Pretty Proofreader

Pretty Proofreader is a 2016 drama series from Japan produced by J-Edge, a part of the Kansai TV/CX Company. The series dives into the less-trodden domain of proofreading incorporated into a beautifully crafted narrative. The show revolves around the life of the main character, Kouno Etsuko, who harbors the dream of becoming a fashion designer, but life takes her on an unexpected turn. Driven by the original novel "Kounodori," the drama is a rich mix of professional life challenges, interpersonal relationships, and personal growth.

A fashion enthusiast, Etsuko, lands a job at a publishing company. Her ultimate goal, however, is to get transferred to their fashion department. So, when she's mistakenly assigned to the proofreading section, the trajectory of her career takes an unforeseen turn. Taking the misassignment in stride, Etsuko gradually navigates the world of proofreading. Initially viewing it as a hindrance to her fashion designing ambition, she eventually develops a profound interest and respect for the profession.

The series carefully unfolds Etsuko's day to day interactions, underplaying her transformation from a fashion-freak to an obsessive proofreader. The show evolves around the world of publishing, delving into the myriad, behind-the-scenes aspects of the creation and verification of error-free content. It presents the unsung heroes in the publishing industry – the proofreaders, shedding light on their integral role.

The show's charm lies in showcasing Etsuko as an ordinary woman catapulted into extraordinary circumstances. She is a lively character with an lovable obsession for fashion, an eye for detail, and an effervescent spirit. Etsuko is portrayed as hardworking, curious, and often making inroads into investigations to ensure the accuracy of data during her proofreading duties. The more she gets immersed in her work, the more her sense of justice and determination grow.

Pretty Proofreader, with its interesting ensemble of characters, presents various shades of professional and personal viewpoints. Each character has a humble ebb and flow in Etsuko's life, enhancing the plot's nuanced texture. From her colleagues at work to the people she investigates, each interaction influences Etsuko's perspective on her job and life. The show subtly highlights how Etsuko's career shift develops her as a person, and in turn, her personal growth influences her career.

The characters are well etched, their personalities ranging from quirky, serious, anxious, and challenging. It features the stern and serious chief editor Takehara, the charming yet complicated co-worker Yukito Orihara, and the quirky yet talented proofreaders Morio Toyoko and Kaizuka Hachiro. All these characters combined bristle with a realistic dynamism that enriches the overall storyline.

Japan's unique working culture is richly depicted, with the work-exhaustive character of Etsuko running against the stereotype of women in Japanese workplaces. She is seen to tirelessly and meticulously dissect manuscripts, bridging gaps between truth and fiction, even if it entails being on her feet most of the time and conducting face-to-face inquiries.

The series maintains a brisk pace, engaging viewers with its fresh take on a traditional workplace drama. The episodes are knitted together with Etsuko undertaking various cases, solving puzzles, emphasizing the accuracy of content, and upholding the sanctity of truth. As each episode unfolds, viewers can look forward to new proofreading challenges and immerse themselves in the process of decoding and problem-solving.

There is also a dash of romance thrown in for good measure, providing relief from the intense professional sphere. The series does well to balance Etsuko's personal life dynamics with her work, maintaining a wholesome appeal.

More than just being about proofreading or publishing, Pretty Proofreader is also about aspiring for something, trying the unfamiliar, letting life change the course and then embracing the change. It is about laughing at one’s own mistakes and learning to love what one does. The show brings in a fresh perspective to the ‘follow your passion’ narrative and suggests that sometimes, interesting opportunities can come from where one least expects.

In conclusion, Pretty Proofreader is a refreshing take on professional life in the publishing industry, with a hearty dose of drama, human connections, and personal evolution. The series touches viewers with its relatable characters, exciting plot twists, and the vivid depiction of the journey of a woman who finds her true calling in the unlikeliest of places.