Hataraki Man

Japanese manga series and its adaptations

Hataraki Man

First tankōbon volume cover, featuring Hiroko Matsukata

働きマン
Genre| Drama, slice of life[1]
Manga
Written by| Moyoco Anno
Published by| Kodansha
Magazine| Morning
Demographic| Seinen
Original run| March 2004 – March 2008 (on hiatus)
Volumes| 4
Anime television series
Directed by| Katsumi Ono
Music by| Yugo Kanno
Studio| Gallop
Licensed by|

* NA: Maiden Japan

Original network| Fuji TV (Noitamina)
Original run|  October 13, 2006  –  December 22, 2006
Episodes| 11
Television drama
Directed by|

* Nagumo Seichi
* Sakuma Noriko

Original network| Nippon TV
Original run|  October 10, 2007  –  December 19, 2007
Episodes| 11

Hataraki Man (働きマン, lit. 'Working Man') is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Moyoco Anno. It was serialized in Kodansha's seinen manga magazine Morning from 2004 to 2008, before entering on indefinite hiatus. The story centers on 28-year-old Hiroko Matsukata, editor at the magazine Weekly Jidai. Talented and hard-working, Hiroko's colleagues refer to her as Hataraki Man (literally "working man") because of her dedication to her job. But despite her successes in the workplace, she struggles with moments of self-doubt and with the challenge of balancing life and career.

Hataraki Man was adapted into an anime television series broadcast from October to December 2006 and a drama that aired from October to December 2007. In North America, the anime series has been licensed by Maiden Japan.

## Plot[edit]

Hiroko Matsukata is a woman who works as editor at the magazine Weekly Jidai (週刊「JIDAI」, Shūkan Jidai). She puts all she has into her work, and is known as a strong, straightforward working woman, who can at will turn herself into Hataraki man (working man) mode. Despite Hiroko's success at work, her life lacks romance. Even though a hard worker, she would leave early anytime to go on a date. Too bad her boyfriend is an even bigger workaholic than Hiroko.

## Development[edit]

Anno has said that "Absolutely, women need a Man Switch", saying that more understanding is needed of male and female psychology in the workplace. She is critical of a "laziness" in modern Japanese culture, saying that "The traditional virtue of Japan was that people took everything very seriously. As those traditions have been eroded, the quality of Japanese work has been downgraded."[2]

