Meet Olga Belosludova, a trailblazing attorney who made history as the first Russian woman to pass the notoriously difficult Japanese bar exam. Born in Siberia, she came to Japan with her family at age two. Olga's journey from a competitive childhood dream to becoming a qualified lawyer in three jurisdictions is nothing short of extraordinary. Her story offers invaluable insights into navigating Japan's legal landscape as a foreign professional, the importance of visibility in service, and practical strategies for building a successful international legal career.

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 Olga conquered the Japanese “Yobi” exam which only 4% of examinees pass

• Her strategies for overcoming assumptions about foreign lawyers with Japanese credentials

• Her secret dual-goal system for avoiding burnout

• Her view that speaking Japanese is crucial and why internal translators outperform external ones

About Olga

Olga Belosludova is an accomplished international attorney admitted to practice law in Japan, California, and New York. Currently, she is based in Japan, where she has lived since age two. Olga brings a unique bicultural perspective to complex cross-border legal matters. As an attorney at a prestigious international law firm constantly ranking in AM Law 20, she has built an impressive practice serving Fortune 100 companies across a wide range of high-stakes transactions and disputes.

Fluent in both Japanese and English, Olga has become a trusted advisor to foreign companies navigating Japan's business landscape. Her expertise spans cross-border mergers and acquisitions, complex internal investigations, international arbitrations, and privacy and data security compliance for multinational corporations. She also counsels international banks and investment funds on investment and loan transactions involving Japanese entities, leveraging her deep understanding of both legal systems and cultural nuances.

Olga’s risk management expertise is particularly noteworthy—she has led over 20 internal investigations across various industries, handling everything from routine compliance matters to high-profile misconduct cases. Her approach focuses not just on resolving immediate issues, but also on strengthening organizational health and resilience for the long term. During her time at the firm’s New York office from August 2023 to June 2024, she further expanded her expertise in JAMS arbitration and US litigation.

The Legal 500 recognised Olga as a “Rising Star” in its Fintech division in 2023, highlighting her emerging leadership in the intersection of law and financial technology.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Olga had been dancing as a ballroom dancer for more than 15 years, ultimately competing as a professional standard ballroom dancer between 2018 and 2020. After the COVID pandemic, in her free time, Olga enjoys spending her time with her family, especially playing with her three-year-old daughter. Whether she is reading books, drawing, or just playing outside, those moments mean the most to Olga. As a new challenge, Olga also began golfing last year.

Connect with Olga

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olga-belosludova-744758287/

Connect with Catherine

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair

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, purposeful career building, embracing opportunity and seeking support. 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.

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 she overcame the cultural shift from being "blessed with opportunities" in Japan to proactively raising her hand in competitive New York law firms

• Why she turned down a permanent leadership role twice, and the crucial lesson this taught her about embracing opportunity

• The innovative approach to helping legal teams adopt AI and why AI is like training a new associate

• Her favourite books and other fun facts

About Yoko

Yoko is Associate General Counsel of Microsoft and leads its Corporate, External Affairs in Japan. Before joining Microsoft in May 2021. she was with General Electric and her last role before the departure was the general counsel of GE Japan and GE Digital Asia.

Before going in-house, she was in private practice, with Anderson Mori in Tokyo (first half) and Clearly Gottlieb, Steen and Hamilton LLP in New York (second half).

She is qualified in Japan and the State of New York, USA.

She has an LLB from Hitotsubashi University, a Master of Law from the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Law and Politics and an LLM from Harvard Law School.

Committed to diversity and inclusion and the social impact, she is a board member of Lawyers for LGBT and Allies Network in Japan and a statutory auditor of Earth Company.

She recharges through art, music, nature and family and friends.

Connect with Yoko

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoko-oshima-36a7396/

Links

Adaptive Leadership: https://hbr.org/2020/09/5-principles-to-guide-adaptive-leadership

Tools and Weapons, Brad Smith: https://news.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/tools-and-weapons/

The Culture Map, Erin Meyers: https://erinmeyer.com/books/the-culture-map/

Connect with Catherine

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair

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.

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 Alexander’s upbringing in the USSR influenced his career choice in the law

• How the transition from New York private practice to Japanese in house changed him

• Becoming Managing Partner and tips for the recruitment process

• His favourite restaurant and other fun facts

About Alexander

Alexander Dmitrenko is a partner in Ashurst’s Tokyo dispute resolution practice group.

He has nearly 20 years of experience specialising in compliance matters, internal investigations, and dispute resolution. He has substantial experience advising Asian and other companies on matters related to sanctions and export controls, anti-bribery and corruption, anti-money laundering, cyber security and cyber fraud, ESG and forced labour and other compliance related laws and regulations. Alexander has gained particular expertise and client praise for his pragmatic approach to establishing compliance policies and procedures, undertaking due diligence exercises and conducting internal and regulatory investigations.

