Sweat and Soap is the office romance which was brought in West by manga publisher, Kodansha in March. Despite the un-attractive title and cover, we decided to give this manga a try and we were disappointed as it is not anything like its cover but instead it is a nice and realistic love story. In this article I will be reviewing the 2nd Volume of the manga to see if its as good as the first Volume.
In Volume 2 the two lovers are back, where we see Asako having a conversation with Kotaro’s assistant Korisu Ichise. The reason why she has been summoned by Asako is to check some expenditures and resolve some issues but while they discuss, Asako starts thinking if Korisu is the secret admirer of Kataro. On the other hand Korisu is keen to figure out Asako’s relation Kotaro as they both are from two different departments but they seem to know each other.
Asako is still not fine with everyone knowing about her relation with Kotaro. They are two different people on so many levels, such as their status and confidence level which is still an issue for Asako. But Asako’s boss comes to know about their relation when the company goes out for overnight trip.
Fortunately, it doesn’t make any difference in their relationship and their lives are still the same. This boost up Asako’s confidence a little and she thinks that everyone in the company might react in the same way as her boss did.
Volume 2 can be divided into two parts where the first part is all about Asako’s life in office, while the other half introduces us to the protagonist’s family that were not shown before in the manga. She comes back home and decides to tell her family about her relationship with Kotaro. Her mother seems happy with the news but her brother Keita reacts differently.
Although is her younger brother but he seems to act like he is older. He is a protective brother who is concerned about his sister who has been constantly bullied in school and thinks that a good looking guy Kotaro might just trying to take advantage of his sister. Asako tries her best to change his mind about her boyfriend but Keita has decided to meet Kotaro himself and see if he truly loves her or just passing time with her. No matter how much Asako reassures him that Kotaro is a perfectly sweet man, Keita decides he must meet this boyfriend for himself and put him to the test.
Good think about this volume of the series is that it focuses a lot on Asako’s character development. While dealing with Korisu during work and watching her talking to her family shows how far she has come since she starting dating Kotaro. Although she still worries about what other thinks about her and is mostly quite but she has developed a lot as a charcter as her confidence seems to have grown a lot.
Like Volume, this volume also features a somewhat sensual cover but it is the same heart warming and cure romance. The first chapter features a steamy scene bu the rest of the volume focuses on the characters and the love story along with many cute scenes.
The balance between the wholesome romance and steamy fan service moments is worth admiring. It digs a little deeper while focusing on the character’s development which is the reason why the reader will be looking forward for more.
The second Volume of Sweat and Soap which has been brought to West by Kodansha ahs been translated in Engish by Matt Treyvaud. There is no problem reading the translation. The next Voluem will be releasing in August.
All in all, Sweat and Soap Volume 2 is a light-hearted and realistic story. This installment shows multiple things happening with some significance character development. If you like reading he previous Volume then you will certainly enjoy reading this amazing Volume and will end up wanting more of this sweet and relatable romance manga.
This comment will propably get buried and forgotten as Ase to Sekken is already on volume 8 in english and finished in original, but let’s rant anyways, as this hilarious romcom definitely deserves it. Characters are what makes this manga, Asako is just so adorable with her “steamy” day-by-day worries and her blushing crush to Kotaro, and he is a hilariously inconspicuous pervert with his bloodhound nostrils. There are moments when the story could have a bit more meat on the bone, but as a sort of slice of life it could probably loose some of its charm if overcomplicated. I am sad that it is ending at vol11, but if the romance is coming to a conclusion, I can bear it. I just wish Sweat would get anime adaptation, Wotakoi season2 does not look too promising, so this would help a lot filling the huge void of seinen romance.