You might relate to Aggretsuko and Rilakkuma as working women

Are you looking for the next Japanese anime to watch? Many animes are available on streaming services such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, you may be lost in the tons of options. Here are some trending animes that comically describe the everyday life of working women in Japan with adorable characters!

Aggretsuko

Aggretsuko portrays the everyday life of a 25-year-old red panda, Retsuko, who works as an accountant for a Japanese trading company. Her days are full of the stress of dealing with an overbearing boss, gossipy colleagues and other struggles. She vents her stress by singing death metal in a bathroom stall at the office or a karaoke bar where she can be alone.

Aggretsuko was created by Sanrio, a representative firm for cute (kawaii) characters. Yet, the stories are targeted more toward adults. If you are trying to cope with the frustrations of work or interpersonal relationships, Aggretsuko could bring sympathy and speak for you!

Rilakkuma and Kaoru

Rilakkuma and Kaoru is a story of a working woman, Kaoru, who lives with two adorable bears and a chick. This stop-motion animation has cozy and relaxing vibes, yet, describes her struggles with her mundane life.

While her friends and colleagues are experiencing changes in life stages such as marriage, raising kids and promotions, she is starting to feel left out as she is single, feeling bored at work and doesn’t have any reliable friends besides her roommates.

Kaoru gets frustrated with the people around her who are leaving her behind but tries to change herself. You may empathize with her as she takes the wrong direction in her efforts, and she feels depressed with herself for struggling to change. Even during hard times, the cute roommates are there to soothe her, and their cuteness also provides us comfort.

Reflecting Japanese society as seen by working women in their 20s and 30s

Both animes reflect the reality facing working women in Japanese society, where men and older people often take the upper hand unconsciously. Many “OL (office ladies)” feel uncomfortable with this but have given up trying to do anything about it like Retsuko and Kaoru.

Also, the animes show that women often feel pressure from society to get married and have children as women approach their 30s, although Japan is shifting to an era in which individual will is respected.

Men and women may see the animes differently. However, no matter who you are, seeing Retsuko vent her frustration with death metal could help you relieve your stress. Seeing KAORU struggle through her frustration could also make you empathize with her and cheer you up a little.