The Salaryman

Book excerpt: "Astute...a thoroughly entertaining read." - The Japan Times Perhaps no single word in any language encapsulates a country’s mainstream working lifestyle the way “salaryman” does in Japan. If a Japanese person asks you “what do you do?” and you reply “I’m a sarariman”, you’ll likely get a laugh and a knowing look because they instantly understand the refined office rituals, polite mannerisms and nocturnal consumption that define your life. They’ll easily be able to imagine your diet, social life and wardrobe. A deeper understanding of Japan – and a lot of good comedy - comes from reading how a Westerner learns to live like the typical Japanese office worker. This book offers readers the dual benefits of laughing and learning through the experience of an American who was thrown into the offices of some of the most traditional companies in Japan. The book features more than 70 manga-style illustrations depicting hilarious workplace situations, offering a street-level study of Japanese culture that lovers of workplace humor, world travelers and Japan tourists will guzzle down faster than a salaryman does his first beer after work.