Yuko Kaneko – GC Powerlist
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Japan 2025

Industrials and real estate

Yuko Kaneko

Chief legal officer | Panasonic Electric Works

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Japan 2025

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Yuko Kaneko

Chief legal officer | Panasonic Electric Works

Team size: 22

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

I return to the company’s core mission, values, and purpose to guide decision-making. I gather diverse input through both formal and informal channels, inside and outside the organisation. I focus on the most critical risks, act quickly, and adapt as needed—without placing blame for well-considered missteps.

Have you had any experiences during your career as a lawyer that stand out as particularly unique or interesting?

I began at a major Japanese law firm, specialising in finance, and became the first female associate there to work part-time while raising three children. After ten-and-a-half years, I moved in-house and have since worked at four global companies. Unable to study abroad, I earned an LLM online and passed two subjects of the Hong Kong Bar. I’m also active in bar association and volunteer work.

What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about? Why is this?

I’m passionate about meeting people and exploring new experiences. Losing my sister reminded me that life is short. As I grow older, I feel a responsibility to support and develop the next generation.

Looking forward, what trends do you foresee in the legal landscape over the next five to ten years that companies should prepare for?

AI will handle many routine legal tasks. Lawyers should focus on human skills—teamwork, leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to influence others.

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