While Sawa's popularity may be more pronounced in Japan, her work has started to gain international recognition. In 2019, she appeared in the Netflix original series "The Naked Director," a biographical drama about the life of Japanese filmmaker Toru Murano. The series premiered globally, introducing Sawa's talent to a broader audience.

Sawa's performance in "Ginmakuban Sushi Ōji" caught the attention of critics and audiences alike, leading to more significant roles in Japanese cinema. In 2010, she starred in the film "Chocolate," a romantic comedy-drama that premiered at the Tokyo International Film Festival. Her portrayal of a young woman struggling with relationships and identity earned her a nomination for Best New Actress at the 2010 Japan Academy Prize Awards.

Throughout her career, Sawa has worked with renowned Japanese directors and actors. In 2012, she appeared in the critically acclaimed film "Helter Skelter," directed by Takashi Miike, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Her performance as a troubled young woman earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 2013 Japan Academy Prize Awards.