Michael Schur Criticizes SNL's 2008 'Japanese Office' Parody

The Office writer expressed discomfort with the sketch's premise, which featured white actors portraying Japanese characters.

Michael Schur, a writer for The Office and former SNL staffer, said the 2008 SNL sketch 'The Japanese Office' left him 'rankled' and 'didn't feel right.'
The sketch, introduced by Ricky Gervais, depicted a fictional Japanese version of The Office, featuring white actors speaking Japanese and engaging in stereotypical cultural activities.
Schur expressed confusion over the sketch's premise, noting that it involved white actors portraying Japanese characters, which he felt undermined its commentary.
Director Akiva Schaffer acknowledged concerns about the casting but explained that the sketch was led by co-writer Marika Sawyer, who is Japanese American and wanted to realize her vision.
Schur praised a different SNL parody of The Office from 2007, hosted by Rainn Wilson, which he felt better captured the essence of the show.