March Musings: Blossoms, Breakthroughs & Bubbles

(...with a dash of podcast magic, Queen Bee buzz, and cherry blossom stillness)

Welcome to my March 2025 Blog! March in Japan is always a month of transition - from the final chills of winter to the first blush of sakura, and from farewells at companies to fresh starts in new roles. This year, the official opening of the cherry blossoms was announced on 23 March in Tokyo, and just like that, the city softened into a sea of pink and white.

It’s a quiet reminder that change can be beautiful, bold, and sudden. With full bloom expected around 1–2 April, it looks like this year’s new entrants to school and university will have the perfect backdrop for their entrance ceremonies, a fitting start to new chapters and photo albums alike.

This month was packed. Between work, travel, podcasts, events, and a lot of coffee and champagne (more on that later), I’m grateful for all the conversations, celebrations, and connections that made March memorable.

Here’s a snapshot of what shaped March for me ⬇️

581c90c4-d027-407f-b4ed-0857d737185e 2.JPG

🌸 Bursting into Spring with IWD Highlights

March is synonymous with celebrating women's achievements, and this year was no exception. I had the privilege of attending several events (some rather underwhelming) but three incredibly notable and inspiring events were these ones:

Women in Technology The global theme for IWD 2025, "Accelerate Action" resonated deeply as women in technology gathered to discuss breaking biases and fostering inclusivity in the tech industry. This event hosted by Dai-ichi Life and Microsoft reminded me how important it is to keep accelerating equity in tech. The cross-sector insights and honest conversations made these events especially valuable and hopeful.
The Women in Law Japan Dinner was a brilliant gathering of energy and experience that honoured the strides women have made in the legal profession. There’s something truly special about connecting with women who understand the legal landscape in Japan, and who are actively shaping its future.

It was fabulous to see and hear from Lawyer on Air podcast guest Emi Takeda, fresh off her recent recording, and even more exciting to learn that her podcast appearance led to her being invited to join the panel! It brings me so much joy to know that saying “yes” to being a guest can open doors to new opportunities.

I was also delighted to be seated at Sam Inohara’s table (another wonderful Lawyer on Air guest), and it was incredibly heartening to connect with women lawyers around the room, sharing stories and support.

Especially meaningful for me was being a SILVER Sponsor for the evening, covering the photographer’s fee so the event could be beautifully captured and remembered for years to come.
And my personal favourite event? The Freshfields IWD event. Every year they raise the bar (get it? 😉), and this year’s focus on allyship, authenticity, and visibility truly resonated. You know it’s a great event when you leave with new people you genuinely want to keep connecting with. What set this one apart was how inclusive it was that despite being hosted by a law firm, the room was filled with other private practice lawyers, and also in-house counsel, business leaders, and professionals from areas like supply chain. It was truly inclusivity in action and such a refreshing mix of voices and perspectives.

🥂 More Champagne, Please!

Of course, March called for one more toast - this time to Mac Curtis, who just passed the first part of his UK Bar exams! From Japanese to English legal translator extraordinaire to soon-to-be English solicitor, this is such a well-deserved milestone on his career journey. Champagne was the only fitting way to celebrate this leap forward, and it felt extra special to raise a glass to someone who continues to say yes to reinvention and growth.🏉 Jandals in Japan: From the Rugby Field to Leadership Lessons

This month, in Episode 61 of “Jandals” co-host Jayne Nakata and I had the absolute privilege of speaking with Sir Steve Hansen who is the legendary former All Blacks Coach and current Head Coach of Toyota Verblitz.

Beyond rugby, he shared his deep respect for Japanese culture, his coaching philosophy, and even his favorite treat from a Japanese convenience store (because priorities!). His insights into team dynamics, questioning norms, and pushing for excellence were nothing short of inspiring. A must-listen for anyone who leads a team, or aspires to.

🎧Sir Steve Hansen Episode

🎙 Podcasting: 4 years On Lawyer On Air, 3 years on Jandals in Japan & still going strong!

March 8th marked the 4th Anniversary of the Lawyer on Air Podcast. Four years of telling the stories of women in law - from corporate to courtroom to creative pivots. I couldn’t be more proud of the conversations we’ve shared or the community that’s grown around it.

We dropped some great episodes this month, including stories of resilience, bold moves, and career reinvention.

In Season 9 Episode 8, I chatted with Shiho Kagasaki, an Associate at MinterEllison in Australia, who brings grace and poise from her passion for ballet into her legal practice. Shiho shares reflections on the multifaceted nature of legal work, the power of networking, and advice for younger associates looking for a guiding voice from a supportive senpai. Check out Shiho’s episode here!
In Season Episode 9, Naoko Tahara, Senior Manager of Legal Japan at Olympus Corporation, walks us through a fascinating career that began with a bold decision to study Chinese, despite being told not to. From growing up abroad to navigating career breaks and transitions into in-house roles, Naoko’s story is a testament to the rewards of saying yes to unexpected opportunities. Check out Naoko’s episode here!

I also hosted a Lawyer on Air Podcast alumnae catch-up dinner and it reminded me that beyond the mic, the magic is in the depth of relationships.

Over on the Jandals in Japan Podcast, we quietly ticked over three years since we first hit record on this episode. With 63 episodes out on the airwaves my co-host Jayne Nakata and I continue to keep the momentum going.

