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Sweat and Soap #2
Sweat and Soap, Vol. 2
In an office romance, there's a fine line between sexy and awkward... and that line is where Asako — a woman who sweats copiously — met Koutarou — a perfume developer who can't get enough of Asako's, er, scent. Don't miss a romcom manga like no other!
Asako's living her dream, working at the toiletry maker Liliadrop. Little do her coworkers know, 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 does the trick. 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? And, even more surprising to Asako... does she like him?
The hilarious ups and downs of an office romance at a personal care products company are the subject of this sexy, strange romp. Sweat and Soap combines the odd-couple chemistry of Wotakoi, the "too real!" workplace comedy of Aggretsuko, and a heavy dollop of office steaminess!
Asako's living her dream, working at the toiletry maker Liliadrop. Little do her coworkers know, 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 does the trick. 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? And, even more surprising to Asako... does she like him?
The hilarious ups and downs of an office romance at a personal care products company are the subject of this sexy, strange romp. Sweat and Soap combines the odd-couple chemistry of Wotakoi, the "too real!" workplace comedy of Aggretsuko, and a heavy dollop of office steaminess!
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 23, 2019
153 people are currently reading
806 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 523 reviews
January 30, 2025
Ahhhh, these two make my heart so happy it’s ridiculous!!!! I adore the way their relationship is progressing. All the scenes with Asako’s family, especially her Mom, omg they’re adorable. I also love her brother Keita and I love how he’s so protective of his sister, he’s so adorable and also kind of hot?? (Like, can we get a spin-off series about her brother, please and thank you!)
I can’t wait to read the rest of this series, it makes me so giddy and happy 😭🥰💕
I can’t wait to read the rest of this series, it makes me so giddy and happy 😭🥰💕
April 15, 2021
SO CUTE
I love the way their relationship is progressing 🥺
I love the way their relationship is progressing 🥺
April 30, 2020
They kept the excellent and positive relationship between the leads, but they dropped the sexy times way down. This is particularly disappointing here because this was one of the only manga I’ve read that was sex positive in a healthy way and portrayed an adult situation as something that happens between consenting adults who are attracted to one another.
The other sides of the story are good - Natori opens up a lot, whether he wants to or not, Asako’s brother turns out to be overprotective (and gets amusingly disarmed) but not in an incestuous way (THANK GOD), and we see a love hotel used for its actual intended function (another first for my manga experience).
The art has an overall soft style that I think is fantastic, although Natori’s eyes can sometimes be hard to spot on his face, oddly. I like how they dealt with potential female rival, but I have a bad feeling she’ll be back in some capacity... So far this series has been exemplary at subverting my expectations, however, so benefit of the doubt for now.
A realistic manga about adults dating is rare enough, but one where the sex isn’t thrown at you as the entire point and instead feels natural and organic is practically a unicorn riding a mermaid. Even with a noticeable reduction in the passionate parts, watching this evolving relationship is still an excellent use of my reading time.
The other sides of the story are good - Natori opens up a lot, whether he wants to or not, Asako’s brother turns out to be overprotective (and gets amusingly disarmed) but not in an incestuous way (THANK GOD), and we see a love hotel used for its actual intended function (another first for my manga experience).
The art has an overall soft style that I think is fantastic, although Natori’s eyes can sometimes be hard to spot on his face, oddly. I like how they dealt with potential female rival, but I have a bad feeling she’ll be back in some capacity... So far this series has been exemplary at subverting my expectations, however, so benefit of the doubt for now.
A realistic manga about adults dating is rare enough, but one where the sex isn’t thrown at you as the entire point and instead feels natural and organic is practically a unicorn riding a mermaid. Even with a noticeable reduction in the passionate parts, watching this evolving relationship is still an excellent use of my reading time.
April 13, 2025
4.5 stars
2025 re-read: This was pretty delightful! Asako is more confident and introduces her new boyfriend to her brother. Funny and charming.
2025 re-read: This was pretty delightful! Asako is more confident and introduces her new boyfriend to her brother. Funny and charming.
February 2, 2022
I started this volume last year, but for some reason I never picked it back up. I don't want to say much about this volume but just know that it's the cutest thing ever and that I can't wait to see how their relationship is going to progress in the future.
