Sara Ogawa & Tomawari

Sara Ogawa finds that people often occupationally classify her as a journalist. However, she is in fact a multifaceted artist. Sara’s talents span acting, filmmaking, writing, and radio hosting fueled by a unique passion for sharing what’s overlooked in our post-modern, fast-paced world.

Sara Ogawa's Artistry & Tomawari

Sara began her acting career in 2014, appearing in productions such as NHK's "Manpuku" (2018–2019) and "Yuagari Sketch" (2022). As a writer, Sara has penned the novel "The Goldfish: Dreaming of the Sea" (2021) and the photo essay "Neko ni Matatabi" (2021), contributing numerous articles to various magazines and web media. Her directorial debut, the feature film "The Goldfish: Dreaming of the Sea" (2021), was nominated for the Jeonju International Film Festival in South Korea and received a nationwide theatrical release in Japan. In 2023, she expanded her repertoire by becoming a radio personality on J-WAVE's "ACROSS THE SKY."

Sara founded "Tomawari" in 2023, a creative platform dedicated to delivering reading materials, visual works, and lifestyle tools under the concept of "Let's take an exciting detour." The name "Tomawari"(とおまわり), meaning "detour" in Japanese, reflects Sara's belief in the value of taking the scenic route in life. She questions whether our hearts and bodies have truly become richer amidst increasing convenience and efficiency. By embracing the beauty of "detours," Sara aims to rediscover the joy and excitement that come from taking one's time and appreciating the process.

More specifically, Sara believes that capitalistic modern society has overly accelerated the pace of life, conditioning consumers to appreciate only the end-product while overlooking the story behind production and creation.  But, through "Tomawari," Sara seeks to celebrate the beauty and artistry of occupational hard work, especially in the industries of farming and artisanship. By documenting their efforts, she brings attention to the intricate processes and dedication involved in their crafts, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the beauty found in diligent labor.

Sara emphasizes that her ikigai (“life purpose”) is to “experience things through [her] own eyes” and to express this experience by sharing the inner workings of others’ creative processes through her love of words, pictures, filming, and other media productions. Essentially, Sara Ogawa’s own artistry and leadership at "Tomawari" exemplify her commitment to exploring and celebrating the richness found in life's "detours,” compelling her audience to pause, reflect, and find beauty in the often-overlooked aspects of daily life.  

Right now, she is working on her second issue of Tomawari Magazine, set to come out this March. Check Tomawari out!