Kazumi Oiwa

Kazumi is from Sapporo, Japan and she is an editor for online magazine Shift: founded in 1997, Shift is one of the most famous net magazines for arts and graphic related culture. Kazumi is born in Hokkaido and works for the web magazine since 2003.

Could you please explain in few lines your work?
I’m an editor for Shift magazine. I’m currently working mainly on updating Shift City Guide.
In addition to it, I do interviews and Shooting Street (girls) snaps every month.

When and why did you become involved into Shift Magazine?
Since I was a student, I used to commit myself to be involved in Shift as they used to manage a cafe called Soso Cafe which has been closed last year. And then I told them that I wanted to work with them when I quit the previous job.

Shift was founded more than a decade ago: in these years a lot of web magazines have appeared, how do you manage to stay unique?
We have a system to be able to keep continuing it independently. We have been getting a big support from many volunteer staffs. And we have been pursuing interests enthusiastically.

Kazumi Oiwa

How do you find working in Sapporo? Why did you choose to live there in the first place?
I didn’t choose to live in Sapporo. I would say, I just like Sapporo. There are tons of things you can experience only in here. In Sapporo you can enjoy four seasons, clean air. People are very kind. I like spending time in Sapporo, where I can visualize the blue colour clearly.

Are there any places you’d definitely recommend to any girl visiting Sapporo?
It might not be for girls. I like to go to Nakameguro Takkyu Lounge Sapporo Branch (http://www.mfs11.com/nakame/nakame.html) where you can drink and ping pong. Since I work at the computer almost for all day, I like to work out moderately and drink alcohol moderately. Also N43 is a great bar in Sapporo, located up in the mountain where you can enjoy the stunning night view! Sapporo is a great place that gives you a nice and enjoyable time. If you have not visited yet, you should visit it now!

What are your favourite magazines?
FUDGE, High Fashion.

You’ve even created A New City Guide: what was the purpose behind this project? What are the next steps?
A New City Guide will be closed soon, and we will start a similar service within SHIFT site. What we will do is to enhance the contents of SHIFT CITY GUIDE from which we are planning to create a real guide maps. We also like to expand DOTMOV festivals (screening event of digital film works).

Kazumi Oiwa

What are your personal hobbies and interests?
I am interested in fashion, hair styling and makeup. When I have spare time, I like to spend time drawing, making corsages, remaking things and glancing through magazines. I feel happy spending these ordinary moments. Also I like to do ironing.

Where do you see yourself in a few years time?
It’d be nice to exercise the abilities I have achieved ever before.
I also would like to keep in touch with all the people I’ve ever met.

Who is the woman you’d like to see featured/interviewed here?
Kinpro. I really like her a lot. She is so cute. Every time I see her, I smile!

Is there anything in particular you would like us to mention?
Please take a look at SHIFT!

www.shift.jp.org