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.

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 Hiroko chose to work as an in-house legal counsel from day one

• How Hiroko navigated several changes of industry

• Her “three-part risk framework” that has guided every in-house decision

• Her favourite book and other fun facts

About Hiroko

Hiroko Ochi began her legal career at Ricoh Company, Ltd. in 2006, where she handled a broad range of corporate legal matters, including contract review, business legal support, corporate reorganizations, and new business development.

She subsequently worked at Jupiter Telecommunications Co., Ltd. (now J:COM., Ltd.) and was seconded to Sumitomo Corporation, where she gained extensive experience in domestic and cross-border transactions, including M&A, venture capital investments, and corporate restructuring.

She later joined PERSOL HOLDINGS CO., LTD., advising on domestic and international M&A and venture investment transactions, as well as corporate sustainability initiatives, business and human rights, and personal data protection.

Since April 2026, she has served as Section Manager of the Compliance Department at the Legal Center of Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd. Drawing on her legal experience across the manufacturing, telecommunications and media, trading, and human resources services industries, she focuses on strengthening legal and compliance frameworks in collaboration with business teams and addressing legal risks associated with global business operations.

Connect with Hiroko

Please contact Catherine to be connected with Hiroko.

Links

Clouds Above the Hill by Ryotaro Shiba: https://a.co/d/07wbRBvV

Connect with Catherine

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

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

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.

We hear how Sawako decided that law would be a way she could possibly enjoy working at a “traditional Japanese company”. If you are someone with endless curiosity you will find Catherine’s discussion with Sawako an interesting insight to possibilities in the legal world 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 a philosophy book in a friend's library, first sparked Sawako's interest in law

• The paralegal role at AVAYA, with Lawyer on Air guest, Junko Mukoyama, that revealed in-house legal work could be genuinely exciting

• The tips Sawako offers for anyone who wants become a bridge between cultures

About Sawako

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.

Sawako has built an international in-house legal career spanning Japan and Southeast Asia, with extensive experience in cross-border commercial transactions, corporate governance, compliance, data privacy and legal support for overseas businesses. From 2021 to 2025, Sawako was based in Singapore with Hitachi Construction Machinery Asia & Pacific, where she served as General Manager of Legal and supported the company's businesses and subsidiaries across the region. She returned to Japan in April 2025 and served as Legal Department Manager at Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. before transitioning to her current roles at ASA Professionals Singapore on July 1, 2026.

Fluent in Japanese and English, Sawako has lived in the United States for 11 years and Singapore for four years. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from Waseda University, a Juris Doctor from Omiya Law School and an LL.M. from Temple University Beasley School of Law, Japan Campus. She became licensed to practise law in Washington State in January 2026.

Outside work, Sawako is an enthusiastic dragon boat paddler and also enjoys marathons, mountain trekking, cycling, motorcycle touring and travel.

Connect with Sawako

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sawako-kakutani-8902a9bb/

Connect with Catherine

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

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

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.

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:

• Yoko’s “small”, consistent networking habit that compounded into creating a valuable network for her

• The moment in 2015 when she was first asked to research the new field of AI ethics

• The technical and soft skills a legal general manager needs right now

• Yoko's biggest concern about AI adoption is not speed but the hidden long-term costs

About Yoko

Yoko Arisaka is General Manager of the Legal Section, Legal Department at Sony Group Corporation. She plays an important role in offering legal guidance and support for the implementation of new technologies and creating new businesses in Sony. She works closely with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with legal requirements and minimize potential risks.

In addition to her expertise in corporate law, she has made contributions to the field of AI ethics. She was a key member of the team responsible for developing Sony Group AI Ethics Guidelines. She has published multiple articles on the subject in reputable Japanese legal journals. She has a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from the University of Tokyo and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from UCLA School of Law, and is licensed to practice law in the State of New York.

In her free time, she enjoys staying active, exploring gut health and inner wellness, and dining out with friends.

Connect with Yoko

Please contact Catherine to be connected with Yoko

Connect with Catherine

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

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