Pretty Proofreader (Jimi Ni Sugoi! Kōetsu Girl: Kouno Etsuko) is a 2016 NTV Japanese drama. It is based on the novel “Koetsu Garu” by Ayako Miyagi.
Episodes: 11 episodes
Summary
Kouno Etsuko has applied to work at the same company (Keibonshi) for 7 years in hopes of being a fashion editor for the magazine Lassy. The company finally hires her, but to be a proofreader instead.
Review
This drama is labeled as a drama. It is not necessarily a comedy, but there were parts that I found funny. Nor is it a romance, but there were incidences that I found romantic/cute/sweet. The drama is short and sweet. We get to glimpse into the life of Estuko as she pursues a new career in proofreading and as she aspires to be the fashion editor that she always dreams to be.
Story
The story is about Kouno Etsuko who has finally obtain a job at the company she has been applying to. When she discovered that she’s in the proofreading department, she works her way up into the magazine.
One thing I’ve truly enjoyed about this story is the fact that I got to view the life of a proofreader. Like the drama says, it’s just a job that doesn’t get much attention. I never thought much about what a proofreader does, but now I’m interested in doing it as a side job. Also this song reminds me of all the jobs that don’t really get much attention.
I also realized that proofreading is probably a lot harder in Japanese than in English (since there are three writing systems).
Characters
The characters in this drama seem to fit well together. There is a lot of self-realization. They realize who they are and what they like. I noticed that the characters and the relationships between them feel so natural. Especially between the two leads, sometimes it felt like I was watching Terrace House. Etsuko became giddy over him in grown-up kind of way and Yukito had such loving eyes towards her. They also have a very supportive relationship. They helped each other with reaching their dreams. One thing I also enjoy is the matter-of-fact manner in which some things were displayed. Between the two leads there was a clear age difference, but no one cared about the age gap. I also enjoyed the gay relationship in the drama. They were just two men who liked each other and that was that.
- Etsuko Kouno (Satomi Ishihara): Has a genki spirit. She lightens the mood of the proofread section. She is also very impulsive, which turns into blessings.
- Yukito Orihara (Masakai Suda): Is an author who falls in love with Etsuko. He also learns what inspires him as a writer.
- Toyoko Morio (Tsubasa Honda): Works at Lassy and is Etsuko’s Kōhai from their high school swim club. They regain friendship and she supports her when it’s needed.
- Hachiro Kaizuka (Munetaka Aoki): One of my favorite characters. Him and etsuko has a love-hate friendship which is the drama’s comic relief.
Music
There were only 3 songs that I found when I looked on YouTube. Two of the songs are the same, but different style.
Quotes
Scenes
Afterthoughts
- I’m honestly considering doing proofreading as a side job. I just don’t feel very confident in my writing/proofreading ability right now.
- This drama had me attempting to explore my closet. I typically wear jeans and a T-shirt. But because of this drama, I tried mixing and matching different pieces that I found in my closet to create outfits.
Recommendations
- Workplace dramas: Coffee Prince, Atelier, Clean with Passion, Ms. Justice
- Dramas with Satomi Ishihara: You’re My Pet, Rich man, Poor Woman, Dear Sister
Drama to Life
Culture
Travel
Onsen Egg
Octopus Craft
Fashion
Date
Food