Accidental Office Lady

A young woman with a new degree in Japanese studies and plenty of youthful idealism and can-do spirit accepts a job as the first American trainee at Honda&apos;s headquarters in Tokyo. Her image of Japanese corporate life is dramatically challenged on her first day at work when she is issued a blue polyester uniform&#8212;a uniform worn only by women! <br><br>From menial beginnings serving tea to executives and cleaning the boss&apos;s desk, to a stint in public relations, to developing training classes for Japanese associates going to America, Laura Kriska recounts her struggle to adapt to&#8212;and ultimately thrive in&#8212;the culture of a traditional Japanese company. Shortly before her departure, she travels full circle by introducing a successful campaign to make women&apos;s uniforms optional. <br><br>Now with a new foreword by the author, <i>The Accidental Office Lady</i> is a vivid and valuable firsthand account not only of corporate Japan and the gender inequality that persists within it, but of an outsider&apos;s successful attempt to work within cultural boundaries to affect organizational change.