Behind the Uniform Skirt
“Behind the Uniform Skirt offers valuable reflection on the Tokyo lifestyle. purposeful work, and fostering positive change. Her writing puts cracks in the glass ceiling which exists for women, foreigners, and anyone deemed “different” in the Japanese workplace. Seeing the world mirrored through Satoka-san’s eyes helped me work through similar challenges I have experienced. Her writing helps to consider how to foster more human-centric, creative work environments and how to be an ally.”
ー 32 | Texas, US | Greentech & Media, Snowboarder & Diver
“Having lived in Japan for nearly a decade, reading “Behind the Uniform Skirt” felt like a re-introduction to many familiar concepts. Sotome expertly pulls back the curtain on a culture that often feels like a “Choose Your Own Adventure” game. A culture that presents the illusion of choice while guiding you down a predetermined path.
This paradox is captured in “Corporate Jujutsu” (Chapter 5). An employee faces an impossible choice that backfires regardless. It’s that moment in the game where you know the monster is behind the door, but you’re forced to open it anyway. Sotomes brilliance is in revealing how this employee’s entire upbringing was, in fact, training for this very impasse.
What is the goal of this “game”? Sotome posits it is the protection of our “ikigai” or purpose in life. This purpose is reframed as a sort of “meter” we must consciously fill. Within society’s rigid framework, the read adventure is how we choose to care for our ikigai.
Insightful, sharp, and creatively illustrated throughout, Behind the Uniform Skirt offers takeaways for readers both inside and outside Japan. I highly recommend it.”
ー Zachary C. | Male | 30s | United States | Information Security
“I think the book is a good resource for me to re-read whenever I want to sync again on what the working culture is like in Japan. Potentially also for situations where I am involved in Japan projects or projects involving scaling Japan teams.”
ー 36 | Male | Singapore | Team Lead, Interested in Productivity, Organizational theory, Business Theory, Project Management, Programming, Human Dynamics
“I bought this book because I’ve always been deeply interested in Japanese culture, especially in how it shapes people’s daily lives and work habits. One quote that really stayed with me was about how asking what your dream is in Japan is considered insulting. It perfectly captures the subtle differences in mindset and communication that make Japanese culture so fascinating.
Overall, I think this is a wonderfully written and insightful book. I was surprised to discover how similar some aspects of Japanese and Chinese work culture are. For example, the term 社畜 (“work slaves”) has also become popular in China recently—I didn’t realize Japan uses the same word! Well done, and please keep up the great work!“
ー Mengsi D. | Early 30s | Female | China | Technical Account Manager, Traveling
“One quote that stood out was:
‘Reflecting on your student days from just three years ago… now feels like gazing at a distant, blurry memory.’
It beautifully captures that sense of nostalgia and shifting dreams. The book also left me curious about the historical roots of Japanese cultural norms—like how Confucianism or Bushidō might have shaped them. Overall, it’s a thoughtful and engaging read that stays with you.”
ー 29 | Male | USA | Data Engineer at Tesla