Nagisa Sato (@nagisa.camera) is a radio personality based in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, who captures moments from her everyday life with a camera.
Her perspective—reflected in the words, “I’m a mother, aren’t I?”—reveals a quiet tenderness and deep appreciation for the time she shares with her children.
Through photography, she’s come to recognize the richness of her own “backyard,” capturing ordinary days with gentle strength and warmth.
Q. How do you feel when you’re taking photos?
And what kind of thoughts or perspectives do you hope to convey through your images?
I mostly photograph my children’s everyday lives, and when I look through the viewfinder, I often find myself thinking, “I really am a mother now.” It’s a strange, happy, almost surreal feeling—as if I’m quietly observing myself from the outside. Looking at them through a filter sometimes reminds me of my own childhood. There’s something deeply nostalgic in those moments. Children express their emotions so purely—from joy to frustration—and it’s that honest intensity I want to preserve. Their unfiltered smiles, their serious expressions, and the moments they share only with their mother—those are the things I hope to capture and share.
Q. Has photography changed the way you see everyday life?
Yes, it’s made me fall in love with the smallest things—eating dinner, watching TV, running in the park, walking the dog. Before I started taking photos, I often thought the grass was greener on the other side. But now, I see how much joy and life is growing right under my own feet. This is my life. This is my family. There’s no need to compare. I’m just grateful to walk through this grass together with them. Now, with a camera in hand, I take photos as naturally as I breathe.
Q. Do you have any favorite places or times of day to shoot?
I absolutely love taking photos on the veranda at my parents’ house. Indoors, I shoot at any time of day. Outdoors, I always bring my camera with me in the late afternoon when the sunlight is soft and golden—that time of day is my favorite.
Q. What camera and lens are you currently using?
Camera: FUJIFILM X-S10
Lens: XF35mmF1.4R
Q. What’s your favorite TOKYO GRAPHER filter, and how does it affect your photography?
My favorite filter is the OPF480-L. I love images with greenish or bluish tones, and using this filter brings me closer to my ideal look. Especially when I shoot at sunset, it gives the light a beautiful softness and a slightly retro feel. It gently transforms the mood of the entire photo—and that subtle shift is something I’ve truly come to love.
Q. What do you think people see as your “personal touch” in your photos?
My Instagram is filled with my children—smiling, looking intently at something, being fully themselves. I try to live with energy and intention, and my children are the same: full of life, bold and vibrant. If viewers can feel that “aliveness” through my photos, I’d be very happy.
Q. Is there anything you’d like to share about your activities or social media?
I work as a radio personality in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Whether you're smiling, crying, or feeling lost, I believe radio is always there for “you.” I’d be thrilled if more people—especially those who don’t usually listen—would tune in.
TBC Radio “GOGO Hamimikoi Radio na Kibun”
Live every Thursday, 12:00–16:00
