Let's Yarn: Building bridges between Japan and First Nations peoples in Australia

Episode notes

In this episode, Ashurst Head of First Nations Strategy Trent Wallace is joined by colleagues Natsuko Ogawa and Lea Constantine to reflect on their recent visit to Japan. As well as several productive meetings with clients in Tokyo, the trio also attended World Expo 2025 in Osaka where Trent spoke about engagement with First Nations people in Australia. Natsuko reflects on her work over the past three decades, which has helped strengthen relationships between Ashurst's Japanese clients and Australian businesses in the mining, resources, real estate and energy sectors. Lea explains why businesses seeking to invest in Australia are increasingly focusing on First Nations engagement. And Trent recalls the respectful, polite - and very frank - conversations he enjoyed with clients in Japan. Natsuko describes the "revelation" that there are so many "clear links between First Nations and Japanese culture" and explains how progressive Japanese businesses are seeking more opportunities to

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