NATSUKO OGAWA

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 in Perth, WA, Natsuko was raised to value her Japanese identity and through the encouragement of family friends working for Japanese investors, pursued a career as a lawyer capable of advising clients on complex Australian transactions and projects in Japanese.

Now in her 28th year at Ashurst, Natsuko has had the privilege of “living and breathing” the Japan Australia business relationship as it has expanded and diversified from its foundations in minority interests in mining and energy joint ventures to wholly owned businesses across a range of industries.

While Natsuko has been based in Australia for most of her life, she spent four years in Ashurst’s Tokyo office during which time she served on the executive council of the Australian and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan. She continues to be actively involved in building opportunities and connections between Japan and Australia including as co-chair of the Australian Japan Business Council of Victoria.

Natsuko is passionate about nurturing and energising diverse talent. She is currently the chair of the Gender Equity and Inclusion Subcommittee of the Australia Japan Business Co-operation Committee and a founding member of The Australia Japan BusinessWomen's Network. Natsuko believes that creating environments where different perspectives and skills are embraced and valued will lead to greater inclusion and better outcomes for all.