Malia Ogawa

Malia Marshall Ogawa is an editor, writer, historian, and educator living in Tokyo, Japan. Some of her prime interests include history, food, culture, travel, and identity. When she’s not working, you can find her reading, traveling, spending time with friends, or at the gym.

Rental Family tackles real loneliness and desire for human connection in Japan

By Natasha Jung & Malia Ogawa ● Culture ● November 26, 2025

Takehiro Hira, Mari Yamamoto, and Akira Emoto talk about Rental Family, a film shining a light on loneliness, mental health, stigma, and creating meaning in life.

A collage of vibrant film stills featured in the first wave lineup of the 45th Annual Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF45). The mosaic includes powerful portraits and cinematic scenes: two women walking through a red-lit tunnel, a glamorous woman at a formal gathering, traditional Japanese performers and a man in kimono, a woman in a hijab smiling in a video call, a young woman and child riding a scooter in an urban Asian city, a lone woman standing in the rain, a Filipino fisherman under a waving Philippine flag, a desert scene with travelers and donkeys, two women lying in bed sharing a tender moment, and a Native woman immersed in water at dusk. The image showcases a diverse and global array of stories centering Asian, Pacific Islander, and Indigenous perspectives.

Must-watch films at the 45th Annual Hawai‘i International Film Festival

By Dennis Tran & Malia Ogawa ● Arts & Culture ● October 3, 2025

Cold Tea Collective is proud to be a community media partner of the 45th Annual Hawai‘i International Film Festival, taking place this fall in Honolulu and across the Hawaiian Islands.

‘The Queen of My Dreams’: Fawzia Mirza on Muslim joy and the power of cinematic nostalgia

By Nimarta Narang & Malia Ogawa ● Entertainment ● July 18, 2025

Fawzia Mirza shares a story about collective history, memory, and fantasy in her feature film directorial debut, ‘The Queen of My Dreams.’

Dennis stands outdoors on a bright, sunny day with a mountainous desert landscape in the background. They are wearing a red Flash superhero T-shirt, a navy Apple baseball cap, and black-framed glasses. The person is smiling slightly, with a clear blue sky and scattered clouds behind them.

Breaking free from the model minority myth as a neurodivergent Vietnamese American

By Dennis Tran & Malia Ogawa ● Our Stories ● June 20, 2025

Dennis Tran reflects on his five-year journey of unmasking his late diagnosis of neurodivergence, in celebration of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month and Neurodiversity Pride Week.

From Bangkok to Broadway: Myra Molloy debuts as ‘Eurydice’ in “Hadestown”, the first leading Thai actress on Broadway

By Nimarta Narang & Malia Ogawa ● Culture ● May 6, 2025

Myra Molloy makes debut as ‘Eurydice’ in Broadway’s “Hadestown”. Thai-Indian journalist Nimarta Narang speaks with Molloy, the first Thai leading actress on Broadway.

Back of the head of three friends sitting on a couch watching TV in dim lighting for Autism Acceptance Month.

WATCHLIST: 11 films and videos to watch centering autistic Pan-Asian experiences for Autism Acceptance Month

By Dennis Tran & Malia Ogawa ● Entertainment ● April 10, 2025

From the Philippines to Korea, Japan to the U.S., these films and videos provide a powerful lens into autistic life through an Asian cultural framework.

Parades, Poetry, and Pakoras: How Asia Celebrates Ramadan

By Sara Ahmed & Malia Ogawa ● Culture ● March 19, 2025

With Ramadan in full swing, see how Muslims across Asia are celebrating the holiday in a stunning array of traditions.

Celebrating neurodiversity in Asian American communities

By Dennis Tran & Malia Ogawa ● Life ● March 17, 2025

Celebrating neurodiversity in Asian American communities to break barriers, embrace identity, and build inclusive futures for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2025 and beyond.

WATCHLIST: 12 films to watch with Asian and Black romance on screen

By Dennis Tran & Malia Ogawa ● Entertainment ● February 14, 2025

From heartfelt romances to thrilling action, this list of TV shows and movies highlights Black and Asian love stories that break barriers and warm hearts.

Celebrating Black History Month and Blasian identity: Stories of culture, creativity, and community

By Dennis Tran, Natasha Jung & Malia Ogawa ● Life ● February 11, 2025

Celebrating Blasian pride, voices, experiences and community for Black Futures Month 2025 and beyond.

Malia Ogawa

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