March 18, 2023
I gave it one more volume to see if it would intrigue me plot-wise. But I wasn't gripped. I really enjoy these characters and think their relationship is precious. But I don't care enough to continue.
AGAIN! Not a diss to the series. I just don't love it the way I had hoped.
AGAIN! Not a diss to the series. I just don't love it the way I had hoped.
January 21, 2023
They are adorable, and I like how they interact. I enjoy the sense of family I have experienced in Asako Chan's home.
January 20, 2022
Volume 1 ★★★★★
Volume 2 ★★★★★
Volume 3 ★★★★★
Volume 4 ★★★★★
Volume 5 ★★★★★
Volume 6 ★★★★★
Volume 7 ★★★★★
Volume 8 ★★★★★
Volume 9 ★★★★★
Volume 10 ★★★★★
Volume 11 ★★★★★
Absolutely adorable - in fact, I think I liked this one even better than Volume 1! I love that we got to meet Asako's family. Her younger brother Keita was immediately so lovable for me, as I'm a total sucker for those stoic, overly protective sibling characters, and I loved her parents and lil' Marosuke. I'm obsessed with how sweet and communicative Asako and Koutaro are! I love that they're open to each other about their insecurities and fears, even though the relationship is still so new. ♥ I have Volume 3 on hold from the library, but I'm tempted to go ahead and put the next few volumes on hold at the same time so I can just binge read!
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January 29, 2021
This is one of the best romance mangas I've ever read. SO CUTE.
So Asako starts off questioning Natori's assistant. It's super cute how jealous she is. She's not mean about it but just always wondering if she's good enough. And I think this is something people can all relate too, especially at the start of a relationship. Then we get into Asako's family and Natori going with her on a dinner date to meet her brother.
This is a really charming series, with such a great look into a working relationship with bumps along the way that most people go through. The dialogue is strong, the art is excellent, it has sexy moments but doesn't rely on them, and the ending is building towards more fun storylines.
Charming, sweet, cute, sexy, all in one package. Sweat and Soap is a manga you need to read.
So Asako starts off questioning Natori's assistant. It's super cute how jealous she is. She's not mean about it but just always wondering if she's good enough. And I think this is something people can all relate too, especially at the start of a relationship. Then we get into Asako's family and Natori going with her on a dinner date to meet her brother.
This is a really charming series, with such a great look into a working relationship with bumps along the way that most people go through. The dialogue is strong, the art is excellent, it has sexy moments but doesn't rely on them, and the ending is building towards more fun storylines.
Charming, sweet, cute, sexy, all in one package. Sweat and Soap is a manga you need to read.
January 5, 2022
Augh, it just gets better and better! I love how Asako and Natori's relationship progresses. Man, this is what you call a healthy relationship! I feel jealous because I see it as an idealistic example of one. Yes, jealousy is human nature, but I love how understanding Asako is despite feeling it. She does not hold grudge or get angry, you know that typical exhausting toxic relationship? It's not there, which is refreshing. I also love that despite being a clueless guy Natori is of women's feelings, I love that he considers Asako's feelings and fix the conflict as immediately whenever he "smells" something wrong. Every woman would be tripping while trying to get him. I also want a guy like him, lol! And the all rendezvous?!! Swoon!!
February 17, 2021
I made a choice and I am going to read this entire series lol (if my library has it) because even if its slowish and cute romance im enjoying these two!!
I'm wondering what else shall happen and if someone shall cause drama between the couple. 😒
Recommend-yes/maybe
Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Heat level-🌶🌶
I'm wondering what else shall happen and if someone shall cause drama between the couple. 😒
Recommend-yes/maybe
Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Heat level-🌶🌶
September 24, 2020
I really love how realistic Asako and Natori’s relationship is. It isn’t overly sexual but has a lot of sweet and tender moments, as well as the pair dealing with real issues that would come up in nearly anyone and everyone’s relationship.
I also really enjoyed seeing them interact with other characters like Asako’s family and their coworkers. Speaking of coworkers, I’m not entirely sure how I feel about Ichise-san (Natori’s kohai), while Asako’s Chief is starting to grow on me.
I feel like Ichise can be a potential problem in future manga volumes, although I hope she doesn’t because I want to like her as a character and learn more about her.
