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Sweat and Soap #4
Sweat and Soap, Vol. 4
Natori and Asako are back from their first trip together, a romantic getaway to Hokkaido. But when Asako returns to the office, her anxiety comes back, too, because it’s time to let their secret out and reveal their relationship to their coworkers. Natori sets up a lunch to introduce Asako to his teammates in product development. But this is a far cry from the accounting department, and Natori’s coworkers all seem fashionable, ambitious, cool—on a whole different level! Suddenly, those moments spent soaking in the hot spring bath seem so far away!
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!
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!
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2019
110 people are currently reading
686 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 346 reviews
December 2, 2022
This was so cute, I adore this couple so freaking much!!! And the scenes with Natori and her brother had me CACKLING 😂
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 ★★★★★
The level of communication this couple has? Beautiful. I need so many more media depictions of couples to show two adults sitting down to actually talk about things and learn how to help one another through uncomfortable feelings (anxiety, etc.) like these cuties do. I'm realizing, the further into the series I get, I think that's what is making this manga stand out so much to me: how healthy and authentic this relationship feels.
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November 8, 2020
This series just keeps exceeding not only my expectations, but most books in the romance genre. Let's hear it for open communication and partners who really are partners.
January 3, 2021
While I feel like the discussions on moving in with a significant other were a bit lighter than I would have liked, Natori still shows how mature he is for wanting to consult with others, fix his mistakes, and really listen Asako's feelings on the matter. Seriously, this series gets massive bonus points purely for having adults act like FUCKING ADULTS instead of teenagers trapped in adult bodies. I also like how both Asako and Natori are making lists of things they would want/ expectations both would have if they were to live with each other. It's a good jumping off point to spark conversations about household duties, supplies, etc.
Aside from that, Asako's meeting with her coworkers and Natori's coworkers was really sweet and adorable. I love how supportive everyone is and how they're willing to keep Asako's and Natori's relationship a secret without being promised anything in return. Boy, I never thought I'd be this starved for decent, supportive adults acting like responsible adults, but this series is keeping me fed. I am certainly not gonna complain about that.
While I feel like the pacing is a bit fast for a romance series, I don't think that it's so sudden that decisions like these come from nowhere. I am curious to see if the pacing slows a bit when they move in together, but even if it doesn't I'm still thoroughly enjoying this series.
Aside from that, Asako's meeting with her coworkers and Natori's coworkers was really sweet and adorable. I love how supportive everyone is and how they're willing to keep Asako's and Natori's relationship a secret without being promised anything in return. Boy, I never thought I'd be this starved for decent, supportive adults acting like responsible adults, but this series is keeping me fed. I am certainly not gonna complain about that.
While I feel like the pacing is a bit fast for a romance series, I don't think that it's so sudden that decisions like these come from nowhere. I am curious to see if the pacing slows a bit when they move in together, but even if it doesn't I'm still thoroughly enjoying this series.
February 21, 2021
Just finished Vol 4!!! My library has them and I might buy them when I get the funds this couple is so stinking cute!!!!! I love how they communicate with one another. When they are having tiny doubts they waste no time!!!
Ugh I can't wait for the next one!!!
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Heat level-🌶🌶
Ugh I can't wait for the next one!!!
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Heat level-🌶🌶
January 24, 2023
This is very cute and realistic, and I adore it. The communication trope is so expertly executed that I never once became agitated because the characters were silent and oblivious to one another.
February 23, 2022
This is such a profound and romantic meditation on what it means to be in a relationship!?! I legit teared up during the “moving-in-together” negotiations.
March 22, 2022
An expiring lease launches an entire volume of awkward, angsty, and romantic discussions about living arrangements. Low-key, but pleasurable for me.
It all felt a little cheapened though when the author felt obliged to tack on a bonus chapter sex scene at the end as an apology for lack of fan service in the preceding chapters.
It all felt a little cheapened though when the author felt obliged to tack on a bonus chapter sex scene at the end as an apology for lack of fan service in the preceding chapters.
March 26, 2021
Ah the big moving in chapter in life. It's always scary and always interesting. Meeting the friends...the big one.
I can't stress enough how amazing this series is. The relationship is one of the best I've seen. Filled with REAL issues not fake dramatic bullshit. Sexy parts that help enhance the story. The pacing is perfect, jumping into a new problems the right way. This is easily one of the best romantic manga if not THE best I've ever read.
Another 5 out of 5.
