After watching Wotakoi and it’s popularity in West I have been looking forward to more stories like it which shows romance in that kind of workplace. Sweat and Soap which is brought by Kodansha is the latest manga that is somewhat similar to Wotakoi in terms of workplace romance and day to day workplace issues. But is it really worth reading? We are here to discuss that
The story starts with a 26 years old girl, Asako Yaeshima who is a working woman and is employed in a toiletry maker called Lilia Drop. Asaka has the problem of sweating profoundly for which she has been bullied in school for not just the sweat but her strong body odor as well. She is embarrassed because of her sweating and odor problem and frequently goes to bathroom to get refresh and get herself clean.
Asako was once praising Lilia Drop’ latest Spring collection and out of nowhere a guy named Kotaro Natori asks to do research on her odor as according to him he got chills from it. Asako is obviously shocked to hear that and tries to run away from him but he follows her to give her the explanation.
Later it is revealed that Kotaro is also the employee of Lilia Drop and works in planning department and the reason why he wants to know more about her scent is because he is looking for some ideas for his products. When Asaka get to know about the fact that Kotaro is the one behind the production of the soap Asako like, she hesitantly offers him her help for few days but it does not just remain a guiltless favor and soon becomes more sexy.
Once Asako is saved by Kotaro by some delinquents on her way home in a train, she stays with hi all night. As they are colleagues and work in the same workplace, their bond become stronger. Asako is also able to overcome her anxieties and nervousness due to her sweating problem with the help of Kotaro which is a great deal for her for gaining some confidence. But being a couple doesn’t stop them from having some mutual problems that they have to face and resolve together if they want a long-term relationship.
As Kotaro works in the planning department and Asako is employed in finance department of the same firm, she fears that she does not deserve him. She feels that her boyfriend will be disliked by others, being in relationship with her as she is not very beautiful and has the sweating issues with the constant body odor. While Kotaro does not care about that like her and openly expresses his love for Asako and those things that makes her anxious does not cross his mind but still he respects her view point and fight along side to overcome her anxieties and.
The problems occurred after they decide to not let others know about their relationship as Asako sees Kotaro with other girls and in his department and does not like it even though she does not get angry as she thinks they are more prettier than her but still get jealous of them as Kotaro seems to like their company.
I know the title and the cover is not much appealing and probably the concept is not attractive enough to make someone read the whole series but it is a really nice romantic story. The impression that it gives is quite cringy and unattractive especially when you look at the cover the female protagonist feels worries with guy hugging her from behind. The manga is also targeted to the adult man and that explains the cover which is probably more attracted to that particular audience.
But still, it is not just restricted to that audience, if you will start reading this manga it gets more and more interesting and captivating. It is written by Kintetsu Yamada who is known for her clean style and appealing visuals and the artwork of this manga is very loveable and pleasing. The character designs of both main characters are simple but detailed that makes you understand everything g with their expressions even there is no dialogue. The panels are large and some of these panels are stretched to all page to express the importance of a scene. It’s visually very interesting to read. The sweet romantic scenes are rightly balanced with all the steamy moments and makes it enjoyable.
Volume 1 of the series has entered the Western market brought by Kodansha Comics.The translation has been done by Matt Treyvaud which has no flaws. Volume 2 will soon be released in April.
All in all, the current volume of Sweat Soap feels fresh with its unique romantic and concept. I would recommend to all the manga reader to not just look at the cover as it does not do justice to the content inside. It is very compelling and intriguing that will keep you hooked till the end.
