A simple “good morning” selfie has transformed 29-year-old Japanese office worker Saori Araki into an international sensation. Known by her stage name SAO, the former J-pop idol turned model and actress went viral in July after posting a casual photo from her workplace. The image showed her dressed in a grey business suit, holding a laptop with her cheeks puffed in a playful smile.
The photo exploded on social media platform X, drawing over 70 million views in just a few days. Fans were immediately struck by her appearance and relatable office worker persona. Many internet users began comparing her to Hollywood actress Sydney Sweeney, with one viral post placing their photos side by side with the caption “which way western man.”
SAO will make her first international appearance at LA Comic Con this month. “First Performance in LA! My first solo live in life in Los Angeles! Please come see it,” she wrote on X, announcing her upcoming debut.
From viral sensation to music career
Following her internet fame, SAO quickly capitalized on her newfound popularity. On August 28, she released her debut music video titled OHAYO on YouTube, which garnered over 2.7 million views within its first week. The song serves as an answer to both the praise and criticism she received from around the world after her viral moment.
The music video was shot entirely using her smartphone, featuring actual negative comments and memes about her as part of the visual storytelling. The track addresses her sudden life change and responds to international reactions in English. According to reports, the video reached over 1 million views within just five days of its release.
SAO’s background includes time as a founding member of the J-pop group Tokyo Girls Bravo, from which she graduated in February 2025. Born in Nagasaki, Japan, she currently works as a full-time office employee while pursuing modeling and acting on the side. Her viral success stems from the relatable nature of her “salarywoman” image, which resonated with working professionals worldwide who saw themselves reflected in her corporate attire and office setting.
Her appearance at LA Comic Con will include a meet and greet at the Otaku Collectives Booth at 12:00 PM on September 28, followed by a live performance of OHAYO on the Gaming Stage at 3:00 PM. The three-day event, running from September 26-28, will also feature major celebrities including Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, Jon Bernthal, David Tennant, Billie Piper, Elizabeth Olsen, and Paul Bettany.
Published: Sep 5, 2025 02:58 pm