Sweat and Soap Vol. 1

Author: Kintetsu Yamada
Illustrator: Kintetsu Yamada
Publishers: Kodansha Comics
Age Group: Older Teen
Genre: quirky romance
Type: Manga

Content Warnings: uncomfortable situations, steaminess

Spoilers ahead

Plot

Asako’s living her dream working at the toiletry maker Liliadrop. But she has a secret: the reason she loves the company so much is that she’s ashamed of her body odor, and their soap is the only thing that’s ever helped her. So when the company’s lead product developer, a perfuming genius, approaches her in the lobby and wonders what “that smell” is, she’s terrified—but could it be that he likes it? That he likes her? And most surprising of all, she might just like him back…

Character Development

Asako is a relatable character because she has something she dislikes about her body. Who doesn’t? She’s found a solution for it but still is overly concerned about it. She’s thrown into this awkward situation and makes the best of it for the sake of the company. That’s what she thinks until she begins to miss him. Her arc to realizing that he’s the only one she doesn’t mind smelling her is definitely weird. But it creates this unique quirky romance. 

Kotaro Natori is our prefuming genius that’s in a slump creating the next line of fragrances. Until he starts smelling Asako consistently. When their deal is over, he realizes he doesn’t want to stop. He’s a great guy….if not a bit weird with his super sniffer. He also doesn’t have personal boundaries and says things that could be taken as steamy. 

The quirky weirdness is what makes this series fun, if a bit uncomfortable. 

World-building

We have a contemporary setting where we mainly focus on the characters and their interactions with common backdrops such as work, the train, home, etc. While it’s not groundbreaking, it helps the audience focus on the story. 

Themes

If this had a theme it would be even the most unusual circumstances and experiences can lead to love. Another one may be everyone’s love story is different. I like the second concept better because it tailors to the individual. Fairy tales made us believe that everyone’s tale had to be the same. Hallmark teaches us that it should follow the same formula. Reality doesn't work like that. I like that this series portrays that in a goofy way. 

Observations & Predictions

As this series goes on, I’m excited to see more collaboration between Kotaro and Asako coming up with unique designs for the different soaps. They could be a powerhouse in Liliadrop. 

At the same time, I’d love to see some growth with Kotaro realizing that he has no boundaries which makes things awkward. 

With Asako, I want to see her use less product because she doesn’t need to. She’s found someone that likes her for her. I think her dealing with her trauma that made her self-conscious about her body odor would also be needed. 

I hope we get more steamy scenes! 

Recommendations

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By: Fujita 

An Archdemon’s Dilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride
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Jingai-san no Yome (Non-Human Creature’s Wife)
By: Yu Aikawa