This month we released new episodes diving into cultural connections, hospitality, hydrogen and of course, all of them are about doing business between New Zealand and Japan. These stories continue to surprise and delight, and expand our sense of what’s possible across borders.

In Episode 62, we spoke with Chris Boyle, Co-founder and Executive Chair of FABRUM, about their impressive journey from Christchurch to the global hydrogen stage — partnering with giants like NASA, Rolls Royce, and Obayashi. Chris shares both the wins and the setbacks that have shaped FABRUM’s success, along with insights into what it takes to build trust and credibility in Japan’s innovation ecosystem.
Catch the episode with Chris here!
In Episode 63, Rebecca Thorn, Kiwi General Manager of Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya, takes us behind the scenes of one of Tokyo’s most creative new hospitality hotspots. From Hachiko-shaped waffles to inclusive team building and bold design strategies, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about modern leadership and innovation in Japan’s hotel industry. Catch our chat with Rebecca here!

🏉 A Rainy Rugby Mug Moment

One especially memorable moment this month: after a tight rugby game, I finally caught up with Sir Steve Hansen to hand over his Jandals in Japan coffee mug. Despite the narrow loss on the day, he graciously took time for a quick photo… with me looking like a drowned rat in the rain. (Proof that podcast merch survives all weather conditions!) 🎧Sir Steve Hansen Episode

☕️ Coffee Rituals: In Transit & In Style

Yes, the #CoffeeChronicles continued, whether on a train with the beautiful blur of countryside zipping past with my laptop open, or cruising at altitude with a hot cup catching up on sake breweries and other exciting articles in the ANA airline magazine. These tiny moments of stillness continue to be my way of staying grounded on the move.

👑 Queen Bee Buzz: A Post That Hit a Nerve

One of the most talked-about posts this month was my reflection on the Queen Bee phenomenon - the perception that senior women don’t always lift others as they move through their careers. I’ve experienced this myself during my own career, and after a recent interview where I mentioned it, I decided to (finally) write about it.

The response to my article was overwhelming, with over 11,000 reactions. So many people - both men and women - weighed in thoughtfully, reinforcing the idea that the way forward is together, not in competition. It also confirmed just how widespread this experience is for many women navigating their careers.

You can read the article here on LinkedIn.

It reminded me once again how powerful social platforms can be when used for nuance, empathy, and shared learning.

📦 New Office, New Energy

March also included signing the lease for my new office space! It’s been a fun little expedition scouting out the right spot to set up shop, especially after COVID derailed my original office plans back in 2020. But as always, timing is everything, and this felt just right.

There’s something incredibly energising about a clean slate and fresh surroundings, and I’m excited for the conversations, collaborations, and creative sparks this new space will bring. I started my law practice on April 1st 2018 so next month I will enter a new chapter of my own career. More on that next month!

🎁 Mug Shot Moment: Gifting Earl Rivera-Dolara

Another joyful “mug moment” in March was meeting up with the incredible Earl Rivera-Dolara to gift her a Lawyer on Air mug. A true powerhouse in the arbitration community across Japan and Singapore, Earl told me she’s looking forward to enjoying her morning coffee from this uniquely designed mug, which made my day!

🏯 A Journey to Hiroshima & Miyajima

This month also took me to Hiroshima and Miyajima, where I soaked in history, reflection, and natural beauty. Whether ferrying to Itsukushima Shrine or walking around the grounds which were the site of the G7 meeting in 2023, it was a grounding reminder of how vital it is to slow down and take in the moment.

🌸 Hanami on a Windy Evening

I managed to squeeze in a quiet personal hanami during the week the cherry blossoms began to bloom. Choosing a less obvious spot and a windy evening, turned out to be the perfect decision, fewer crowds, more serenity, and ample time to just relax and take in the fleeting beauty. I treated myself to a pink-coloured gin martini made with sakura-infused gin, complete with a delicate pink blossom in the glass. A gentle toast to the season, and to finding peace in the unexpected.

🥂 Ending on a Sparkle: The Mumm Event

To round off March in style, I attended a fabulous Mumm Champagne casual event themed “Red” - perfectly on brand with the house’s iconic label (inspired by a sash, just like the one Napoleon wore, and yes, he apparently drank Mumm back in the day!). Of course, I came RED-y (get it? 😉) with red earrings, red shoes, red lipstick, and my signature red-rimmed glasses - not to mention the red hair! First prize (unofficially) for being fully on point with the colour scheme.

Between the stunning venue at the Indigo Hotel Tokyo Shibuya, the steady flow of bubbles, and lively conversations with friends and visitors to Tokyo, it was the perfect celebration of a full and fulfilling month. And yes - the photos confirm it: the sparkle was real.

🌸 Closing thoughts…

Reflecting forward as March melts into April, I’m struck by how quickly the year is already unfolding. It’s a reminder that while the days can feel full, it’s the moments, the quiet hanami evening, the unexpected podcast connection, the clink of a champagne glass and the freshly brewed coffee - that deserve to be savoured. This month was a beautiful mix of celebration and momentum, of connection and reflection.

I’m being mindful of slowing down enough to notice the good, speeding up when it matters, and staying open to all the serendipity this season brings. Let the cherry blossoms be a gentle nudge: life is fleeting, so let’s enjoy every bloom.

See you next month!

Catherine