I also really enjoyed seeing them interact with other characters like Asako’s family and their coworkers. Speaking of coworkers, I’m not entirely sure how I feel about Ichise-san (Natori’s kohai), while Asako’s Chief is starting to grow on me.
I feel like Ichise can be a potential problem in future manga volumes, although I hope she doesn’t because I want to like her as a character and learn more about her.
April 28, 2020
I am madly in love with this series! I love that this truly feels like an adult relationship. Problems come up, and they are discussed between the couple. How to talk to the families is another topic in this volume, and it's great! Please read this series! More people really need to!
November 9, 2021
CUTEST COUPLE EVER akjfhska
Lots of caretaking of the hero by the heroine in this volume.
Also, the heroine's brother is hot af 🤐
Lots of caretaking of the hero by the heroine in this volume.
Also, the heroine's brother is hot af 🤐
July 16, 2025
cute sexy funny HEALTHY but was not expecting it to get me in my feels too, tf
February 20, 2022
3.5 stars
Why is this so funny in the wildest ways? 😭😂 Read via library.
Why is this so funny in the wildest ways? 😭😂 Read via library.
October 16, 2021
Only the mildest of conflicts and obstacles this time around. The secret relationship is revealed to a select few, but most of the time is spent with the sweet couple being all lovey-dovey and a little lusty. It's very quiet, but it makes me happy.
December 17, 2021
This series just keep getting better and her brother omg 😳 I loved him so much. I want him to have a romance so bad. Can’t wait to start volume 3 thank-you for such a good read and new experience into manga.
January 31, 2022
I thought I wouldn’t continue with the series because there are these moments between Asako and Kotaro that make me cringe (due to Asako’s extreme submissiveness and awkward nature), but there are so many sweet parts too! I’m going to at some point read vol. 3.
March 29, 2021
I’m loving this series! The relationship between these two feels so pure and I’m excited to watch it grow. I love the concept of us being introduced to various sides of the characters as the story progresses. Especially the jealousy.
The artwork isn’t my favourite style, but it’s still fun! I’ve already ordered the next few available volumes—here’s hoping it gets better and better!
Happy reading!
The artwork isn’t my favourite style, but it’s still fun! I’ve already ordered the next few available volumes—here’s hoping it gets better and better!
Happy reading!
May 17, 2020
Asako finds herself having to talk to Natori's assistant, Korisu Ichise, who she's worried might have a crush on Natori. Then Natori and Asako go on a company trip, where hiding their relationship becomes a little more difficult than expected. After that, Asako visits her family and ends up inviting Natori to the restaurant her brother Keita works at. Natori is aware of how close Asako is to Keita and wants to make a good impression. Meanwhile, Keita is convinced that Natori must secretly be a sleazebag who's playing his sister.
I still really like Yamada's art style, and Asako and Natori are a cute couple whose romance I'm enjoying, even if aspects of it are a bit weird. Still, this volume wasn't quite as good as the first one.
In the first volume, Asako's body odor insecurities were extremely intense. She'd use her work breaks to reapply deodorant and would stay quiet and still in order to avoid sweating. The fact that Natori liked the way she smelled and actually enjoyed it if she sweated a bit was embarrassing and surprising to her.
In this volume, it felt like the author scaled Asako's body odor insecurities way back, more than really made sense. Yes, Asako's self-esteem was gradually improving, but Asako had been dealing with these issues since childhood. She'd only been dating Natori for a couple months - it was hard to believe that she'd be able to go on a company trip without her body odor worries being much of an issue. I had thought she'd fret over the toiletries she needed to bring, whether anyone would notice all the stuff she'd packed, whether she'd be able to find time to reapply deodorant, etc., but from the sounds of things she might not have even brought any of her soaps and things from home - there was a part where Natori noted that she smelled like a soap that wasn't one of the ones he'd created.
I'm also not sure I liked the way Asako's jealousy over Korisu was handled. After their talk about the missed text message at the end of the first volume, I expected better from these characters than On the plus side, at least it was his own decision and not something Asako asked him to do.
