One of the most obvious trends in Yuri in Japan right now is the shift to office romance. This cannot come as a a huge surprise after decades of nearly nothing other than school children in love. Of course people who grew up with those stories of girls who found love in club and library, having graduated and moved into the workforce, would crave stories of adults who find each other among the cubicles. ^_^

Anoko to Me ga Autabi Watashi ha Shakaiin Yuri Anthology (あの娘と目が合うたび私は 社会人百合アンソロジー) is one of several titles out recently that fills this need. This anthology has contributions by some artists we’re familiar with here at Okazu – Tsukiko provides an illustration, Mikanshi and Esuesu, Satsumaage and irua have all done work in other anthologies and magazines we’ve reviewed. 

The volume starts off really strongly with a lovely cover image and opening story by Harukawa You. In the opening story, a graphic designer is hired to do a CD cover design for an indie singer whose schtick is wearing a horse head. What is hidden underneath the mask is a really lovely young lady who admires her work.

I really enjoyed irua’s “Minna Sonshiteruyo” in which a unloved boss turns out to have a secret supporter among the employees.

Seta Seta’s “Meter Stop” was a ridiculous story I liked about a female cab driver finding herself driving someone she knew a long time ago in another job. 

And Yuki Yukiko’s ”Chosou Love Letter,” about a woman who works at a shipping company and her charming and beautiful customer, was a terrific end story for the book. 

This collection has all the strengths and weaknesses of an anthology. Stories one likes are too short, and stories one doesn’t go on too long and you never quite get the development a character deserves, but it’s a good read and a pleasant change from high school.

Ratings:

Art – Variable but generally good
Story –  Surprising variety, considering
Characters- Realistically, I’m no more interested in falling in love with a coworker than a classmate, but at least they are all adults. ^_^
Service – Not really
Yuri – Yes

Overall – A solid read, let’s give it an 8

If office romance and romance between adult women is appealing to you and you don’t mind the short-story format of an anthology, another office romance doujinshi anthology has recently been published. Yuri Master Kawamoto-san would like you to know about Shakaiin Yuri Anthology Rouge, (社会人百合アンソロジールージュ), which includes more authors we know and love, like Ajichi, Canno, Kitao Taki, Takemiya Jin and others!