Line #80 Main/Salaryman


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7
8	->''"I'm Hito- Arno- Um... Just call me Salaryman."''
9	-->-- '''VideoGame/{{Bravoman}}'''[[note]]The webcomic[[/note]]
10
11	The typical white-collar workers at the bottom of the ladder of a MegaCorp. In America, they'd be called "peons", "office drones", or "wage slaves"; but in Japan, they're called salarymen (サラリーマン, sararīman).
12
13	The essential ingredients for the proper Salaryman character include a charcoal grey (or funeral black) suit with proper necktie, a briefcase, glasses, and usually a receding hairline if they're not outright bald. If the salaryman has been working 80-hour weeks and sleeping on the subway train, their suit may be rumpled. After a night's boozy revelries at a karaoke bar or hostess club, a carton of carryout food becomes part of the setup. Add a half-empty sake bottle, a flushed face and a NecktieHeadband and he becomes the "drunk salaryman" stereotype.
14
15	Salarymen are usually portrayed in ways similar to {{White Collar Worker}}s in American programming: stuck in dull jobs with [[PointyHairedBoss irritating bosses]] and little chance of advancement. However, as a whole, they tend to be more optimistic and loyal to their companies. In part this is due to the Japanese tradition of big firms recruiting university students and committing to give them lifetime jobs. This is a bit of a Devil's bargain, though because in return, the employer expects extreme commitment to the job each day. This is encouraged by the strong Japanese work ethic and their employers, which leads to a culture of [[{{Workaholic}} workaholism]]. The pressure during work and the mandatory outings to bars help create a culture of [[TheAlcoholic alcoholism]] as well. Some all but [[MarriedToTheJob ignore their family]], if they have a family, in pursuit of their job, going drinking with office-mates after (unpaid) overtime, going home to sleep for four hours, then getting up to do it all over again.
16
17	Frequently in CyberPunk, this class of character is referred to as a "sararyman" (or "sarariman" - same thing, different spelling), a RecursiveTranslation playing off the [[JapaneseRanguage fact that Japanese has no equivalent of the English letter "L"]]. This was a reaction in the [[TheEighties late 1980s]] to the notion that [[JapanTakesOverTheWorld the Japanese were apparently taking over the world financially]], and Westerners were suddenly encountering these mid-level types in daily life. In more recent works, the term is from time to time applied to any worker regardless of origin, who follows this optimistic hyper-dedicated philosophy. Salarymen also have quite the niche market in BoysLove works.
18
19	As a protagonist, this is the adult equivalent of the OrdinaryHighSchoolStudent -- a shining example of Japanese conformity ripe for a life-changing transformation at the hands of an extraordinary event/individual/robot -- and may well have been one when he was younger. The difference is that the salaryman's disproportionately extensive BackStory doesn't need to be crammed into elementary and middle school. That, plus high school kids don't constantly worry about getting fired. Using him in this way isn't exceptionally common, as these types of stories sell better with younger high school protagonists and supporting cast, even if the target audience is older.
20
21	Compare to OfficeLady, the DistaffCounterpart (of sorts) to this trope. Contrast the Western equivalent, the {{Workaholic}}, whose life is even bleaker and his compromise with his work is tighter.
22
23	----
24	!!Examples
25
26	[[foldercontrol]]
27
28	[[folder:Anime and Manga]]
29	* ''Manga/AfricaSalaryman'' is a comedy about office workers in a typical Japanese business setting except the characters are all animals.
30	* Tanaka "Gabriel" Oji from ''Anime/TheLegendOfBlackHeaven'' is a typical salaryman ''now'', but in his youth he was the frontman for the eponymous heavy metal band. Then the plot comes and kidnaps him periodically to play down an alien invasion.
31	* In ''Manga/{{Kodocha}}'' Fuyuki Hayama, Akito's father, is the extreme workaholic type until Sana arranges a special intervention.
32	* ''Manga/BlackLagoon'': Rokuro "Rock" Okajima was originally a salaryman until he was kidnapped by the other main characters (a group of mercenaries/[[RuthlessModernPirates pirates]]) and his company tried to have him killed. He quits and joins his kidnappers.