Alexander has conducted over a dozen sensitive internal and regulatory investigations covering allegations of bribery, accounting misconduct, internal violations, harassment and product liability in such jurisdictions as China, Ghana, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Russia, United States and Vietnam.

Alexander also advises financial institutions and other companies on compliance and risk mitigation measures related to US-China regulatory tensions and potential conflict of laws. He has particular expertise with airspace and the airline industry through his extensive work for Changi Airports International and on Sojitz' airport projects in Russia and Myanmar.

He is a member of our firm's specialized Sanctions as well as Corporate Crime groups. Given his unique skillset and expertise, he has been advising on various sanctions targeting Russia, from legal, regulatory and practical perspectives.

Alexander teaches, lectures and publishes extensively on various compliance-related topics. He chairs the Japan Subcommittee of Temple Law School’s Center for Compliance and Ethics. He is an active member of the NPO community in Japan, particularly through his leadership at LLAN and TELL. Alexander leads our firm’s pro bono efforts to provide legal and other assistance to Ukrainian evacuees. He is a true diversity & inclusion champion. Alexander is also a proud honorary Ambassador for the beautiful island of Hachijojima.

Alexander is qualified to practice in England & Wales, New York, Russia, and is a registered foreign lawyer (Gaikokuho Jimu Bengoshi) in Japan. He speaks English, French, Japanese, Russian and Ukrainian.

In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family, including his dog Mykola (Miki), learning Japanese to which he devotes 45-60 minutes each day, spending time on Hachijojima, including gardening (he even grew a square watermelon a few years ago), tennis, yoga and his latest hobby is sanshin on which he performed at Tama Parthenon during a special fundraising concert for Tohoko & Ukraine.

Connect with Alexander

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-dmitrenko/

Links

Two Rooms: https://tworooms.jp/en/

Connect with Catherine

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair

Tomoko Nakajima is not just any partner at Freshfields, she is an absolute trailblazer in the legal profession in Japan. You will hear how Tomoko tutored herself to pass the bar without attending law school and overcame deeply entrenched Japanese cultural “norms” with her courage and willingness to speak up and ask questions. Tomoko shares what it was like to be part of the historical Kansai Airport deal, and how she eventually became a partner at Freshfields. Along the way, Tomoko was challenged to stick up for herself and for her values, revealing her superpower. Her story is a powerful testament to perseverance and the impact of making bold decisions. Hear Tomoko as you’ve never heard before in this riveting episode!

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 Tomoko passed the Japanese bar without attending law school

• How she made a positive impact on one of the biggest infrastructure transactions in Japanese history

• The ultimatum she gave her firm when they did not offer her a partnership (yes, she did that!)

• Her legal superpower and other great insights

About Tomoko

Tomoko Nakajima is a Partner in the Tokyo office of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and head of Japan’s M&A practice.

Tomoko has more than two decades of experience in M&A becoming an M&A expert. Her approach to M&A is international combined with a deep knowledge of the Japanese market. Tomoko truly understands the challenges Japanese clients face when entering or acquiring in overseas markets and works closely with clients to execute their complex cross-border mandates. Tomoko also advises on real estate and infrastructure transactions.

Tomoko received her Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and Affairs in 1997 and passed the Japanese Bar in 1996 and started her career at Shimazaki International Law Office, a boutique law firm specializing in capital markets and venture capital.

From 1997 to 1999, Tomoko attended the legal training and research institute of the Supreme Court of Japan.

In 2002, Tomoko joined Freshfields in Tokyo as an Associate and received the opportunity to study at the University of Chicago Law School, obtaining her master’s degree in law in 2005 and she was admitted to the California Bar in 2006, then returned to Freshfields Tokyo in 2007. Tomoko was made a Partner in 2023.

Tomoko was named Woman Lawyer of the Year (Law Firm) in the ALB Japan Law Awards 2024. In her spare time, Tomoko enjoys (muscle) training, Pilates and listening to music.

Connect with Tomoko

Website: https://www.freshfields.com/en/find-a-lawyer/n/nakajima-tomoko

Connect with Catherine

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair

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. Ayako also reflects on her challenges, notable mistakes, and the invaluable lessons they taught her. If you are wondering if you are cut out to lead hundreds of people in an organisation, then this is the episode for you.

