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Who Is Saori Araki (SAO)? The Viral Japanese Salarywoman Taking Over the Internet

September 11, 2025 | By
Saori Araki also Known as the "Japanese Salarywoman" or "Japanese Girl in Suit."

In the fast-paced world of social media, where trends come and go in the blink of an eye, one name has recently captured the attention of millions: Saori Araki. Known as the “Japanese Salarywoman” or “Japanese Girl in Suit,” Saori Araki has become an internet sensation, with her image flooding platforms like X, Instagram, and YouTube. But who is Saori Araki, and why is she trending all over the internet? Let’s dive into her story, her viral moment, and the reasons behind her skyrocketing fame.

Who Is Saori Araki?

Saori Araki also known as SAO (age 29) is a Japanese model, actress, and former J-pop idol who has transitioned from the stage to the spotlight of social media. Born and raised in Japan, Araki was a founding member of the J-pop group Tokyo Girls Bravo, where she gained a modest following for her singing and charismatic presence. She graduated from the group on February 28, 2025, to pursue other ventures, including modeling and acting. Her Instagram handle, @kawausosuki0513, and her X account under the same name have become hubs for her growing fanbase.

Before her viral fame, Araki worked as a gravure model and occasionally took on acting roles. She also revealed in posts on X that she holds a regular office job, which adds an intriguing layer to her “salarywoman” persona. This blend of a traditional 9-to-5 life with her glamorous modeling career has made her relatable to many, especially in Japan, where office culture is deeply ingrained.

The Viral Moment That Sparked It All

On July 24, 2025, Saori Araki posted a seemingly innocuous photo on her X account (@kawausosuki0513) that would change her life overnight. The image showed her dressed in a sleek grey suit, holding a laptop, and flashing a playful smile with her cheeks puffed up. Captioned with a simple “おはよう” (ohayou, meaning “good morning” in Japanese), the post was uploaded at 10 PM JST, adding an ironic twist that resonated with fans. Little did she know, this photo would explode across the internet, amassing over 40 million views and 100,000 likes in just four days.

The image, now dubbed the “Japanese Salarywoman” photo, captured the essence of Japan’s traditional office culture formal, professional, and understated while Araki’s charm and beauty added a fresh, modern twist. Her playful expression and the contrast between her corporate attire and the late-night “good morning” greeting struck a chord, especially in Japan, where a 2023 Labour Policy survey noted that 68% of workers experience burnout after holidays. The photo became a relatable symbol of the post-holiday “back-to-work” grind, wrapped in an effortlessly charismatic package.

Why Is Saori Araki Trending?

Saori Araki’s rise to fame is a perfect storm of relatability, cultural commentary, and the internet’s love for memes. Here’s why she’s trending all over the internet:

1. The Power of Memes

The internet thrives on memes, and Saori Araki’s photo became the perfect canvas for humor and creativity. Soon after her post went viral, users on X began creating “Which Way Western Man” memes, comparing Araki’s polished, professional look to Western celebrities like Sydney Sweeney, whose American Eagle jeans ad was also making waves. One notable post by X user @eigenrobot paired Araki’s image with Sweeney’s, earning over 50,000 likes in a single day. These memes sparked debates about cultural aesthetics, with some users humorously pitting the “Japanese Salarywoman” against Western pop culture icons.

Other memes took a more playful approach. For instance, X user @liptonn15 edited Araki’s image to show her holding a Death Note, while @Andr3jH depicted her with a PhD study titled Olfactory Ethics: The Politics of Smell in Modern and Contemporary Prose. These edits highlight the internet’s knack for blending humor with absurdity, turning Araki into a versatile meme star.

2. Relatability and Cultural Commentary

Araki’s photo resonated deeply because it captured the universal feeling of returning to work after a break. In Japan, where office culture often emphasizes uniformity and professionalism, her grey suit ticked all the boxes of a typical “salarywoman” outfit no frills, no flair, just polished perfection. Yet, her playful smile and the ironic caption added a layer of relatability, making her a symbol of the modern worker navigating the grind with a sense of humor.

The image also sparked discussions about workplace expectations, particularly for women. A 2020 Work in Japan study noted that women in traditional office settings are expected to wear plain, dark suits to signal professionalism. Araki’s ability to make this rigid dress code look effortlessly stylish inspired admiration and commentary about balancing individuality with corporate norms.

3. Global Appeal and Charisma

Saori Araki’s beauty and charisma have transcended borders, earning her fans from Japan to the West. Posts on X described her as a “visual queen” with “effortless charisma,” while others humorously exaggerated their reactions, like @badchestpain joking, “Just wrapped my car around a telephone pole,” earning 50,000 likes. Her appeal lies in her ability to blend simplicity with charm, making her both aspirational and approachable.

Her international fame was further amplified when users began comparing her to Sydney Sweeney, with one viral X post captioned “Which Way Western Man” garnering 36 million views. This comparison not only boosted her visibility but also sparked debates about beauty standards and cultural differences, making her a global talking point.

4. Leveraging the Fame

Unlike many viral stars who fade into obscurity, Saori Araki has embraced her newfound fame with grace and strategy. On July 27, 2025, she posted another photo in her salarywoman outfit, this time making a peace sign and calling it the “peaceful version.” The post further fueled her viral status, showing her ability to ride the wave of internet fame. She also launched a YouTube channel under the name Saori Araki (SAO), where she posted a short introductory video on July 29, 2025, expressing gratitude for the support and teasing future content like Q&A videos. With nearly 3,000 subscribers in just a few days, her channel shows promise for sustained relevance.

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