## Characters[edit]

Hiroko Matsukata (松方弘子, Matsukata Hiroko)
Voiced by: Rie Tanaka[3]
Portrayed by: Miho Kanno
Hiroko is a 28-year-old woman dedicated to her job. She will put her entire life on hold (becoming the "Hataraki Man") in order to get her story written to a self-imposed, very high standard of perfection. Her ultimate goal is to own and publish her own magazine.
Maiko Kaji (梶舞子, Kaji Maiko)
Voiced by: Atsuko Tanaka[3]
Portrayed by: Michiko Kichise
Maiko is an elegant woman who is revered (and very nearly worshiped) by the men at Jidai. She is typically very silent and somewhat aloof, but she does get her job done (even if she ignores more of the rules of etiquette of such things).
Akihisa Kobayashi (小林明久, Kobayashi Akihisa)
Voiced by: Yuji Ueda[3]
Portrayed by: Yoshiyoshi Arakawa
Akihisa is a mild-mannered reporter in charge of the "food and porn" section of Jidai. He and Hiroko started working at the magazine around the same time. There is a connection between, although whether this is from similar work ethic, starting their jobs at the same time, or the fact that they are drinking buddies (always initiated by Hiroko) is up for debate.
Mayu Nagisa (渚マユ, Nagisa Mayu)
Voiced by: Misato Fukuen[3]
Portrayed by: Aya Hirayama
Mayu's main goal in life is to write a work of fiction with her favorite author. She is a bit of a flake within the world of Jidai and is often reprimanded for that fact. She is one of Hiroko's closest office friends.
Kimio Narita (成田君男, Narita Kimio)
Voiced by: Kenyu Horiuchi[3]
Portrayed by: Ikki Sawamura
Narita is the more active boss in the editing department, much to the dismay of the chief editor, Tatsuhiko (although he does not act offended but on occasion.) Narita is a man who knows when to be the boss and when to be the encouraging friend. While he is usually shown as being an amiable man who wants to help the other employees, he is not above yelling at the others to make sure they get their best work done and before deadline. It is never said explicitly one way or another where his sexual preference ultimately lies; but it is mentioned that Narita "doesn't like women".
Yumi Nogawa (野川由実, Nogawa Yumi)
Voiced by: Rumi Shishido[3]
Yumi, one of the four women actually seen working within Jidai, is almost the complete opposite of Hiroko, if only in their approach to working within a "man's world". Yumi chose to embrace her "womanly" side instead of trying to run with the men. She is engaged to an unnamed man, although there are "hints" that her fiancé was the former boyfriend of coworker Maiko Kaji.
Fumiya Sugawara (菅原文哉, Sugawara Fumiya)
Voiced by: Kazuya Nakai[3]
Portrayed by: Kanji Tsuda
Sugawara is more a paparazzo than a traditional reporter. He hunts down high scandal stories and then stakes them out to get the perfect picture. Unexpectedly, he has an inner calm that is expressed through his pleasure of sky photography; however, to the outside world he is a gruff man with a bit of a mean streak.
Kunio Tanaka (田中邦男, Tanaka Kunio)
Voiced by: Makoto Yasumura[3]
Kunio is a man who feels that one's life should not be wasted completely on working. He gets his job done but, unlike Hiroko, he does not feel that one should devote their whole life to just work. While there are several people who clash with Hiroko throughout the series, Kunio is probably one of those that repeats the most, if only for their complete difference in work ethic.
Tatsuhiko Umemiya (梅宮龍彦, Umemiya Tatsuhiko)
Voiced by: Tomomichi Nishimura[3]
Portrayed by: Masato Ibu
As the senior editor within the department, Tatsuhiko does not seem to do a whole lot. He is a rather laid back man and is often accused of being sexist towards the female characters. While he is very susceptible to flattery, Tatsuhiko also has his serious moments. There is a reason why he is the boss and when the stakes are raised, he is willing to step up and take responsibility.
Shinji Yamashiro (山城新二, Yamashiro Shinji)
Voiced by: Eiji Hanawa [ja][3]
Portrayed by: Hisashi Yoshizawa
Like Hiroko, Shinji works long hours. He also frequently travels on business, making it difficult for the two of them to spend time together. Shinji is not as successful in his business endeavors as Hiroko, however, and this leads to more problems in their relationship.

## Media[edit]

### Manga[edit]

Written and illustrated by Moyoco Anno, Hataraki Man started its serialization in Kodansha's seinen manga magazine Morning in March 2004.[4] The series entered on indefinite hiatus in March 2008 due to Anno's health.[5][6] Before its hiatus, Kodansha collected the series' chapters in four tankōbon, released from November 22, 2004, to August 23, 2007.[7][8] In May 2024, Kodansha's digital platform Comic Days announced that a fifth volume is set to be released on June 27 of the same year.[9]

#### Volumes[edit]

No. | Release date  | ISBN

|
|

1|  November 22, 2004[7]| 978-4-06-328999-2
2|  July 22, 2005[10]| 978-4-06-372453-0
3|  October 6, 2006[11]| 978-4-06-372550-6
4|  August 23, 2007[8]| 978-4-06-372626-8

### Anime[edit]

An eleven-episode anime television series adaptation, animated by studio Gallop, was broadcast on Fuji TV's Noitamina late night programming block from October 13 to December 22, 2006. Puffy performed the opening theme "Hataraku Otoko" (働く男, lit. 'Working Man'), while Chatmonchy performed the ending theme "Shangri-La" (シャングリラ, Shangurira).[3][12]

In North America, the anime series was licensed by Maiden Japan in 2018.[13] The entire series was released on Blu-ray on January 22, 2019.[14]

#### Episodes[edit]

No.| Title| Original air date [3]