I can't stress enough how amazing this series is. The relationship is one of the best I've seen. Filled with REAL issues not fake dramatic bullshit. Sexy parts that help enhance the story. The pacing is perfect, jumping into a new problems the right way. This is easily one of the best romantic manga if not THE best I've ever read.
Another 5 out of 5.
January 5, 2022
Augh, I'm going to say it once more: It's so freaking adorable and I won't get tired of it!!! I just love these two characters so much! I want what they have!! Can you let me taste it?! Hahaha
December 6, 2021
I honestly forgot how cute and sweet this series was—even if it has its weird moments. I love seeing the female MC overcome her anxieties and insecurities, especially because there’s a scene where she asks herself if she deserves this level of happiness.
I can’t wait to binge the rest of this series! (I know volume 11 is technically not out yet, butttttt)
Happy reading!
I can’t wait to binge the rest of this series! (I know volume 11 is technically not out yet, butttttt)
Happy reading!
February 5, 2022
Makin lama makin suka sama couple ini 🥰
December 2, 2023
➺
4/5 🌟
asako and kotaro taking a step further into the relationship. i like their idea of the 'moving in together committee' that they started. they're really taking the serious route and they're not just casual about it. they're really taking all the things into consideration and it's really so good to see
asako and kotaro taking a step further into the relationship. i like their idea of the 'moving in together committee' that they started. they're really taking the serious route and they're not just casual about it. they're really taking all the things into consideration and it's really so good to see
June 1, 2023
Wieder volle 5 Sterne für diesen tollen Manga 😍
September 7, 2025
I can’t say anything I haven’t said before. The story still holds up. I’m still burning through these volumes and I’ve no regrets.
July 21, 2022
Continued progress of their relationship. Addressing the anxiety. Cuteness.
November 21, 2021
a healthy adult relationship which actually communicates >>>> WHAAT🤭❤️
can the other 90% other romance books learn something from this manga please 🙏🏼
can the other 90% other romance books learn something from this manga please 🙏🏼
October 12, 2020
Life marches on for our two leads, but this time around they’re facing the prospect of outing themselves to their coworkers as a couple and Koutaro decides to pop the question. No, not that question, the other one...
Sweat and Soap is a delight whenever it appears on my weekly release list and this volume is, indeed, no different. Adult-focused and relatable (and respectful), it is a mature look at two characters in love who feel closer to real people than most any other comic book characters.
Even with the cultural differences such as the endless post-work drinking, there’s nothing here that many a person won’t be able to relate to. From Koutaro being playfully tormented by his co-workers to Asano’s anxieties, this book just gets how a relationship works.
And they’re smart! So smart! Every time Asano is threatened by those anxieties she walks herself through her problems. I was ready to cheer the way the whole bento box chapter played out. Then when they discuss moving in together and start to lay out a groundwork? So good.
Koutaro is also so very respectful of her boundaries and it’s adorable watching as he slowly gets Asano to lower her defences and just be herself. The words ‘I’ll wait’ have never been so satisfying to see.
There’s another really great scene where Koutaro ends up going out with an office pal and a guy from sales we’ve seen previously. This leads to a real talk about relationships and expectations and people being blindsided by the desires of others for things like kids. Again, just a note perfect look at human relations as people age.
And they brought back the sexy! The author specifically includes a bonus chapter and it is a scorcher and very NSFW. This got delisted off the Kindle store and I have a sneaking suspicion this chapter is why, which is really annoying. Healthy relations between consenting adults? Woe betide!
It’s great though - these two are perfect together and while it’s very obvious what’s going on, it’s not as explicit as it could be (it’s definitely walking a line though). It’s another positive that this manga can show all aspects of Asana and Koutaro being together with equal care.
I was going to give this four stars because it’s good but not a standout, but on reflection this series does a lot of hard work and only makes it seem effortless. I’m going to be extra nice and reward it for doing so, just this once.
Sweat and Soap is a delight whenever it appears on my weekly release list and this volume is, indeed, no different. Adult-focused and relatable (and respectful), it is a mature look at two characters in love who feel closer to real people than most any other comic book characters.
Even with the cultural differences such as the endless post-work drinking, there’s nothing here that many a person won’t be able to relate to. From Koutaro being playfully tormented by his co-workers to Asano’s anxieties, this book just gets how a relationship works.
And they’re smart! So smart! Every time Asano is threatened by those anxieties she walks herself through her problems. I was ready to cheer the way the whole bento box chapter played out. Then when they discuss moving in together and start to lay out a groundwork? So good.
