Sae works as an assistant manager at a shop in Vancouver while managing the official social media accounts for the nonprofit organization Toiro as a social media creator. We spoke with Sae—who admits she “had zero skills”—in detail about the passion she pours into the messages she shares with the world and the personal growth she has experienced through her work.
From Factory Work to Canada: The Answer to the Question, “Is it okay to continue living like this?”
――What kind of work were you doing before you joined Toiro?
Before coming to Canada, I worked in a factory in Japan for about two years, inspecting car parts and semiconductors. The rotating shift schedule, which included night and early morning shifts, was physically very demanding, and the pay wasn’t exactly high. I remember constantly feeling anxious about the future, wondering, “Is this really okay?”
――How did you end up moving to Canada?
I had studied abroad in France during college, so I wasn’t afraid of living overseas. I also enjoyed learning English, so I decided, “Now is the time,” took the plunge, quit my job, and resolved to work and study English in Canada. I moved to Vancouver in 2024.
I was a bit nervous at first, but the locals were kind, Japanese food was easy to find, and I quickly settled into life there.
I worked at a retail store and was promoted to manager. Currently, I work full-time managing the store and handling sales, and I’m really enjoying this completely different environment compared to when I was working in Japan.
My Journey at Toiro: From a Complete Beginner to an SNS Creator Expressing “Peace”
――Please tell us how you came to know Toiro and why you decided to join.
My connection with Toiro began when I met a member named Miki at a local meetup. She approached me and asked, “Would you like to join us at Toiro?”
Although I had always been interested in social media marketing and design, I had absolutely no experience in Japan. However, driven by the desire to “acquire skills essential in today’s world and grow as a person,” I decided to take on the challenge of working with Toiro.
――What role do you currently play?
Every week, I’m in charge of posting content on Toiro’s official Instagram account, focusing on themes like global affairs and peace. I share messages with the world using English, and recently I introduced “5 Western Songs About Peace.” Precisely because there’s no end to sad news these days, I want to use music to provide even a small opportunity for people to reflect on peace. I create each post with that sentiment in mind.
https://www.instagram.com/toiro_nonprofit
――What makes this work so rewarding?
When I first started, I didn’t know how to use the design tool Canva or how to write captions. However, Maria has given me specific advice and warm feedback every time I post, and her words have been a huge source of encouragement.
Also, the presence of my fellow Toiro members is a major driving force for me. Even though we’re apart, each member continues to post without fail, pouring their own feelings into every post. Every time I feel that sincere passion, I naturally straighten my posture and think, “I’ll do my best to deliver even better content.”
Looking Ahead: Knowledge Is the First Step Toward Changing Society
――Please tell us about your future goals and the challenges you’d like to take on.
What I value most right now is “maintaining a consistent weekly posting schedule.” Rather than just chasing numbers, I want to steadily build upon the insights and lessons I gain through the process of sharing, turning them into my own strength.
Every bit of trial and error—from figuring out how to reach my audience to deciding how to select information—is contributing to my growth. Moving forward, I intend to continue approaching each post with care and focus on improving the quality of my content.
――Finally, please share a message for our readers.
We would be delighted if our posts serve as a small catalyst for learning about the realities of the world. It may be difficult to take major action right away. However, simply knowing what is happening in the world—I believe that alone is a step toward changing society.
Seeing your comments on Toiro’s Instagram is a huge source of encouragement for us. If even one thing we share leaves a lasting impression on you, nothing could make us happier. Please do take a look at our work.
In closing: Every sincere step we take becomes a light that illuminates someone’s future.
The warm bonds we share with peers who challenge and inspire one another, and the sincere desire to “acquire the skills needed in today’s world”—these are the values we pour into our weekly social media posts.
“Even if we can’t take grand actions, simply gaining knowledge is the first step toward changing society.”
These words resonate like a gentle light that stays close to us as we navigate an era where the future seems uncertain. It is Sae’s “desire to learn” and “heart that continues to care for others”—focused on this very moment—that shape her journey. Her example also inspires courage in the friends who gather at Toiro.