|
|

1| "The Female Hataraki Man"
Transliteration: "Onna no Hataraki Man" (Japanese: 女の働きマン)| October 13, 2006 (2006-10-13)
2| "Stake Out Man"
Transliteration: "Harikomi Man" (Japanese: 張り込みマン)| October 20, 2006 (2006-10-20)
3| "Ramen Man"
Transliteration: "Rāmen Man" (Japanese: ラーメンマン)| October 27, 2006 (2006-10-27)
4| "Error Man"
Transliteration: "Ayamari Man" (Japanese: あやまりマン)| November 3, 2006 (2006-11-03)
5| "Turn Around Man"
Transliteration: "Furimuki Man" (Japanese: 振り向きマン)| November 10, 2006 (2006-11-10)
6| "Princess Man"
Transliteration: "O-Himesama-n" (Japanese: お姫さマン)| November 17, 2006 (2006-11-17)
7| "Fussy Man"
Transliteration: "Kodawari Man" (Japanese: こだわりマン)| November 24, 2006 (2006-11-24)
8| "Reward Man"
Transliteration: "Mukuware Man" (Japanese: 報われマン)| December 1, 2006 (2006-12-01)
9| "Full-Fledged Hataraki Man"
Transliteration: "Ichininmae no Hataraki Man" (Japanese: 一人前の働きマン)| December 8, 2006 (2006-12-08)
10| "Non-working Man"
Transliteration: "Hatarakanai Man" (Japanese: 働かないマン)| December 15, 2006 (2006-12-15)
11| "Even So, Hataraki Man"
Transliteration: "Soredemo Hataraki Man" (Japanese: それでも働きマン)| December 22, 2006 (2006-12-22)

### Drama[edit]

A television drama adaptation aired from October to December 2007.

## Reception[edit]

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (April 2017)

|

The manga was nominated for the tenth Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2006.[15]

The realism of the series has been regarded as key to its popularity with readers facing the same issues in life.[16]

## References[edit]

1. ^ Sternenberg, Melissa. "Hataraki Man". THEM Anime Reviews. Archived from the original on November 29, 2023. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
2. ^ Lewis, Leo (November 5, 2007). "Comic-book heroine turns tables on men in Japanese workplace". The Times Online. Archived from the original on July 6, 2008. Retrieved April 27, 2017.
3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l 働きマン. Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Archived from the original on October 1, 2017. Retrieved September 30, 2017.
4. ^ 働きマン. Imidas [ja] (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on May 13, 2024. Retrieved May 13, 2024.+[ja]&rft.atitle=働きマン&rft_id=https://imidas.jp/genre/detail/L-130-0006.html&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikipedia.org:Hataraki+Man" class="Z3988">
5. ^ Loo, Egan (March 11, 2008). "Hataraki Man's Moyoco Anno Halts Work Due to Health (Updated)". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 4, 2020. Retrieved April 5, 2020.
6. ^ Morrissy, Kim (April 4, 2020). "Hataraki Man Creator Moyoco Anno Shares Her Tips For Work-Life Balance". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on April 6, 2020. Retrieved April 5, 2020.
7. ^ a b 働きマン (1) (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on June 2, 2009. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
8. ^ a b 働きマン (4) (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on February 13, 2009. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
9. ^ Hazra, Adriana (May 12, 2024). "Moyoco Anno's Hataraki Man Manga Gets 5th Volume on June 27". Anime News Network. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
10. ^ 働きマン (2) (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on February 13, 2009. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
11. ^ 働きマン (3) (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on February 13, 2009. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
12. ^ 働きマン (in Japanese). Fuji TV. Archived from the original on May 13, 2024. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
13. ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (July 5, 2018). "Maiden Japan Licenses Maria Watches Over Us, Hataraki Man, Basquash!, Yumeiro Pâtissière, Votoms, Ideon, Xabungle, Human Crossing Anime". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on July 6, 2018. Retrieved July 5, 2018.
14. ^ Ressler, Karen (January 22, 2019). "North American Anime, Manga Releases, January 20–26". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 30, 2023. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
15. ^ Mays, Jonathan (April 8, 2006). "10th Osamu Tezuka Cultural Award Finalists Announced". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on February 5, 2018. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
16. ^ ""Strip!": The Manga Art of Anno Moyoco". nippon.com. September 27, 2016. Archived from the original on April 27, 2017. Retrieved April 26, 2017.

## External links[edit]

* Official anime website at the Wayback Machine (archived 2007-07-09) (in Japanese)
* Hataraki Man (manga) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia

* v
* t
* e

Works by Moyoco Anno

* Happy Mania (1996–2001)
* In Clothes Called Fat (1996–1997)
* Flowers & Bees (1999–2003)
* Sakuran (2001–2003)
* Sugar Sugar Rune (2004–2007)
* Hataraki Man (2004–2008; on hiatus)
* The Diary of Ochibi-san (2007–2019)
* Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen (2013–2018)
* Go Happy Mania (2019–present)

* v
* t
* e

Morning series

Current|

* Cooking Papa (1985)
* OL Shinkaron (1990)
* Vagabond [on hiatus] (1998)
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* What Did You Eat Yesterday? (2007)
* Space Brothers (2007)
* Police in a Pod (2017)
* Sōdanyaku Kōsaku Shima (2019)
* Liaison: Kodomo no Kokoro Shinryōjo (2020)
* How to Grill Our Love (2020)
* Gurazeni: Dai League-hen (2021)
* Shimazaki in the Land of Peace (2022)
* Ikusagami (2022)
* Futari Solo Camp (2023)

1980s|

* Kachō Shima Kōsaku (1983–1992)
* What's Michael? (1984–1989)
* Spirit of Wonder (1986–1988)
* You're Under Arrest (1986–1989)
* Tensai Yanagisawa Kyōju no Seikatsu [on hiatus] (1988–2013)
* Natsuko no Sake (1988–1991)
* The Silent Service (1988–1996)

1990s|

* Miyamoto kara Kimi e (1990–1994)
* Naniwa Kin'yūdō (1990–1996)
* Aah! Harimanada (1991–1996)
* Gon (1991–2002)
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* Sōten Kōro (1994–2005)
* Nonchan Noriben (1995–1998)
* Power Office Girls (1996–1997)
* Devil Lady (1997–2000)
* Enomoto: New Elements that Shake the World (1997–2003)
* Kurogane (1997–2001)
* Planetes (1999–2004)

2000s|

* Zipang (2000–2009)
* ES (2001–2002)
* Torishimariyaku Shima Kōsaku (2002–2005)
* Say Hello to Black Jack (2002–2005)
* Dragon Zakura (2003–2007)
* Chi's Sweet Home (2004–2015)
* Hataraki Man [on hiatus] (2004–2008)
* Forest of Piano (2004–2005)
* Drops of God (2004–2014)
* Cesare (2005–2021)
* Hyouge Mono (2005–2017)
* Jōmu Shima Kōsaku (2005–2006)
* Senmu Shima Kōsaku (2006–2008)
* The Black Museum: Springald (2007)
* Billy Bat (2008–2016)
* Shachō Shima Kōsaku (2008–2013)

2010s|

* Furari (2011)
* Hozuki's Coolheadedness (2011–2020)
* Kounodori: Dr. Stork (2012–2020)
* Zipang: Shinsō Kairyū (2012–2017)
* Kaichō Shima Kōsaku (2013–2019)
* Mitarai – Tantei Mitarai Kiyoshi no Jiken Kiroku (2013–2014)
* Ichi-F (2013–2015)
* Land (2014–2020)
* Complex Age (2014–2015)
* The Black Museum: The Ghost and the Lady (2014–2015)
* Drops of God: Mariage (2015–2020)
* Sono 'Okodawari', Ore ni mo Kure yo! (2015–2018)
* Thunderbolt Fantasy (2016–2017)
* City (2016–2021)
* Setsuyaku Rock (2016–2017)
* Dragon Zakura 2 (2018–2021)
* Gurazeni: Pa League-hen (2018–2021)
* Cells at Work! Code Black (2018–2021)
* Sweat and Soap (2019–2021)
* Cells at Work! Baby (2019–2021)

2020s|

* Zange Meshi (2020–2021)
* Jōkyō Seikatsuroku Ichijō (2021–2023)
* The Black Museum: Mikazuki Yo, Kaibutsu to Odore (2022–2023)
* Drops of God deuxieme (2023–2024)

Morning
Party Zōkan
(defunct)|

* You're Under Arrest (1986–1992)
* The Walking Man (1990–1991)

Morning
Open Zōkan
(defunct)|

* Parasyte (1989)

* Morning
* Morning Two

* v
* t
* e

noitaminA

2005–2009|

* Honey and Clover
* Paradise Kiss
* Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales
* Jyu-Oh-Sei
* Honey and Clover II
* Hataraki Man
* Nodame Cantabile
* Mononoke
* Moyasimon: Tales of Agriculture
* Hakaba Kitarō
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* Antique Bakery
* Nodame Cantabile: Paris Chapter
* Genji Monogatari Sennenki
* Eden of the East
* Tokyo Magnitude 8.0
* Welcome to Irabu's Office

2010–2014|

* Nodame Cantabile: Finale
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* Shiki
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* Fractale
* Wandering Son
* [C]
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* Ping Pong
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* Terror in Resonance
* Psycho-Pass 2
* Your Lie in April

2015–2019|

* Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend
* Punch Line
* Rampo Kitan: Game of Laplace
* Subete ga F ni Naru
* Erased
* Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress
* Battery
* The Great Passage
* Scum's Wish
* Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend Flat
* Dive!!
* Inuyashiki
* After the Rain
* Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku
* Banana Fish
* The Promised Neverland (season 1)
* Sarazanmai
* Given
* Psycho-Pass 3

2020–present|

* Uchitama?! Have you seen my Tama?
* The Millionaire Detective Balance: Unlimited
* 2.43: Seiin High School Boys Volleyball Team
* The Promised Neverland (season 2)
* Backflip!!
* The Idaten Deities Know Only Peace
* Ranking of Kings
* Call of the Night (season 1)
* Urusei Yatsura (season 1)
* Ranking of Kings: The Treasure Chest of Courage
* Rurouni Kenshin
* Urusei Yatsura (season 2)
* Senpai Is an Otokonoko
* Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Disturbance
* Call of the Night (season 2)

Films|

* Eden of the East Compilation: Air Communication (2009)
* Eden of the East: The King of Eden (2009)
* Eden of the East: Paradise Lost (2010)
* Un-Go episode:0 Inga chapter (2011)
* Library War: The Wings of Revolution (2012)
* Anohana the Movie: The Flower We Saw That Day (2013)
* Psycho-Pass: The Movie (2015)
* Typhoon Noruda (2015)
* The Anthem of the Heart (2015)
* The Empire of Corpses (2015)
* Harmony (2015)
* Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress (2016–2017)
* Genocidal Organ (2017)
* Night Is Short, Walk On Girl (2017)
* Lu over the Wall (2017)
* Penguin Highway (2018)
* Psycho-Pass: Sinners of the System (2019)
* Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: Unato Decisive Battle (2019)
* Her Blue Sky (2019)
* Saekano the Movie: Finale (2019)
* Psycho-Pass 3: First Inspector (2020)
* Given (2020)
* Backflip!! (2022)

Related|

* Fuji TV
* +Ultra
* Blue Lynx

Category

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* e

Gallop

Television series|

* Touch (1985–1987; cooperation only)
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* Kodocha (1996–1998)
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* Initial D: First Stage (1998)
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* Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters (2000–2004)
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* Legendz: Tale of the Dragon Kings (2004–2005)
* Yu-Gi-Oh! GX (2004–2008)
* Animal Yokochō (2005–2006)
* Eyeshield 21 (2005–2008)
* Hataraki Man (2006)
* Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's (2008–2011)
* Mainichi Kaasan (2009–2012)
* Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal (2011–2014)
* Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc-V (2014–2017)
* Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen Mae Hashutsujo The Final: Ryōtsu Kankichi Saigo no Hi (2016)
* Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS (2017–2019)
* Bakutsuri Bar Hunter (2018–2019)
* Fushigi Dagashiya Zenitendō (2022–present)
* Me & Roboco (2022–2023)
* Kagaku Manga Survival (2024)

OVAs|

* Prefectural Earth Defense Force (1986)
* Maps: Densetsu no Samayoeru Seijintachi (1987)
* To-y (1987)
* One-pound Gospel (1988)
* The Three Musketeers Anime: Aramis' Adventure (1989)
* Akazukin Chacha (1995–1996)
* Eyeshield 21: Christmas Bowl e no Michi (2005)

Films and specials|

* Time Patrol Bon (1989)
* Rurouni Kenshin: The Motion Picture (1997)
* Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo The Movie (1999)
* Ojarumaru: A Happy Blue Back (2000)
* Ojarumaru the Movie: The Promised Summer - Ojaru and Semira (2000)
* Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo The Movie 2: UFO Shūrai! Tornado Daisakusen!! (2003)
* Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie: Pyramid of Light (2004)
* Ojarumaru: Peril at the Full Moon Road -A 'Rare' Adventure of Our Prince- (2007)
* Kawa no Hikari (2009)
* Yu-Gi-Oh! Bonds Beyond Time (2010)
* Ojarumaru Special: My Galaxy is Calling ~The 2 Wishing Stars~ (2012)
* Ojarumaru Special: Hinata in the Forgotten Forest (2015)
* Yu-Gi-Oh! The Dark Side of Dimensions (2016)
* Jintai no Survival! (2020)
* Shinkai no Survival! (2021)

Related|

* Mushi Production

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