Koutaro is also so very respectful of her boundaries and it’s adorable watching as he slowly gets Asano to lower her defences and just be herself. The words ‘I’ll wait’ have never been so satisfying to see.
There’s another really great scene where Koutaro ends up going out with an office pal and a guy from sales we’ve seen previously. This leads to a real talk about relationships and expectations and people being blindsided by the desires of others for things like kids. Again, just a note perfect look at human relations as people age.
And they brought back the sexy! The author specifically includes a bonus chapter and it is a scorcher and very NSFW. This got delisted off the Kindle store and I have a sneaking suspicion this chapter is why, which is really annoying. Healthy relations between consenting adults? Woe betide!
It’s great though - these two are perfect together and while it’s very obvious what’s going on, it’s not as explicit as it could be (it’s definitely walking a line though). It’s another positive that this manga can show all aspects of Asana and Koutaro being together with equal care.
I was going to give this four stars because it’s good but not a standout, but on reflection this series does a lot of hard work and only makes it seem effortless. I’m going to be extra nice and reward it for doing so, just this once.
October 26, 2020
2020 Read #667
I was a tad disappointed in this volume even though the story’s moving along just fine and the characters are still fun. I just didn’t feel that “oomph” in this volume, I don’t know why. But I do love how the main couple is moving forward in their future together.
I was a tad disappointed in this volume even though the story’s moving along just fine and the characters are still fun. I just didn’t feel that “oomph” in this volume, I don’t know why. But I do love how the main couple is moving forward in their future together.
October 20, 2020
I continue to love this series with my whole heart and soul! Love seeing a healthy adult relationship actually communicate, and work as partners!
April 17, 2021
these motherfuckers. growing up and shit, communicating and everything. im so hecking proud.
June 22, 2023
These two are just so stinking CUUUUUTE
Read
March 7, 2021pls this manga is very cute 😭
more things i love from this manga:
• both the protagonists have healthy working relationships (i love their supportive coworkers)
• im so HAPPY the girl-on-girl jealousy died pretty quickly and the two girls even developed a friendly relationship!!
• it's very refreshing to see two characters who clearly communicate what they want and help each other grow.
>> natori's decision to give asako time and space whenever she needs it is very pleasing to my soul. especially in this volume, he really assessed what she felt about moving together, giving her words of affirmation, and he also walked her through the whole process while considering her apprehensions.
• you see, i love reading about healthy romantic relationships!!!! i truly live for this 😌
more things i love from this manga:
• both the protagonists have healthy working relationships (i love their supportive coworkers)
• im so HAPPY the girl-on-girl jealousy died pretty quickly and the two girls even developed a friendly relationship!!
• it's very refreshing to see two characters who clearly communicate what they want and help each other grow.
>> natori's decision to give asako time and space whenever she needs it is very pleasing to my soul. especially in this volume, he really assessed what she felt about moving together, giving her words of affirmation, and he also walked her through the whole process while considering her apprehensions.
• you see, i love reading about healthy romantic relationships!!!! i truly live for this 😌
October 13, 2024
i am once again raving at how cute this romance is, top tier in all respects, i love it so much!!
July 3, 2025
4.75 ⭐️ love this series 😅
April 22, 2023
Tbh I didn’t expect this to become a mecha manga but I’m not upset about it
April 22, 2023
*sniff snorff*
November 23, 2021
Omg. This manga is perfect in every way.
My only thing is that I think the brother, Kaita, is WAY cuter than Natori. I dont see his appeal, physically, but the female lead is also really mousy looking. So I guess it works.
But this series is amazing. I am trying to take my time as it's still being serialized, and I dont want to read it all at once.
Highly recommend!!! The ecchi is my favorite part of the series too 🤤
My only thing is that I think the brother, Kaita, is WAY cuter than Natori. I dont see his appeal, physically, but the female lead is also really mousy looking. So I guess it works.
But this series is amazing. I am trying to take my time as it's still being serialized, and I dont want to read it all at once.
Highly recommend!!! The ecchi is my favorite part of the series too 🤤
November 8, 2021
I don’t think I will ever not rate this manga 5 stars. It’s just so cute and makes me smile the entire time I’m reading it. I am obsessed!
February 21, 2023
Adorable adorable adorable and made me feel very, very single. Thanks!
Such a sweet volume.
(Glad for the author warning before the service chapter at the end......... Note to self: Avoid it lol)
Such a sweet volume.
(Glad for the author warning before the service chapter at the end......... Note to self: Avoid it lol)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 346 reviews