From “Good Morning” to Global Attention: The Rise of SAO, the Salarywoman Star

In the fast-moving world of social media, few stories stand out quite like that of Saori Araki, affectionately known as SAO. A simple “Good morning” post on X transformed her from an ordinary office worker into an internet sensation—with millions of viewers captivated by her authenticity.

The Post That Sparked a Viral Frenzy

On July 24, 2025, Araki posted a photo on X captioned simply “Good morning.” In it, she appears in a fitted grey business suit and white shirt, holding a laptop with both hands and puffing her cheeks in an adorably serious expression. The image resonated instantly, amassing over 75–76 million views, along with hundreds of thousands of likes, reposts, and comments.

Who Is SAO?

Araki’s newfound fame offered a glimpse into her life: she works as a Japanese office lady (OL) and is also active as a model and actress. Until earlier this year, she was part of the J-pop idol group Tokyo Girls Bravo, performing under the stage name Araki Saori until her graduation on February 28, 2025 .

Connecting with Fans: Instagram & YouTube

Embracing the momentum, SAO used Instagram to thank her new followers, sharing more shots from the same corporate photoshoot done for Takeda Design and Manufacturing Co. Ltd. Her Instagram following has soared past 224,000 .

On YouTube, she launched her channel with a humble Q&A video, humorously noting that she might "just give up" if there wasn't enough interest. Yet, within less than a day, that video racked up over 115,000 views, further cementing her viral moment .

The Sydney Sweeney Comparisons

For reasons only the internet understands, SAO’s viral appearance sparked playful—and sometimes puzzling—comparisons to American actress Sydney Sweeney, who was trending around the same time for an ad campaign. Memes pitted the understated elegance of SAO against a glitzier Western aesthetic. While humorous, many found the comparisons unnecessary, noting SAO’s natural charm needed no side-by-side contrast.

Why It Matters

SAO’s story is a powerful reminder of how quickly the digital world can uplift everyday authenticity. A relatable, unassuming moment—shared with sincerity—has transformed a J-pop alum turned office worker into a social media sweetheart.