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Sweat and Soap #6
Sweat and Soap, Vol. 6
In an office romance, there's a fine line between sexy and awkward... and that line is where Asako -- a woman who sweats copiusly -- met Koutarou -- a perfume developer who can't get enough of Asako's, er, scent. Don't miss a romcom manga like no other!
WOULDN’T IT BE NICE
Despite all the anxieties and obstacles, Asako and Natori’s relationship has proven its staying power. Since deciding to move in together, they’ve found a home they both like, and a new chapter in both their lives has begun! But now that they’ve taken this adult step, there’s an even bigger one looming further up the staircase…but can Asako even think about marriage without breaking a sweat?
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!
WOULDN’T IT BE NICE
Despite all the anxieties and obstacles, Asako and Natori’s relationship has proven its staying power. Since deciding to move in together, they’ve found a home they both like, and a new chapter in both their lives has begun! But now that they’ve taken this adult step, there’s an even bigger one looming further up the staircase…but can Asako even think about marriage without breaking a sweat?
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!
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 23, 2020
72 people are currently reading
661 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews
January 30, 2023
I just love and adore them so much. Their relationship and the way they communicate with each other is so cute and inspiring and healthy. 💕 I also love that this one takes place around Valentines Day, feels very timely to be reading it.
June 2, 2021
I live for how this couple communicates with each other they’re so cute 🥰
January 27, 2023
I'm learning how to handle relationships through this manga.
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 ★★★★★
Awww, their first little tiff. 🥺 I really appreciate that the author didn't use it as an opportunity to have this big, awful dramatic miscommunication moment that would worry the reader, but instead let us keep moving along with these sweet little beans. ♥
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February 23, 2022
I wept when Asako hugged Kotaro while he was washing the dishes, so… I have a problem.
June 24, 2021
I LOVE THIS COUPLE!!! the way these two are working as a couple makes my heart go bump bump!! They have tiny misunderstanding and watching them work and talk is so good. Can't wait for the next one.
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Heat level-🌶
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Heat level-🌶
October 10, 2021
I always appreciate how “real” this manga feels in regards to an adult relationship.
July 16, 2021
More like a 3.5 for this volume because I felt Kotaro was a bit off the mark with his birthday reaction. (Understandable, but still.) This remains head and shoulders above every other romance manga, however.
June 8, 2021
Asako and Natori are on the cusp of a whole new dynamic in their relationship, but they have to survive Asako’s birthday first. Between a brief clash over business cards and then the dawning reality of living together, there’s still lots to learn for our lovebirds.
Manga’s best couple return for another volume and I couldn’t be happier. Outside of Natori’s sweat fetish, which, hey, everybody’s got something, these two are almost aggressively normal and I can’t get enough of their perfectly ordinary relationship.
The driving action this volume is the big move and, as most anybody who has experienced this can attest to, it’s a whole other ballgame when you move in with the person you love and are spending the majority of your time with them.
Even the time you spend apart takes on a different flavour when the person you’re with is coming back to you sooner or later, rather than it being a ‘see you next date’ situation. This instalment captures all of this so very well.
Between the loneliness of the above situation to the giddy joy of waking up next to the person you care about to the simple pleasure of organizing your lives in a shared space (this one can go either way, trust me as somebody who’s engaged but whose home has never not had two separate sets of cutlery), Asako and Natori are fantastically real.
Living together is also a great way to find some new aggravations to work through and the seeds for this one are sown early on during Asako’s birthday when a passing florist tries to hit on her.
To be clear, Asako does nothing wrong, but I totally get where Natori is coming from with his reasoning too. It’s just a difference in how the actions are being weighed by the two of them, which is nicely contrasted by the Valentine’s chapter earlier.
After they have a fairly emotional talk and make up, it seems like things are fine, but the story is also here to remind you that the people we care for the most are sometimes the most difficult to be completely honest with.
When Natori ends up course correcting to an unpleasant degree, leaving Asako feeling like she isn’t a partner but more of a pet, things utterly explode in a tirade of assertiveness that really shows how far Asako has come as a character.
It’s unfortunate that this is also my big complaint about the volume, where the resolution to this argument is glossed over in literally a page of text. On one hand you can argue that these two are so great together that we know they’ve got this and that this is all we really need to see.
