Natsuko Ogawa

Chair, Australia-Japan Foundation
Partner, Ashurst

Natsuko is a partner at Ashurst, specialising in M&A and joint ventures for Japanese companies investing and doing business in Australia.

Born and raised amongst the Japanese community in Perth, WA, Natsuko was inspired by her family and friends to pursue a career as a lawyer who could help Japanese clients on complex Australian transactions and projects in Japanese.

Reflecting back at her 30 years at Ashurst, Natsuko has had the privilege of playing her part in the evolving story of the Australia Japan bilateral relationship as it has expanded and diversified from its foundations in nation-building mining and resources projects, to touch almost every sector of the Australian economy. Always looking to the future, Natsuko seeks to bring fresh perspectives and drive the next wave of collaboration, drawing on her lived experience and networks.

In 2024, Natsuko was appointed by the Australian Foreign Minister as the Chair of the Australia Japan Foundation (AJF) becoming the first Japanese and the first woman to hold that position. Through that role, Natsuko has been excited to connect with Australians and Japanese who the AJF has assisted to build longstanding and treasured relationships across arts, sports, education, geopolitics, energy transition, technology and health and wellbeing. She is looking forward to shining a light on the achievements of the AJF this year as it celebrates its 50th Anniversary.