Who wants to be an Office Lady?

[dangermousie]

I have decided that being an Office Lady is clearly about the most awesome thing imaginable, according to Japanese dramas. While characters talk about hardships of not fitting in the norm, not being promoted and loved, my keen brain enabled me to make the following observations which all contradict the apparent complaints

Comments

[forgottenpolish]

So what we are saying is that being an OL in Japan is clearly best job ever?

You could sign me up for that if reasons 8, 9, and 15 can happen for me.

You can also add attractive younger dance instructor (coughYamapicoucgh) follows you around offers free dance lessons.

[dangermousie]

You can also add attractive younger dance instructor (coughYamapicoucgh) follows you around offers free dance lessons.

Yes please.

[ginzarhapsody]

I feel like I need to make this clear because you lump them both together, but being an OL and being a working woman are two very different things.

An OL in Japan does menial tasks - like data entry and processing of paperwork(see Watanabe in Sapuri) or serving tea, cleaning meeting rooms, and making copies (see Anego). They normally do not advance in their positions and stay in the same kind of role. Comparatively, you can compare them to administrative assistants in America. However, in America you can aim to make a career as an administrative assistant, whereas in Japan, one doesn't necessarily aim to make a career of being an OL (though I'm sure things are changing).

A working woman or career woman would be more along the lines of Sapuri's Minami or Kimi wa Petto's Sumire. They are more career and knowledge driven and perform jobs that men would as well; you'd never see a man performing OL!tasks. Actually, even Hotaru of Hotaru no Hikari falls into this category

[dangermousie]

Thanks for the explanation because I didn't realize that. I was using 'OL' in the sense of 'any woman employed in professional capacity by an office.' Interesting distinction. Does sound like a dead end career.

[main_hoon_emily]

Clearly, I am in the wrong profession.

[dangermousie]

Heh. Never too late! :)

[fenrir_khan]

2. Kimura Takuya falls in love with you.
6. Kimura Takuya falls in love with you.
14. Kimura Takuya falls in love with you.
17. Since I don’t think I mentioned this before: Kimura Takuya falls in love with you.

Um, I wonder: is that an argument that would compel you to become an OL or rather one that would drive you to quit and take up stripping for a living if you're already one... ;)

That excepted, I think you're right, if only for the intrinsinc awesomeness of any job that only requires you to wear pretty clothes and make moony-faces at your love-interest all the while pouring tea to a bunch of emaciated JE boys. I swear, computer in Jdrama are mere props you can look dejectedly into while reminiscing about the last time something confusing happened to you. Where are the damn Excel spreadsheets?

[dangermousie]

Poor poor KimuTaku :) I would say 'more for me' but since:
a. am married
b. I'd still have to fight a million fangirls,

I suppose that does not apply :)

Where are the damn Excel spreadsheets?

People do work in Japanese offices?

[meganbmoore]

"15. Kame labors all night in a vineyard to get you a bottle of wine. "

And then gives you The Spinny Vineyard Kiss of Awesomeness. The scene isn't near and tear to me or anything...

You forgot the attractive, successful, age-appropriate guy longing for you who you will inevitably pass over for the pretty JE boy of choice.

You make me long for a Sapuri icon, or wish I had one of my Fujiki Naohito ones uploaded.

[dangermousie]

And then gives you The Spinny Vineyard Kiss of Awesomeness.

Mmmm, love that scene.

LOVE.