The second half of the volume, featuring Asako's family, was great. I loved how close they all were, and I'm really looking forward to Natori eventually getting to meet the whole family. This time around, Natori just got to meet Asako's brother, who'd been protective of her since back when they were kids and she was being bullied. Dinner at the Italian restaurant Keita works at turned into a mini battle as Natori tried to make a good impression while Keita turned everything from their introduction to the menu into a test of Natori's character. Asako, meanwhile, was completely oblivious and thought they were getting along just fine.
I definitely plan to continue this series, even though this particular volume wasn't quite as enjoyable for me as the first one. Asako and Natori have been a pretty sweet and supportive couple so far, and it's nice to read a romance manga starring adults, relatively low-drama ones at that.
Extras:
- Character profiles for Asako, Natori, Korisu, and Keita
- A 2-page manga-style afterword by the author
- A one-page comic continuing the scene on the cover
- A profile page for Jin Okura, Asako's boss
- Two pages of translator's notes
- A "normal soup peperoncino" recipe
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
I still really like Yamada's art style, and Asako and Natori are a cute couple whose romance I'm enjoying, even if aspects of it are a bit weird. Still, this volume wasn't quite as good as the first one.
In the first volume, Asako's body odor insecurities were extremely intense. She'd use her work breaks to reapply deodorant and would stay quiet and still in order to avoid sweating. The fact that Natori liked the way she smelled and actually enjoyed it if she sweated a bit was embarrassing and surprising to her.
In this volume, it felt like the author scaled Asako's body odor insecurities way back, more than really made sense. Yes, Asako's self-esteem was gradually improving, but Asako had been dealing with these issues since childhood. She'd only been dating Natori for a couple months - it was hard to believe that she'd be able to go on a company trip without her body odor worries being much of an issue. I had thought she'd fret over the toiletries she needed to bring, whether anyone would notice all the stuff she'd packed, whether she'd be able to find time to reapply deodorant, etc., but from the sounds of things she might not have even brought any of her soaps and things from home - there was a part where Natori noted that she smelled like a soap that wasn't one of the ones he'd created.
I'm also not sure I liked the way Asako's jealousy over Korisu was handled. After their talk about the missed text message at the end of the first volume, I expected better from these characters than On the plus side, at least it was his own decision and not something Asako asked him to do.
The second half of the volume, featuring Asako's family, was great. I loved how close they all were, and I'm really looking forward to Natori eventually getting to meet the whole family. This time around, Natori just got to meet Asako's brother, who'd been protective of her since back when they were kids and she was being bullied. Dinner at the Italian restaurant Keita works at turned into a mini battle as Natori tried to make a good impression while Keita turned everything from their introduction to the menu into a test of Natori's character. Asako, meanwhile, was completely oblivious and thought they were getting along just fine.
I definitely plan to continue this series, even though this particular volume wasn't quite as enjoyable for me as the first one. Asako and Natori have been a pretty sweet and supportive couple so far, and it's nice to read a romance manga starring adults, relatively low-drama ones at that.
Extras:
- Character profiles for Asako, Natori, Korisu, and Keita
- A 2-page manga-style afterword by the author
- A one-page comic continuing the scene on the cover
- A profile page for Jin Okura, Asako's boss
- Two pages of translator's notes
- A "normal soup peperoncino" recipe
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
June 17, 2023
I think I found a new obsession
May 22, 2021
I love how cute this manga is. Watching the two main characters fight their own personal insecurities and juggle their relationship was adorable. If you like Wotakoi or Fruits Basket, I would recommend this series to you.
June 1, 2025
They are the cutest and sweetest manga couple
August 1, 2024
4.25 ☆ i’m honestly having so much fun reading this series. i rlly look forward to dive deeper into their relationship && i think it’s cute how she’s always so flustered haha && kotaro is the sweetest rlly…
August 16, 2021
Keita do be having my attention
March 27, 2022
Gracias a Keita descubrí que soy una sucker for the over protective brother trope
4 de 5 estrellas.
4 de 5 estrellas.
May 21, 2022
*3.5*
s’cute.
still weird, but cute.
idk fam nothing has been able to fill the hunter x hunter sized hole in my heart so i think i just have to rewatch the anime at this point
s’cute.
still weird, but cute.
idk fam nothing has been able to fill the hunter x hunter sized hole in my heart so i think i just have to rewatch the anime at this point
April 9, 2023
The couple is still cute! I love how their relationship progresses.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 523 reviews