33	* Ichigo's father in ''Manga/TokyoMewMew'' is an ordinary salaryman with dreams that Ichigo denounces for being practically impossible. She, of course, is a MagicalGirl and ''[[IJustWantToBeNormal prefers]]'' an average life.
34	* Raizo in ''Manga/LivingGame'' starts out as a random salaryman. Eventually his company goes out of business and he has to work construction instead.
35	* England in ''Webcomic/HetaliaAxisPowers'' was recently depicted as this archetype in Himaruya's Magical Strike AU. Other character versions include France as a MagicalGirl and America as the Company President's Son.
36	* The whole premise of the anime ''Anime/DaiGuard'' is actually the phrase "office workers saving the world" (by means of the [[PowerTrio protagonists]] and their corporate-owned [[RealRobot giant mecha]]). This status does nothing to help their paychecks, of course.
37	* Shin's father Hiro in ''Manga/CrayonShinChan'' is a stereotypical put-upon salaryman. It's implied he's an outside salesman.
38	* "Kaishounachi" (not his real name, but an epithet roughly translating to "Useless Bum"), boyfriend of Ebichu's owner the O.L., in ''Anime/OruchubanEbichu''.
39	* In ''REC'', Matsumaru is an ordinary salaryman (he's an up-and-rising copyrighter who pitched a couple of successful advertising campaigns for a snack-food maker, and was made to work ''even harder'' for that) who falls in love with an aspiring voice actress.
40	* Ataru's [[UnnamedParent dad]] in ''Manga/UruseiYatsura'' is the typical Salaryman: working long hours and worrying about the mortgage, especially since his house is routinely destroyed.
41	* ''Manga/SpecialDutyCombatUnitShinesman'' is a parody of {{Sentai}} shows that focuses on a FiveManBand of salarymen... who save the world.
42	* The protagonist of ''Manga/IfISeeYouInMyDreams'', Masao Fuguno, is a stereotypical salaryman trying to earn his way as a salesman. Unfortunately, his extreme changes of mood, and the fact that those changes are tied to how his relationship with his love interest is going, conspire against his success.
43	* The first time Manga/{{Karin}} Maaka uses her vampiric abilities, she does it on a salaryman in the park after school. Kenta Usui (her love interest) stumbles upon her on his way home, and thinks that she's [[CompensatedDating trying to put the moves on him]].
44	* ''Franchise/{{Patlabor}}'': Shinshi used to work for a software company, prior to joining the [=SVU2=]. One of the later episodes of ''"The Mobile Police"'' continuity had him contemplate leaving the force, when he was offered a management position at an up and coming computer firm. But he decided he'd rather be a public servant and politely declined the offer.
45	* After the BigBad Yoshikage Kira switches bodies in the later part of ''Manga/JojosBizarreAdventureDiamondIsUnbreakable'', he is forced to assume his new identity's role as one of these, which isn't as dissimilar to his original job. His job as a salesman was pretty much the same and he only did just enough to live well but not so much that he stood out enough to get promotions or anything of that sort.
46	* Albireo of ''Literature/DotHackAIBuster''. ''AI_Buster_2'' reveals that his eventual collapse at work was explained as overworking, rather than what actually happened ([[MindRape Data Drain]]).
47	* The director Matsuan, his assistant Densuke, and the public-relations man Katchin, in ''Anime/AndroidAnnouncerMaico2010''.
48	* One half of the main couple in ''Manga/LittleHouseWithAnOrangeRoof'' is Shotaro, whose utter dedication to his work caused his ignored wife to leave him and his two sons. When he winds up having to share a home with a woman and her two daughters, he begins to re-evaluate why that was so important to him.
49	* ''Manga/{{Planetes}}''' premise can be accurately described as Salarymen [[RecycledInSpace IN SPACE]]. Debris Section's [[PointyHairedBoss manager and assistant manager]] moreso than the rest of the cast, as they only rarely go on actual jobs, and are much more aware of corporate politics than the rest of Debris Section. Only in the anime, though. The manga is much more [[CreatorProvincialism cosmopolitan]] and doesn't center on the corporate antics that closely.
