What are the key projects that you have been involved in over the past twelve months?

I played a key role in several transformational projects and game development transactions at Square Enix, prior to joining Seven & i Holdings in April 2026. These matters were highly complex and involved a wide range of legal, commercial and strategic challenges. Working closely with business colleagues and other stakeholders, I helped navigate those issues and drive the projects to successful outcomes. As a result, the company has been able to move forward into the next phase of its growth journey.

Please describe a situation where your advice had a significant impact on business outcomes or objectives.

Over the course of the projects and transactions described in the previous question, I provided solution-oriented legal and strategic advice that helped the business navigate complex issues and move the matters forward efficiently. I believe this contributed meaningfully to achieving the company’s business objectives and the successful execution of those initiatives.

What are the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel to possess?

I believe the most important attribute is strategic thinking — operating not just as the company’s lawyer, but also as a business leader who uses legal judgment to help shape the company’s direction, risk appetite and long-term success. This requires strong business acumen, as well as proactive communication with key stakeholders. Strategic thinking also involves anticipating issues before they become crises and helping the company navigate them effectively.

AI remains at the forefront of conversations about the future. How can in-house counsel ensure the successful integration of legal tech, while maintaining the human element?

In-house counsel can successfully integrate AI and legal technology by leveraging it for efficiency and insight, while reserving human attention for judgment, empathy, persuasion and leadership. The best legal tech implementations enable in-house lawyers to become more strategic: for example, allowing GCs to spend more time advising leadership rather than managing administrative workflows.