In July 2025, an image of Japanese model and businesswoman Saori Araki, also known as SAO, took over Twitter / X, becoming one of the most viral photographs of the year.

This single post launched SAO to widespread virality, resulting in a wave of fan art, memes, redraws and melting a whole lot of hearts in the process. Now, with hundreds of thousands of collective followers, SAO's social media presence is thriving, and she's even released an original song titled "OHAYO."

We connected with SAO over Zoom for a brief interview about her virality during the "Japanese Salarywoman" meme, her favorite memes to come out of her rise to fame, her future in content creation and more.

Q: It's good to talk to you, SAO. Could you introduce yourself for those who might not know you?

A: Hey, I'm Sao, and I'm an office lady, model, and actress. On social media, I posted a photo of me wearing a business suit with the caption, "Good morning," and it received over 80 million views. I was very surprised when Elon Musk and other people mentioned it.

Q: So, where do you work, and what's the context of that viral photo?

A: I work at a financial company. It was taken for work as a model, and I posted it as a good morning routine. It went viral at the end of July.

Q: Why do you think the photo went so viral?

A: I don't know actually, but I feel that maybe many people have a positive impression of Japanese women because of anime and manga. My facial expression was also commented on as a puffer face. This might be unique, and it is a part of Japanese anime culture, I think.

Q: How did you react to the sudden virality of the photo?

A: I was very confused and happy and surprised. Very happy. [One of my favorite memes was] an illustration of me as Superman. So, I took a photo of myself dressed the same as in the Superman photo.

Q: Have you been recognized a lot since the photo went viral?

A: The photo got a lot of reactions. Someone visiting from LA recognized me in Shibuya in Tokyo. And that was very happy and surprising.

After it went viral, some of my friends contacted me, but my dad was very calm about it. I used to be an idol, so I always loved singing. During high school, I was an idol in my hometown of Nagasaki prefecture, so I am used to getting some reactions. After that, I also worked as an idol in Tokyo, but I graduated from that. Now I am a salary woman.

Q: Your debut song "OHAYO" gained over 3 million views in just its first month on YouTube. Where did the inspiration for "OHAYO" come from, and are you planning on releasing more music?

A: The song is an answer to comments and memes from all over the world. I made it to be a song that helps people wake up cheerfully the next day, even after hearing hurtful things. I made it after I went viral, following the advice of very kind people.

The comments and memes were my inspiration. I have not decided yet, but I want to make more songs. I also want the opportunity to sing overseas.

Q: Where does your desire to be an idol come from, and how do you plan on approaching your online career?

A: When I was little, I saw idols like Morning Musume on YouTube. I've used Instagram for a long time, and I got a little attention before [as an idol]. But going viral like this is a first.

I'm not sure yet, but I want to stay true to myself and get plenty of sleep. I want to live each day with a smile. I will keep posting on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, so please follow me. Subscribe and follow.

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A big thank you to Saori for talking with us. You can follow her on Instagram at kawausosuki0513, subscribe to her YouTube @SAORI_ARAKI and follow her X / Twitter account @kawausosuki0513.

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