50	* In ''Manga/AngelDensetsu'', the hero's father is a salaryman, and like his son, is a nice but [[FaceOfAThug scary looking]] guy. In Dad's case, he wears [[CoolShades sun glasses]] because he's light sensitive/in an attempt to look less scary, and coupled with the mandatory shirt and tie, the end result is that everyone assumes he's a {{Yakuza}} member.
51	* ''Literature/BludgeoningAngelDokuroChan'' features Binkan Salaryman. He comes with his own series, movie, and [[TheImmodestOrgasm brand of sausage.]]
52	* ''Manga/VirginLove'' and its sequels/prequels are chock full of WorkHardPlayHard salarymen, revolving mainly around the Todou group but branching outwards through CrossOver characters.
53	* There is actually an anime named Salaryman, a {{Sentai}}-like short story with 5 coloured masked fighters defending the peace. Puns with things like Superman, Ultraman.
54	* ''Manga/WanderingSon'': Hiroyuki Nitori is often seen going drinking after his days at the office, but nothing is said about what he actually does for a living. There's also Ebina, a reoccuring character who's a widower with a preschool-aged daughter, but wishes to [[UsefulNotes/{{Transgender}} live as a woman]].
55	* ''Anime/VariableGeo'': Washio works for the Jahana Corporation, where he serves as the chairwoman's (Reimi Jahana) [[RightHandHottie personal assistant/adjutant]] - with the added benefit of [[SecretRelationship secretly]] being [[SleepingWithTheBoss her boytoy.]]
56	* ''Manga/GhostTalkersDaydream'': One of [[{{dominatrix}} Misaki's]] regular's was an office worker named Shimamura, who was part of popular magazine publishing company. Or ''was'', until he [[spoiler: committed suicide]].
57	* Manjimutt from ''Anime/YokaiWatch'' was a salaryman in life. After getting drunk one night after losing his job he accidentally died. Manjimutt died with a Toy Poodle so that's why he became a human-faced dog.
58	* Episode 5 of ''Anime/PantyAndStockingWithGarterbelt'' is seen from the perspective of a salaryman and the two heroines (who the guy's daughter is a fan of) are almost an afterthought. It has a very different, more "realistic" style and is appropriately depressing.
59	* Kobayashi from ''Manga/MissKobayashisDragonMaid'' is a RareFemaleExample, as despite being referred to as an OfficeLady, she has the stereotypical [[LadyLooksLikeADude clothing]] and [[TheLadette personality]] of a male office worker, along with respected and well-paying job as a senior programmer for [[Manga/{{Ojojojo}} Jigokumeguri]]. [[OurDragonsAreDifferent Elma]] later starts working with her, but she spends some time as an OfficeLady first since [[HopelessWithTech she had no idea what a computer was, let alone how to code for one]].
60	* Tanya Degurechaff from ''Literature/TheSagaOfTanyaTheEvil'' was a salaryman in her previous life before being reincarnated as a girl. He was a very hardworking yet stone-cold salaryman who also had power to fire people if it's necessary. After being killed by a man he just fired because said man was rather incompetent, he's reincarnated as a little girl. As Tanya, she's still holding her philosophy, memories and work ethnics of her previous life and is still focused on her career (and safety) as ever. She's referred to as a "monster" several times throughout the series, and that ties back to her mindset as a salaryman, and she's able to combine it with her life as a soldier.
61	* ''Anime/PrettyCure'': [[Anime/FutariWaPrettyCure Nagisa's father]] is notably the only one of the lead Cures' fathers to be salaryman. Fathers in future series have more interesting jobs in comparison.
62	* ''Literature/Overlord2012'': Ainz was a salaryman in his human life, and so decides to spend his new life (as an immortal lich commanding equally overpowered servants who view him as a god) by ruling his kingdom the way he'd want an ideal corporation to act. Problem is, his underlings think so highly of him his every attempt to give them vacation time or salaries fails because they think they're not worthy and will happily work themselves to death in his service, while the outside world has difficulty believing a talking skeleton who can casually cast apocalyptic magic TheArchmage has never heard of is in any way benevolent.
63	* ''Anime/OsomatsuSan'': Oneshot character Sanematsu fills this role, with an appropriately sobering lifestyle to match. At least he has his brothers to come home to after work...[[ThroughTheEyesOfMadness though it's a shame that nobody else but him can see them.]]
64	* ''Manga/IMarriedMyBestFriendToShutMyParentsUp'' has Machi Morimoto, the protagonist, who works at a large company. She's not particularly enthusiastic about her job at first, and only took it to make a living and convince her rather overbearing parents to let her live on her own. However, after pretending to marry her kohai and best friend Hana, she starts gradually becoming more assertive, and even asks to take on additional work.
65	* ''Manga/TheWalkingMan'': The main character appears to be an archetypal salaryman given the way he dresses for work, though his specific profession is never disclosed.
66	[[/folder]]
67
68	[[folder:Comic Books]]
69	* Well Spoken Sonic Lightning Flash of Franchise/TheDCU's ComicBook/SuperYoungTeam knows that when he's an adult he'll have to get a real job along these lines, so he's dedicated himself to enjoying his adolescence as much as possible.
70	[[/folder]]
71
72	[[folder:Fan Works]]
73	* ''Fanfic/DanganronpaMementoMori'': Daigo Bushida, the Ultimate Salaryman, serves as the main support of protagonist Kaori Hotaru. While he has the noble intention of ending the [[DeadlyGame Killing Game]], his {{Workaholic}} tendencies and [[MartyrWithoutACause willingness to take risks]] leads quite a few of the class to see him as a HeroicWannabe.
74	* An entertaining recurring character in ''WebVideo/GantzAbridged'' is Joe Salaryman, father of the Salaryman family. Not to be confused with Niles Trustfundman.
75	[[/folder]]
76
77	[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]
78	* Thomas A. "Neo" Anderson from ''Film/TheMatrix'', until he takes the [[RedPillBluePill red pill]].
79	* Kazuhiro from ''Film/GungHo''.
80	* Peter and his coworkers at Initech in ''Film/OfficeSpace''.
81	* The main character in ''Film/TetsuoTheIronMan'' is a salaryman. In fact, each main character in the three film series is [[spoiler: until they turn into walking piles of scrap metal.]]
82	* The "Run! It's Godzilla" men from ''Film/AustinPowersInGoldmember''.
83	* In ''Film/BigBirdInJapan'', Big Bird hopes to meet some real Japanese people instead of just workers in tourist traps, and tries to strike up conversations with salarymen he passes on the streets of Tokyo. Unfortunately there seems to be a bit of a LanguageBarrier in play.
84	[[/folder]]
85
86	[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
87	* ''Series/{{Heroes}}'': Hiro Nakamura and his friend Ando are typical salarymen living in Tokyo until Hiro discovers his superpowers. However, the trope is subverted when we discover that [[spoiler: Hiro's father is actually the [=CEO=] of the company he works for. Hiro is only working a menial job in the hope that he will overcome his [[TheDitz scatterbrained]] personality and become a fitting heir to the company]].
88	* In ''Series/KamenRiderBlade'', BOARD was effectively destroyed in episode one and all the Riders are fighting for themselves. In the Blade World shown in ''Series/KamenRiderDecade'', BOARD is still up and running and all the Riders are employees of BOARD. Tsukasa, the titular character, calls it "Kamen Rider... Salaryman!"
89	* In all the ''Franchise/SailorMoon'' continuities Usagi's father "Kenji-papa" works in journalism, in the [[Manga/SailorMoon manga]] and [[Anime/SailorMoon anime]] he's a magazine editor and seems to have enough spare time to see his family on a daily basis. However in ''Series/PrettyGuardianSailorMoon'' he barely appears, being a newspaper photographer with a very salaryman like lifestyle. The only time he's seen on screen is in the direct to DVD special act when he manages to make it to his daughter's wedding.
90	* The Droans/Shatieeks from ''Series/HikoninSentaiAkibaranger'' are the [[{{Mooks}} foot soldiers]] of the [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Blatantly Evil Marketing Firm B]] and resemble middle-aged, balding, bespectacled salary men.
91	* ''Hi! Working Girl'', a Taiwanese comedy-drama starring Jolin Tsai as an overworked office girl.
92	* Reito[[SpellMyNameWithAnS /Leito]] from ''Series/UltramanGeed''. He also happens to be the human host of Franchise/UltramanZero for the series, making him markedly different from previous Ultra hosts in that he would really prefer to be doing office work and [[FamilyMan supporting his family]] instead of having to fight kaiju.
93	* The title character of ''Series/HanzawaNaoki'' is a GuileHero and (non-military) FatherToHisMen who shrewdly navigates the ruthless corporate world of Japanese banking to fight for justice and revenge. However, he's plagued by some of the same problems as more negative portrayals of this trope, such as being so overworked that he rarely sees his wife and son.
94	[[/folder]]
95
96	[[folder:Music]]
97	* They are mentioned in the Music/UtadaHikaru song "Keep Tryin'": "Even if your darling is a salary man, that's okay, if there's love" are the translated lyrics.
98	* "Wave of Mutilation" by Music/ThePixies was, according to WordOfGod, inspired by stories of Japanese salarymen driving their cars ([[PaterFamilicide with their families inside]]) off of piers and into the ocean after failing in business.
99	* Doppo Kannonzaka of the ''Music/HypnosisMic'' series, is a [[RidiculouslyAverageGuy Ridiculously Average Salaryman]] who works at the SoulCrushingDeskJob, being constantly [[PerpetualFrowner pessimistic]], [[ApologizesALot needlessly apologetic]], while also being [[RageBreakingPoint prone to rage outbursts]]. His ImageSong "BLACK OR WHITE" is pretty much dedicated to the Japanese corporate work culture and its issues.
100	[[/folder]]
101
102	[[folder:Video Games]]
103	* ''VideoGame/OsuTatakaeOuendan''
104	** In the first game, one of the levels features a salaryman named Ichiro who grows to the size of Series/{{Ultraman}} by putting his tie on his head like a {{Hachimaki}}, in order to save his daughter for a giant blue mouse. It's just that kind of game.
105	** There's also the guy applying for a job interview in the sequel, ''Moero Nekketsu Rhythm''. While he's technically not (yet) a salaryman, his stereotypical suit + glasses outfit is a giveaway.
106	* The Japanese Engineers of ''VideoGame/CommandAndConquerRedAlert3'' are this personified, wearing office suits, glasses, and headphones with built-in mics, including references to quirky office fitness programs for wage-slaves (it's the given excuse for the Japanese engineer's ability to sprint). In keeping with the imperialistic nature of Japan in the game, fluff describes them as being looked down upon for being just regular workaholics rather than battle-ready combat workaholics. Their dialogue mostly features them toadying up to you, and when they're being ''shot at'', their response is to ''ask if they can be temporarily excused''.
107	* The original backstory for Skullomania from ''VideoGame/StreetFighterEX'' said that he was a Salaryman who suffered a nervous breakdown, but recovers after dressing in a costume for a childrens' party at his boss's behest, and ends up quitting to become a ''Franchise/KamenRider''-like SuperHero.
108	* ''VideoGame/HakaiouKingOfCrusher'' have you starting off as an office drone who's constantly scolded by your boss... until an alien bug bit you in the neck and start your transformation into a monster, firstly a werewolf-esque creature. The game goes crazier from there culminating in you transforming into a ''{{kaiju}}'' and levelling New York in the final stage.
109	* In the game ''VideoGame/{{Karoshi}}'' and its numerous sequels, you are a googly-eyed little 8-bit salaryman trying desperately to kill himself. The point in each level is to die in LudicrousGibs fashion at the hands of one of the conservatively placed deathtraps littering the vaguely office-themed and less-than-vaguely threatening environment. In a hilarious inversion from EverythingTryingToKillYou, the world is trying to ''keep you alive for its own malicious amusement''.
110	* ''Kichiku Megane'' stars a very put-upon Salaryman... who happened to be given a magical [[StoicGlasses pair of glasses]] that made him a lot more aggressive [[YaoiGenre in all]] [[{{Seme}} aspects]] of his life.
111	* The protagonist of the UsefulNotes/WiiWare game ''Tomena Sanner''. With LeParkour aspects.
112	* The Newspaper Zombie in ''VideoGame/PlantsVsZombies'' has this appearance, using an open newspaper as a shield. Once the newspaper is destroyed by your plants' attacks, he gets angry (the game's bestiary says he was working intently on a Sudoku puzzle) and runs toward your house at a faster movement speed than the one at which he was running pre-paper shred. However, when the paper's gone, he has about the same health as your standard zombie and will go down quickly before your plants.
113	* The Annoying Old Party Man and Annoying Reveler enemies from ''VideoGame/EarthBound1994'' are examples of alcoholic salarymen. We can also assume that Ness' dad is one, as he always seems to be at work.
114	* ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'':
115	** The Clerk and Office Worker Trainer classes in ''VideoGame/PokemonBlackAndWhite'' and ''VideoGame/PokemonSunAndMoon'' are based on this.
116	** ''VideoGame/PokemonScarletAndViolet'' has the [[ElementalRockPaperScissors Normal-type]] Gym Leader Larry, whose theme as a RidiculouslyAverageGuy has him act like one of these. He's also overworked since he's got an office job and [[TripleShifter pulls double shifts]] as a member of the Elite Four, with his boss (the Champion) making him learn to use a new [[ElementalRockPaperScissors type]] on top of it. His gym arena is even located in the sushi bar where he takes his lunch breaks, although instead of drinking ([[VideoGame/PokemonRedAndBlue it's not 1996 anymore]]) he [[BigEater gorges himself on onigiri]].
117	* ''Salary Man Champ'' is based upon salarymen trying get as high in career ladder as they can.
118	* Katie's father Grant from ''VideoGame/HarvestMoonAWonderfulLife'' and ''VideoGame/HarvestMoonDS'' is a stereotypical salaryman, despite the western setting of Forget-Me-Not Valley. He and his family are the three of few non-white characters in the games. He often visits the local bar, likes wine, and is rather melancholy. He has an [[BitchInSheepsClothing overbearing]] wife and a JerkAss daughter. Grant purposedly overworks to avoid his family. In ''DS'' he and Samantha are divorced.
119	* ''VideoGame/{{Pikmin}}'':
120	** Captain Olimar is basically an alien salaryman stranded on a hostile world.
121	** The theme song, "Ai no Uta", struck a deep chord of resonance with Japanese salarymen and became massively popular in Japan as a result; even outselling the game it was advertising.
122	* In both ''VideoGame/ShadowHeartsCovenant'' and ''VideoGame/ShadowHeartsFromTheNewWorld'', there's an one-use accessory called "Replacement Man". Described as "a meek corporate warrior, noticed by no one" and "a doll modeled after a guy who took the blame for his boss's screw-ups and lost his job", the Replacement Man will revive the character that equipped it in battle. After that, it disappears "with a sad smile of relief."
123	* ''VideoGame/CarriesOrderUp'' has Reginald, an ''[[FunnyAnimal eel]]'' salaryman, complete with briefcase and tie.
124	* ''VideoGame/KeroBlaster'' stars an anthropomorphic frog salaryman.
125	* ''VideoGame/RentAHero'' is a parody of both Japan's superhero shows and its society as a whole, so naturally at one point there's a salaryman who becomes a Rent A Hero himself named "Urusaraman" (a combination of [[Franchise/UltraSeries Ultraman]] and salaryman).
126	* ''VideoGame/DandyDungeon'''s protagonist is Yamada, a lonely programmer who works a dead-end job for a video game company. But you don't play as him, rather as his hero self-insert in the game he himself codes after being fired. Who looks just like him. It's complicated... but fun.
127	* The infamous Famicom game ''VideoGame/TakeshisChallenge'' puts the player in the role of a salaryman who has to undergo ridiculous trials in order to improve his life.
128	-->'''WebVideo/JonTron:''' It just occurred to me that this is a Nintendo game where you quit your job, divorce your wife, and go treasure-hunting.
129	* ''VideoGame/DestroyAllHumans:'' In the second game, the non-ninja male inhabitants of Takoshima are these. Crypto decides to screw with one for literally no reason, sabotaging his chances of promotion by destroying his car. ''Twice.''
130	* ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsT'': The protagonists of the game, either Saizo Tokitou or Sagiri Sakurai, are this trope, where they place their life in line for the pride of their company the VTX Union and considered the dangers of getting attacked to be part of the life of {{Salaryman}} and raising the company's reputation. Even their mecha, Tyranado, is designed to look as if it has a necktie, similar to a lot of normal {{Salaryman}} everywhere. This being a very idealistic series means that their status as Salaryman isn't treated as a loser image. [[{{Workaholic}} Saizou, in particular,]] is more than eager to tell the NewMeat of his team the great importance that a Salaryman holds and why he holds such title with pride.
131	** This also plays a part in TheReveal of the FinalBoss [[spoiler:being their ex-president and revered BigGood, war hero Dyma Goldwin. Unlike the protagonists, he became the president of VTX Union while skipping being a Salaryman. Turns out, being a Salaryman will also teach someone about teamwork and [[HumbleHero humility.]] Since Dyma skipped those, he became an egomaniac that thinks that his plans are the absolute best (because he never felt what its like to lose and swallowing bitter pills to better oneself, like what every Salarymen went through), even if he's aiming for the supremacy of mankind, and in turn eventually [[BrokenPedestal lost the respect of humans and the Union itself.]]]] In other words, this game is giving the message that being a {{Salaryman}} is a ''good'' thing, not a lame thing.
132	* Winston Payne in the ''Franchise/AceAttorney'' games is designed to look like one. He has a gray suit, a tie, glasses, and a receding hairline. While he is a prosecutor, he's incredibly pathetic and always loses to the protagonist in court.
133	* Tanaka from ''VideoGame/FearAndHungerTermina'' hails from a FantasyCounterpartCulture to Japan, wears the suit, hat and glasses, carries around a briefcase, and is in Prehevil for business reasons. His whole sub-arc revolves around preventing him from [[BornUnlucky ignominiously dying in several different ways]] until he [[TookALevelInBadass improves himself in both body and mind]].
134	* In ''VideoGame/TheSims4'', the Japanese-themed ExpansionPack ''Snowy Escape'' adds a Salaryperson career track, with Supervisor and Expert branches, a ten-hour work day, and karaoke after work. Unlike the similar Business career track, you never become the boss; even at the highest level, you're simply your boss' main underling at the Farseer Data Corporation.
135	* ''VideoGame/GhostwireTokyo'' features mook enemies inspired by the negative experiences of modern-day people, portrayed wearing typical Japanese clothing to make the point more apparent. Several enemy types clearly take the Salaryman as their archetype; appropriately, the lowest-level enemies in the game, Rain Walkers, are the most instantly recognisable Salarymen, with their negative energy coming from their sheer exhaustion due to overwork.
136	[[/folder]]
137
138	[[folder:Webcomics]]
139	* Bravoman's secret identity from ''Bravoman: Super Unequaled Hero of Excellence!'' Is flat-out named Salaryman, and eventually [[spoiler:gets his own character]].
140	* ''Webcomic/TransformersLegends'', a Japanese webcomic viewable on the official Takara Tomy website that was made to promote the ''Franchise/{{Transformers}} Legends'' toyline, stars super-deformed versions of the ''WesternAnimation/BeastWars'' cast portrayed as FunnyAnimal salarymen.
141	[[/folder]]
142
143	[[folder:Web Original]]
144	* ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWKg_E3mWsw Salaryman Man]]'' is best described as a [[StylisticSuck half-heartedly]] [[BadBadActing voiced]] short about a salaryman superhero who flies using [[AppliedPhlebotinum his business card]] and shoots... [[BoringButPractical with a pistol]].
145	* Japan created live-action remakes of classic ''WesternAnimation/ThomasAndFriends'' episodes, entitled ''Salaryman Thomas'' or ''Businessman Thomas''. It recontextualizes the engines of Sodor in a human workplace setting. For example, in the [[https://youtu.be/sXRHvj_DcTQ remake]] of "Down the Mine," Thomas falls into 'mobile game hell' instead of a ditch, and in the remake of "Trouble in the Shed," James, Gordon, and Henry go on strike in the bathroom stalls instead of the sheds.
146	[[/folder]]

Context Main / Salaryman