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:

• What happened when Ayako’s marketing section was closed and she was assigned to the legal department

• Her learnings from challenges inside the company and in her leadership role

• The importance of mentoring forward in gratitude for mentorship received

• Her favourite bar, a memorable travel experience and other fun facts

About Ayako

Ayako Shotoku is a Director, Member of the Board, and Executive Officer at Panasonic Holdings Corporation, where she serves as Group General Counsel and Chief Risk Management Officer. With a career spanning over three decades at Panasonic, she brings extensive experience in legal, compliance, and risk management to the table.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Comparative Culture at the University of Tsukuba and an LL.B. from Chuo University. She also obtained an LL.M. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.

Her career at Panasonic has been marked by consistent advancement and leadership. She joined the company, then Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., in 1991 and has since navigated the complexities of legal and compliance in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. From serving as General Counsel for various key divisions, including Automotive and Connected Solutions, to her current role overseeing the entire group's legal and risk strategy, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead and innovate within a global corporation.

In her free time Ayako likes traveling, visiting places she has never been to, slow jogging and watching movies/dramas.

Connect with Ayako

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%E5%BD%A9%E5%AD%90-%E5%B0%91%E5%BE%B3-2a98b6163/

Links

Bar Augusta https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270101/27002511/

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

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.

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 highlights, the challenges and rewards of starting the podcast

• The importance of inclusivity, and the community it has built

• Powerful stories about career transformations, personal connections, and the unexpected reach of the podcast.

Links

Unpausable playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3aCekQmbR0CYMxzdkhzFqN

Unpausable playlist explanation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/168bSEfOFJQK5TaGD2Pa_HalepmuPt9Kd/view?usp=sharing

Connect with Catherine

Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair

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!

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:

• Naoko’s experience growing up in several overseas countries

• The life changing experience of taking an opportunity to study Chinese with her firm as a new associate

• How she made the most of career breaks and family changes

• Her initial challenges when she went to an in-house role

• Her favourite podcasts, books and other fun facts

  
  

About Naoko

Naoko Tahara is a Senior Manager of Legal Japan at Olympus Corporation. She graduated from Keio University Law School and became a Bengoshi (Attorney-at-law admitted in Japan) in 2009. Since then, she has 15 years of experience in Cross-border Business, specialising in Global Compliance and General Corporate Matters.

She started her career at Uryu & Itoga, a corporate law firm with offices in several Asian countries, and had a chance to work and study in China (2010-2011) and Singapore (2017-2018). After she finished the LLM program at the National University of Singapore, she joined the legal department of Recruit Co., Ltd. in 2018.

At Recruit, she developed existing expertise and also became involved with Data Privacy issues and Capital Markets matters. After spending about six years at Recruit, she joined Olympus Corporation in 2024. As a senior manager of Legal Japan, she is now in charge of the Business Support Group, which proactively supports Olympus's business through legal assistance for strategic projects and daily legal support for business divisions.

Regarding her personal life, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 9-year-old son. Her hobbies are Chinese Language and Chinese Tea. She learned them in Beijing when she worked for her first law firm back in 2011.

Connect with Naoko

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/naoko-tahara-82b2361b6

Links

Shisen Restaurant: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/tyomy-sheraton-miyako-hotel-tokyo/dining/

Book: なぜ働いていると本が読めなくなるのか https://amzn.asia/d/fShhknh

Connect with Catherine

Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair

Shiho Kagasaki is an Associate at MinterEllison based in Australia. We hear from Shiho why she loves working in the law so much and how her recent passion for ballet contributes to her pursuit of grace and poise in her work life, too. If you are also an up and coming associate wanting to hear from a sempai (more experienced co-worker) then this is the episode for you.

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:

• Why Shiho enjoys the multifaceted work of being a lawyer

• The importance of networking and what Shiho believes is important when building a network

• The parallels between ballet and the law

• Her favourite podcast and other fun facts

About Shiho

Shiho Kagasaki is an Associate at MinterEllison, presently based in Australia.

After obtaining her Bachelor of Laws at Griffith University and completing her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at The Australian National University, she was admitted as a lawyer in Australia in 2017. She has since practiced in various areas of law, including Plaintiff Personal Injury, General Insurance and Class Actions in her previous roles. Corporate Risk & Insurance is her current area of focus at MinterEllison.

Shiho currently specialises in the management of non litigated and litigated matters and works for both Australian, Japanese and International Insurers as well as Australian and International Corporations.

Connect with Shiho

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shiho-kagasaki-4072a4118/

Links

Nyorosuke Ungai restaurant: https://kiwa-group.co.jp/nyorosuke_ginza/

Legal High: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_High_(Japanese_TV_series)

The Balanced Ballerinas podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3vPmGkYbpsvo8JAaytJf1s?si=481f054555724b27

Connect with Catherine

Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair