It’s true that one should not judge a book by its cover or even the title because despite of a weird title and cover, Kodansha Comics’s Sweat and Soap has proven to be one of the highly recommended romance manga. After some prominent character development in the previous Volume, we have reached to the 3rd Volume that offers some new challenges for the main characters.
Kotaro is about set to go on a business trip which will last for four days along with his assistant Korisu. This is going to be the longest time when the couple will be apart from each other and what makes Asako even more worried about this trip is that Kotaro’s assistant may try to seduce him.
Asako doesn’t feel uncomfortable around her anymore and she has even accepted the fact that everyone knows about her relationship but she still hasn’t openly shared that with anyone. For, Korisu, Kotaro is single and Asako is fully aware about her feelings for Kotaro.
Meanwhile on the business trip, Korisu discovers about Kotaro dating Asako that to the phone call. This breaks her heart for not only because he is in a relationship but also because he kept it hidden from her all this time and this makes her feel betrayed as he always tells her about the girls he has ever got involved with.
When the trip was about to end, Korisu finally opens up about her feelings while having a meal with her boss. The scene is quite emotional and so far there hasn’t been any emotional scene like in the series. mangaka Kintetsu Yamada has done great job in expressing those emotions through her remarkable artwork. We all know it would happen at some point but what’s more important is that it made us care for Korisu.
Korisu was introduced in Volume 2 and the character was not a very likeable one at first as she only seemed to be a hurdle in main couple’s romance. For us it was just a character that was supposed to create some tension. But in this Volume, her character seems to be more than that.
What I like the most about this scene and Korisu’s confession is that it was not overdramatized. The confession did not seem to come out of desperation or jealousy and Korisu doesn’t even have any ill-intentions like stealing Kotaru from his girlfriend despite of being a little agitated for having kept in dark by her trustworthy boss. The confessional and the response was very well-written that seemed very realistic. If the series keeps offering scenes like these in future that feels more refreshing to us readers, then probably Sweat and Soap is going to be one of the best romantic manga in recent years
At first I thought, a character like Korisu will not last longer after a confession or being rejected but things are not going to be like that and Korisu’s character is going to be a significant one in the series. I am glad to see that because this way we will get to see more characters along with their development which will make the series more interesting.
There is a great balance between the drama and lightheartedness in Sweat and Soap. Although there was a little drama and emotional scenes in the beginning of the Volume but in the later part we get to see some fun elements like Asako buying birthday gift for Kotaro. It’s good to see the series has to offer a lot in the series and nothing feels overwhelmed.
Sweat and Soap Volume 3 has entered in the West thanks to Kodansha Comics. The series has been translated by Matt Treyvaud and it reads well without any issues. It also includes some translation notes in the end which are quite helpful. The next Volume of Sweat and Soap will be released in October.
All in all Sweat and Soap Volume 3 was centered around Kotaru’s assistant Korisu who confessed to Kotaru. Sweat and Soap is a sweet and light hearted romantic manga but this Volume proved that it can make its readers emotional as well while making them smile with its light hearted story.
