also active as a translator/interpreter. Quite recently, she also started a business as a florist and enjoys creating container gardens. Connect with Sayaka  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sayaka-ohashi-46292131/ Links Artizon Museum restaurant https://www.artizon.museum/user-guide/museum-cafe/  How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk: https://amzn.asia/d/8C5GKVk  Connect with Catherine  Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair 

Catherine interviews Yasuko Tanaka, a patent attorney, IP business consultant and founder of her own firm S-Cube Corporation. Yasuko shares how her own learning through lived experience of cross cultural communication in IP have led her to become a leader in this field in Japan. We explore her advice for people considering starting their own firm and discuss the growing popularity of IP law in Japan.  If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here! In this episode you’ll hear: How important the skill of communication across cultures is in international business What happened when Yasuko found herself in Washington DC on 9-11 How Yasuko’s experience gave her resilience for her next brave career pivots What it was like for Yasuko to start her own firm and how she got her first customers Her favourite TV series and other fun facts  About Yasuko After graduating from Chiba University (Biochemistry, Faculty of Science) in 1990, Yasuko began working in the IP department of Teijin, followed by Pfizer Japan and 3M Japan, dealing with global patent prosecution in both English and Japanese, IP clearance and dispute, IP strategy/consulting, transactions, patent search, and IP education. Working for American multinationals, she was in a position to work closely with English speaking local representatives/counterparts on a daily basis and develop a deep understanding of cross-cultural communication. Yasuko stepped away from her last company, 3M Japan, in March 2013 to launch her own venture “S-Cube Corporation” (IP Business Consultancy) in April of that year. Her mission is to improve the global competitiveness of Japan by leveraging Intellectual Property as a business advantage and the development of human resources. In August 2013, she expanded her business, establishing S-Cube International Patent Firm. In addition to running her business, she was a part-time lecturer at the University of Toyama for a semester in 2016, as well as at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology since 2017. Ms. Tanaka’s expertise and passion lie in developing IP strategies for manufacturing companies to extract greater value from their technologies, in educating IP professionals, and in supporting communication between foreign lawyers and their Japanese clients. Connect with Yasuko LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasuko-tanaka-ab0a8640/  Links Mistrale: https://www.mistrale-tokyo.com/  Soba & Co: https://sobaandco-kamiyacho.com/  新聞は 考える武器になる: https://amzn.asia/d/iOB985L  TV show about IP Department: それってパクリッじゃないですか? https://www.ntv.co.jp/sorepaku/  Connect with Catherine  Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair 

Catherine invites legal recruiter Alkis Kotzampasis back to the podcast, to share his insights from his new position as Principal of Page Executive at Michael Page. They delve into the most effective ways to work with a recruiter and what to prepare for those interviews as well as the trends that are now affecting the market in Japan. This is must-know information for anyone wanting to take on a new role perhaps in the C-suite boardroom or anyone wanting to start working in Japan in the near future.   If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here! In this episode you’ll hear: The state of the legal hiring market in the first half of 2023 and forward projections What lawyers should be thinking about strategically as they aim for Executive C Suite and board positions Why it’s important to share your brand with the recruiter when you start to work together Changes in employee loyalty in the Japan market post COVID-19 Catherine shares her key insight for how to work successfully on a Japanese company board of directors Who Alkis would most like to spend the day with and other fun facts. About Alkis Alkis has been an established recruiter with PageGroup in Japan since 2020. Initially, he built the legal & compliance recruitment team of Michael Page from scratch and during this effort, he received regional top performer awards from PageGroup in 2021 and 2022.  Impressed by his open-minded approach and his quick delivery, clients often quote his honesty, dedication and resilience as some key elements that differentiate him from competition.  Since April 2023, Alkis has transitioned internally to Page Executive, the executive search arm of the group. There he is assisting with the Japan launch and with building new client relationships. Page Executive is a brand with global recognition and has been quoted by Forbes as one of the top 1% executive search firms in the USA in 2022. It also has a strong track record across Asia Pacific with presence in Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China.  Alkis bread & butter under the Page Executive brand remains legal & compliance recruitment. He is currently working exclusively with top tier law firms to support their Partner hiring and with Global Corporates to assist with their Legal Director Japan hiring. The scope of his work under Page Executive has also expanded with Alkis being given the opportunity to build strategic relationships with Global Board Members and Japan Board Members of additional functions. The aim remains to provide them with any advice they seek on the market, assist them with their personal progression goals and recruitment challenges, and in general offer them with great service. All in a confidential manner.   Since our last recording, Alkis has spent his free time significantly expanding the list of countries he's visited and the number of cuisines he's tried, which are the two main activities he engages in when not working.  Connect with Alkis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alkis-kotzampasis-5a171812a/ Company Profile: https://www.pageexecutive.com/consultant/alkis-kotzampasis Email: [email protected] Links Talent Trends:  https://www.michaelpage.co.jp/en/talent-trends/the-invisible-revolution Nuit (Nakameguro): https://nuit.tokyo/ / https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1317/A131701/13263261/ Giannis Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2QCiJC06y4 (another inspiring short video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-AW_ZxPSwwo) Rough summary of his story: https://olympics.com/en/news/giannis-antetokounmpo-origin-story-basketball-legend Connect with Catherine  Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair Twitter: https://twitter.com/oconnelllawyer  YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair 

In this episode, Aya Saito, shares her journey from a kind of identity crisis to finding her style and authentic self in a unique role. Her career challenges became accomplishments that she even enjoyed! I’ve not heard of any guest so far in six seasons refer to their challenges in this way. Through the power of conversation, Aya uncovers these gems even though she didn’t know they were there! Join us for another fabulous episode from one of our own women in law in Japan. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here! In this episode you’ll hear: How Aya navigated an identity crisis that has helped her to find her style in her career How her biggest challenges have also been her biggest achievements and even enjoyable How she dreamt up her next role instead of diving straight into looking for what was available Keeping up to date and staying relevant by taking part in outside of work activities Her favourite restaurant, Japanese food and other fun facts  About Aya Aya is a member of the Global Legal Team at Boston Consulting Group based in Tokyo office, where she is supporting Japan and South Korea. Aya is a qualified attorney in Japan (Bengoshi). Prior to joining BCG, Aya was in private practice with an Osaka boutique law firm specializing in international transactions, intellectual property and dispute resolution for Kansai corporations. She then moved to Tokyo to join the Legal team at Accenture, where she handled large outsourcing and technology deals, and other complex legal matters. She has co-authored several books with fellow Bengoshi, and is also a CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner). Aya is a mother to a 4 year old boy. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, swimming, yoga and travelling. Connect with Aya  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aya-saito-545138121/  Links Ryukotei Chinese Restaurant: https://www.ryukoutei.net/  More than enough: https://www.amazon.co.jp/MORE-THAN-ENOUGH-ELAINE-WELTEROTH/dp/0525561587  Connect with Catherine  Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catherine.oconnell.148 Twitter: https://twitter.com/oconnelllawyer YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair