Japanese Office Lady
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87)
Wed 2008/04/09 11:53
So how do you like your office ladies?
A description straight from Wikipedia on "Office Lady" is...
A description straight from Wikipedia on "Office Lady" is...
An office lady, often abbreviated OL (Japanese: オーエル Ōeru), is a female office worker in Japan who performs generally pink collar tasks such as serving tea and secretarial or clerical work.
Like many unmarried Japanese, OLs often live with their parents well into early adulthood.
Office ladies are usually full-time permanent staff, although the jobs they do usually have little opportunity for promotion, and there is usually the tacit expectation that they leave their jobs once they get married.
Like many unmarried Japanese, OLs often live with their parents well into early adulthood.
Office ladies are usually full-time permanent staff, although the jobs they do usually have little opportunity for promotion, and there is usually the tacit expectation that they leave their jobs once they get married.
What that entry in Wikipedia doesnt tell you however is that in a typical Japanese company, most OL's are obliged to wear uniform at work.
Most internet and media related companies that I've visited before tend not to impose a uniform on the ladies.
Since we registered Mirai Inc as a business entity, we've been getting a load of business related catalogs from Dell and stationary sellers like Askul.
These are photos from the OL uniform section of the Askul catalog. Thought I'd show you what the typical uniforms look like and talk about what you thought about ladies wearing uniform at work.
I've only worked at one company where they required the ladies to wear uniform and they said that they didn't mind as they didn't have to worry about what to wear everyday.
Some said they hated it though.
Some said they hated it though.
If you were running your own company in Japan, would you make the decision for the ladies to wear uniform?
As you are the boss, you can also insist that the ladies wear uniforms in this way.
As you are the boss, you can also insist that the ladies wear uniforms in this way.
In an environment where the OL's wear uniform, the salary man (the opposite of OL) would usually be wearing suits.
And here are some other pages from Askul - they sell just about anything needed for the office.
Askul and Haruhi.
Haruhi in dakimakura pose.
If you are new here, you may want to keep up with more of the same via RSS or Danny's other networks. (dont show again)
Another week in Tokyo. First up is a snap from the next office tour. Ther...(more)
Sun 04/06 13:49 comments (70)
Programmer/IT/Student
Eh with me as a boss I think they would be happier. I would have everyone wear whatever they want... and I mean WHATEVER. ;D I think it would probably lead to better productivity in the long run anyways.
(ID #168260) Posted on 2008/04/08 21:59
You have a once in a lifetime chance to dictate a japanese office ladys uniform and you tell them to wear whatever they want! Who cares about productivity! ^^
(ID #168889) Posted on 2008/04/10 20:10
Student
I love Office Ladies, they look so hot in those "suits". I don't quite get it why japanese women stop working once they get married, that doesn't make any sense in the world of today.
(ID #168266) Posted on 2008/04/08 22:06
IT Student, Web-dev intern
The thing is that in conservative manner of speaking, women are expected to stay as housewives after they get married. Which is still very common way of thinking in Japan. I have many friends who are worried about getting a job because of such prejudiced assumptions. Japan's not easy for women..
(ID #169253) Posted on 2008/04/11 16:36
I would certainly choose uniform for none....maybe there's an opposite result as better for our *eyes* :P
(ID #168269) Posted on 2008/04/08 22:13
Service desk support
I approve!! Not sure why though. Must be the "girls in uniform" thing...
(ID #168272) Posted on 2008/04/08 22:27
No uniforms required, freedom for all! Just as long as they don't wear grandma's attire; I wouldn't want them to wear something that would make them resemble bad girls either. So yeah, just everyday clothing is fine to me.
(ID #168279) Posted on 2008/04/08 22:38
It must be good to run a maidcafé, cause they have to wear a maidcostume. But, If I would run a company I would probably have a survey about this kinda thing. I don't want unhappy workers.
(ID #168280) Posted on 2008/04/08 22:42
Raven, AMV & MAD maker, Otaku
agreeing with D_blade. just wear normally like when you go to have a meeting with an important person [besides nightclub owners and etc.]
(ID #168281) Posted on 2008/04/08 22:44
will not install any air conditioning - thus forcing them to wear less and less clothing...muakakaka ok seriously, i would give them the freedom to choose whatever they wan to wear...most important of all is to make your employees happy to work - happy to work means more productive...
(ID #168282) Posted on 2008/04/08 22:46
Recording Engineer, Musician, IT Technician
I am for freedom of choice with clothing, but I do understand the need to create a neutral working environment. Wearing revealing clothes may cause too much of an office disturbance and many trips to the bathroom for men.
(ID #168284) Posted on 2008/04/08 22:55
Animation Student
Ummm, can I make them wear seifuku instead???? xD Seifuku FTW!! xD
(ID #168285) Posted on 2008/04/08 22:55
Ooh, i likes me office ladies! Theyre right up there with maids and such, even thoug its just their normal clothes! Might save these images as reference for 3d stuff i might do in future.
(ID #168287) Posted on 2008/04/08 23:00
Like in London its smart and casual suits for office ladies. I've never seen one wear uniforms like in Tesco's
(ID #168289) Posted on 2008/04/08 23:12
Extremely Poor College Student
some of the uniforms looks more like school girls outfit
(ID #168290) Posted on 2008/04/08 23:17
I'd say: it depends. When your company has to deal with customers a lot suits and uniform might be the right things to wear... But, well... School uniforms for everybody! ;-)
(ID #168305) Posted on 2008/04/09 00:00
casual wear! my boss actually encouraged everyone to wear less clothing XD saves on electricity for the a/c in the summer and makes everyone happier
(ID #168307) Posted on 2008/04/09 00:08
At school uniforms may make sense as a measure to avoid social exclusion of those who don't have the money or don't want to wear brand clothes, but people working in an office should usually be matured enough not to do something like this. Therefore I think Office Ladies should be allowed to choose the clothes to wear at works, as long as it isn't totally inappropriate. Dell sells uniforms? O_o
(ID #168308) Posted on 2008/04/09 00:15
Photographer/Night Auditor
I'd die if I had to wear a suit. To stuffy. So I wouldn't impose that on any of my workers.
(ID #168314) Posted on 2008/04/09 00:36
Part trooper, part -timer, 100% loser...
Well... If I'm boss, I wouldn't want the ladies to wear uniforms but I'll imposes a dress code... 1. Wear short skirts 2. Don't wear bras LOL And the list goes on... And maybe there's a special birthday suit day or something...
(ID #168317) Posted on 2008/04/09 00:39
Contraband Distrabution Specialist
I would consider it an extension of the school girl uniform, so yes, all my office ladies would be in uniform!!!
(ID #168326) Posted on 2008/04/09 01:06
Student and full-time otaku
In the famous words of Roy Mustang: "all girls in miniskirts!"
(ID #168331) Posted on 2008/04/09 01:23
Lowlife
My company would be staffed by lolis forced to wear white sukumizu only. also there'd be very special ways to get promotions, too
(ID #168334) Posted on 2008/04/09 01:28
五〇一軍团 TK8316 Singapore Garrison Public Relations Officer
in singapore most OLs wear uniform to work as well. they look more professional and will provide a positive image upon the company. especially love those in tight shirt and short shirts.
like this one. ('~')
http://www.dannychoo.com/slide/eng/misc/19340/photo/Japanese+Office+Lady/
(ID #168338) Posted on 2008/04/09 01:39
五〇一軍团 TK8316 Singapore Garrison Public Relations Officer
typo orz tight shirt and short *skirts*.
(ID #168339) Posted on 2008/04/09 01:40
I go for uniforms if its like Mirei San's. XD On a serious note, uniforms would be nice + a casual(laundry) day or 2.
(ID #168345) Posted on 2008/04/09 02:16
CG artist, Sunrise Emotion
I don't think any other country celebrate the OL occupation as much as Japan. What's the name of that hilarious OL themed Japanese drama many years back, where a bunch of queer OLs call the shots in the big organization ? That was really enjoyable.
(ID #168354) Posted on 2008/04/09 03:03
ひきこもり/Hikikomori. Suits my current state more than a 大学生/University Student. ^^
No need for uniforms, just formal dress is good enough for my imaginary company.
(ID #168357) Posted on 2008/04/09 03:19
Hotdog Repairman
Oh lala. That 1st model is yummy. I rather like women in business attire. It's pretty sexy on the right woman, but no need to vests & ties to cover the goods. I use to work with a company with a business dress code with flex casual days. Everyone seemed happy with it. However, some people would take it too far, and look like they wore what they went to bed in.
(ID #168360) Posted on 2008/04/09 03:34
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
Hmmmm I dunno but a uniform for the office would be so boring! LOL It's like back in school again! as for having the office ladies wear the outfits in Mirei style wouldn't it be = sexual harassment?! O_O
(ID #168368) Posted on 2008/04/09 04:01
I would go for casual wear but if uniforms are really needed then at least provide like 5 different uniforms for them to choose from. wearing the same thing everyday is boring. the 5 different uniforms could be: Seifuku, Miko costume, meido costume, cat girl and plug suit
(ID #168376) Posted on 2008/04/09 04:11
IT specialist
at my company i want: OLs wearing a short skirt and only a bra. LOL No, seriously, i think there some nice OL dresses but i think everybody should be free to wear whatever she/he likes the most and are the most comfortable with. I don't think that wearing uniforms is better for productivity :)
(ID #168377) Posted on 2008/04/09 04:13
オタク all day long
If I was the boss, I'll tell all the OL to wear Maid suit!!! XD
(ID #168379) Posted on 2008/04/09 04:24
Yep, everyone would wear whatever they want, I think somebody would wonder me with a nice dress, if it is a beatiful girl, too much beter :P
(ID #168386) Posted on 2008/04/09 04:34
If I had my own company I'd make everyone cosplay xD
(ID #168390) Posted on 2008/04/09 04:41
University Student.
When I'm a boss of a company (no if, it will be!), I wouldn't enforce a dress-code for my employees. They should enjoy coming to work everyday, and not treat it as a chore. A very conducive working environment it must!
(ID #168395) Posted on 2008/04/09 04:47
Speedgrapher
I vote for sailor uniform for the women and gakuran for the guys. At least you won't have think about what to wear the next day.
(ID #168402) Posted on 2008/04/09 05:22
Secretary
If the guys have to wear a suit then it's the same thing (a uniform) so why not...if the men can wear anything but the women can't it's kind of bad then... Unless they are in the front or serving clines, I guess it makes sense..
(ID #168405) Posted on 2008/04/09 05:46
I think using uniforms should be used when there is a purpose for doing so. A purpose could be: - to show authority (like the police) - education level (like a pilot) - rank (I can't really think of any here that will not overlap with education level) - some way of telling people/customers that's it's somebody working for them (waiters, guides and so on) Those are all signal values to other people. Office ladies will not fit any such needs so I don't think there should be a uniform demand. I do think a dress code is in order as customers shouldn't be scared away by really odd cloth (or lack hereof). I think this should apply to the male workers as well. The birthday suit is out of the question. The reason is that your male workers wouldn't concentrate enough on the work and you will loose money and might even go bankrupt due to "idle" paid workers.
(ID #168407) Posted on 2008/04/09 05:48
Uniforms actually kinda turn me on ^^; Moreso than bikinis I might add. I guess the fact that it's covered adds to the interest =D
(ID #168410) Posted on 2008/04/09 06:18
Secretary
I think .Subarunyon. has touched on the real reason they have OLs wear uniforms, to be honest.
(ID #168413) Posted on 2008/04/09 06:27
Procrastinator Extraordinaire
sukumizu and a labcoat along with cat ears and tail like 2KTan Pro. very professional
(ID #168424) Posted on 2008/04/09 07:15
suneo (Registered on 2007/12/17 20:54)
Cute girls in the catalog! They can wear whatever they want in my office.
(ID #168426) Posted on 2008/04/09 07:24
Those are way cute but giving freedom would be nice.. I want my OL's fun to talk to and smart. And good looking.
(ID #168431) Posted on 2008/04/09 07:55
I'll take that first Office Lady, please.
(ID #168435) Posted on 2008/04/09 08:02
Gonna make them all wear Saber Cosplay >.>
(ID #168439) Posted on 2008/04/09 08:11
Storm trooper uniform, for sure.
(ID #168484) Posted on 2008/04/09 09:46
Visual Communications and Web 2.0
nice, interesting to learn about office lady. if i was or will be then anyone can wear anything they want ^_^ I worked in a place where young girls were forced to wear uniforms and they were not happy hehe
(ID #168490) Posted on 2008/04/09 09:52
haruhi uniforms for all! whooooo! Lol ^^
(ID #168493) Posted on 2008/04/09 09:57
Uniforms add a sense of professionalism, so I would enforce it. Besides, uniforms are hot (^.^)b
(ID #168498) Posted on 2008/04/09 10:14
JR. College Student
Let them wear what they want... that job sounds grim enough!
(ID #168500) Posted on 2008/04/09 10:35
Illustrator & Designer
Definitely have a thing for the OL uniform myself, so I'll be voting for mandatory OL uniform for all my staff if I was the boss! ^__^ It's interesting to read about how the OL role is perceived in Japan though.
(ID #168501) Posted on 2008/04/09 10:36
Girls know how to dress themselves. Just let them choose. Maybe in some cases wearing uniform would fit for a purpose like showing professionalim. But in the long-term it'd be boring(to all). Other choice could be ask them to wear an apron with nothing underneath. :D
(ID #168504) Posted on 2008/04/09 10:50
I wonder if all office ladies look like the ones in the catalogs....Im going to go straight after them :)
(ID #168509) Posted on 2008/04/09 11:29
um um.... no uniform please!! skirt too long
(ID #168516) Posted on 2008/04/09 11:59
marvin (Registered on 2006/12/25 00:54)
all them ladies seem happy, except for the first one, looks like she doesn't want to wear the OL attire. anyway about the question on hand, all me staff wear uniforms except on fridays. I let them wear whatever they like. it saves a little bit of money since I would need to give them 4 sets of uniform, it beats the monotony of seeing uniforms all week long, it gives them time to wash their uniforms and it seem to keep them happy. another point would be, (though with the risk of stereotyping) you could sometimes tell what type of personality your employees have by the way they dress on friday. btw do employers provide employee uniforms in Japan?
(ID #168521) Posted on 2008/04/09 12:09
I would let them wear what they want. I would counduct surveys to see if they want to or if they are dressed inaproately most of the time.
(ID #168527) Posted on 2008/04/09 12:19
Policy & Research Officer
Yes OL uniforms for all, but their skirts must be of a certain length ... as short as possible!!
(ID #168533) Posted on 2008/04/09 12:37
If i had my own company, i'll quote the advice of Colonel Roy Mustang from FMA that all the women working under me will have to wear mini-skirts....and i'll add to that by having long stockings for the zettai ryouki. :D
(ID #168559) Posted on 2008/04/09 13:33
Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
I'm not into the office lady stuff, so I wouldn't make it obligatory. But I guess most women wouldn't mind wearing clothes like those. They are formal, not obscene, very elegant and appropriate for work. They also fit well from adults to older women. And doesn't look too unconfortable also... I guess some jobs just require that kinda outfit...
(ID #168576) Posted on 2008/04/09 14:21
I would understand a dress code, but being obligated to get a uniform seems a bit oppressive. Well, if the "uniform" is in fact uniforms and not a dress code.
(ID #168583) Posted on 2008/04/09 14:31
Cute models !
(ID #168605) Posted on 2008/04/09 16:07
Online Shop
If I had my own company in Japan, I would make each day of the week certain uniform day. Monday for school uniform, Tuesday for nurse uniform, Wednesday for maid uniform and so forth...
(ID #168620) Posted on 2008/04/09 18:32
Project Manager, Engineer
i really love to see OLs wearing like Mirei San..
(ID #168623) Posted on 2008/04/09 18:59
Mandalorian in training + Otaku...
Lol, wish the office lady (the attractive one (^^)) at my office would a wear those kind of uniform...
(ID #168640) Posted on 2008/04/09 20:42
Web Developer (i.e. Otaku)
Office ladies are wonderful, it was good to see so many immaculately attired women in Japan.
(ID #168661) Posted on 2008/04/09 22:14
IT TechGuy
SCHOOL UNIFORM FOR ALL!!!! d T-T b
(ID #168679) Posted on 2008/04/09 23:43
Sterilization Technician@ Prince Of Wales Hospital
mostly everyone just follows a dress code when working in offices like for Admin and such don't need uniforms for offices here unless you're working at some retail one other then that , all the uniforms there look nice :D
(ID #168680) Posted on 2008/04/09 23:46
Polytechnic Senior, Bronze Lifesaving Trainee, Mech Designer, Pokemon Indexer.
There isn't a need to come in birthday suits everyday if the company implements Nude Friday, or whatever it's called. XD I find wearing a uniform much more easier than choosing what to wear for the day, but the problem with uniforms is that they aren't flexible enough. I'm sure many students in Singapore would have at least thought of not wearing those damned shirts with collars on a hot day.
(ID #168720) Posted on 2008/04/10 02:29
who cares what women wear as long as its short and kinky
(ID #168763) Posted on 2008/04/10 08:25
Uniforms, but with girls like that I don`t really care...
(ID #168769) Posted on 2008/04/10 09:11
Yes uniforms for all women that would work for me! When i start my company thats the way it will be.
(ID #168792) Posted on 2008/04/10 10:34
.NET/Web Developer
I'd usually go for casual wear as ladies seem to look cute when they wear their own thing...but wouldn't mind having them wear a uniform especially the one on the right of the 15293.jpg pic. Makes them look sophisticated. ^^
(ID #168814) Posted on 2008/04/10 12:09
anime/cosplay events organizer
if ever i have my own company, i won't require girls or even guys to wear office uniforms for imo, it restricts them in some sort and i'd rather require them to whatever that they feel like wearing ^^
(ID #168848) Posted on 2008/04/10 13:27
I wouldn't mind wearing the uniform if it was cute. :B
(ID #168966) Posted on 2008/04/11 00:27
OMg, I love office ladies, lol. They got this mature charisma that I just cant avoid, guess it's a fetish too huh? If I were the boss, I would let them wear whatever they want, women do want to wear as pretty as possible right?
(ID #169011) Posted on 2008/04/11 02:11
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
Uniforms are mostly the big corporate thing anymore. At one time it was something one would see here in the U.S., but those days may be gone. I suppose small companies may go for the company log or such on a polo shirt. Danny, do you know if Japanese corporations cover any of the cost of uniforms? This is an interesting post, thanks...
(ID #169458) Posted on 2008/04/12 03:11
What is it that makes Office Ladies so appealing to everyone (including myself)? But it seems Japanese Office Ladies are more appealing than any other office lady. Maybe it has to do with Asian women are considered more mysterious? Or "kawai" (is that how you spell it)?
(ID #169489) Posted on 2008/04/12 05:36
if they look like that, then they care wear whatever they want. Why are asian women so damn attractive? I love you and hate you at the same time.
(ID #169555) Posted on 2008/04/12 11:24
software developer
The OLs in da pic are pretty!
(ID #178428) Posted on 2008/04/30 23:13
I wish that my company can afford one :-)
(ID #183872) Posted on 2008/05/09 05:12
The choices in the poll are pretty difficult. The birthday suit sounds tempting... But no. I would have them wear uniforms since that way they can identify themselves as part of my company.
(ID #217416) Posted on 2008/06/20 04:12
kawaii!
(ID #440003) Posted on 2009/01/08 13:23
Consider this: nearly all the men working in offices wear shirts, ties and suits - which in a way is like a uniform. Japanese salary-men are very conservative about their shirts, ties and suits. When I visit Japan for business, I notice in some companies the people in the office actually wear slippers - not only the OLs but also the men. In some places, they even require the guests to change into slippers before going into the office area.
(ID #441069) Posted on 2009/01/09 10:43
Otaku Programmer/Gamer/Artist/Photographer
Ha i LOLed at the poll "Birthday suit only" haha =3
(ID #538087) Posted on 2009/03/28 05:58
LOL at Birthday suit only....that will surely increase productivity....errr, if you know what i mean...XD
(ID #575476) Posted on 2009/04/23 09:51
Really, I loathe wearing uniforms myself, and I'd usually prefer casual clothing. (Yes, when I go ANYWHERE.) So, the obvious choice for me is... yeah. =P Wow... what was with that poll? "Birthday Suit only" Really had a good laugh at that one! xD
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