On the other, it really kind of cuts the legs out from that story because a big fight in a book this consistently well-written feels like we should expect, and deserve, a nuanced response. It feels like the rare misstep for the writing to just shrug and say, ‘trust me, they’re gonna be fine’.
4 stars, maybe 4.5. Unfortunately, that last page is what lingered most after I’d read this volume and not in a good way. Despite how much I like Asako calling him out on it, I felt Natori got a little too scent-shamed this volume too. As I said, these two are the best couple and this is the best ‘real relationship’ manga I have ever read, but this just isn’t its best entry.
Manga’s best couple return for another volume and I couldn’t be happier. Outside of Natori’s sweat fetish, which, hey, everybody’s got something, these two are almost aggressively normal and I can’t get enough of their perfectly ordinary relationship.
The driving action this volume is the big move and, as most anybody who has experienced this can attest to, it’s a whole other ballgame when you move in with the person you love and are spending the majority of your time with them.
Even the time you spend apart takes on a different flavour when the person you’re with is coming back to you sooner or later, rather than it being a ‘see you next date’ situation. This instalment captures all of this so very well.
Between the loneliness of the above situation to the giddy joy of waking up next to the person you care about to the simple pleasure of organizing your lives in a shared space (this one can go either way, trust me as somebody who’s engaged but whose home has never not had two separate sets of cutlery), Asako and Natori are fantastically real.
Living together is also a great way to find some new aggravations to work through and the seeds for this one are sown early on during Asako’s birthday when a passing florist tries to hit on her.
To be clear, Asako does nothing wrong, but I totally get where Natori is coming from with his reasoning too. It’s just a difference in how the actions are being weighed by the two of them, which is nicely contrasted by the Valentine’s chapter earlier.
After they have a fairly emotional talk and make up, it seems like things are fine, but the story is also here to remind you that the people we care for the most are sometimes the most difficult to be completely honest with.
When Natori ends up course correcting to an unpleasant degree, leaving Asako feeling like she isn’t a partner but more of a pet, things utterly explode in a tirade of assertiveness that really shows how far Asako has come as a character.
It’s unfortunate that this is also my big complaint about the volume, where the resolution to this argument is glossed over in literally a page of text. On one hand you can argue that these two are so great together that we know they’ve got this and that this is all we really need to see.
On the other, it really kind of cuts the legs out from that story because a big fight in a book this consistently well-written feels like we should expect, and deserve, a nuanced response. It feels like the rare misstep for the writing to just shrug and say, ‘trust me, they’re gonna be fine’.
4 stars, maybe 4.5. Unfortunately, that last page is what lingered most after I’d read this volume and not in a good way. Despite how much I like Asako calling him out on it, I felt Natori got a little too scent-shamed this volume too. As I said, these two are the best couple and this is the best ‘real relationship’ manga I have ever read, but this just isn’t its best entry.
February 15, 2023
Once again, Sweat & Soap proves itself to be beyond most, if not any, romance manga published before it. This series has humor, charm, and heartbreaking moments. All while showing what it truly means to be in a healthy, honest relationship.
September 10, 2022
Loved that they communicated, even if it was through a fight.
October 27, 2022
Moving in together puts a little stress on the relationship of our lovey-dovey couple and finally gives the series a little drama.
June 15, 2025
Cuteness overload 🥰
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Subscribe to my channel and check out more videos here: Ginnie Reads
December 5, 2024
Ugh ... this made me almost 🤏🏾 consider maybe 🤏🏾 try dat... dati... datin...**coughs and almost throws up**🤧 nah, never mind. This was, however, super duper cute 🎀🌸🩷🧁
June 26, 2021
I still absolutely love this title.
This time we have Asako wanting to do something special for Koutarou for Valentine's day. So she decides to get some sexy clothing which turns out to be a really sweet, and then very sexy, moment later. We also deal with the couple finally moving in together. Anyone who's moved in with your partner knows this can be an interesting time in your life, getting used to someone in your life all the time, good and bad.
I really loved that they had their first kind of fight. And the fact Asako finally spoke up for herself. They are learning from each other, and TALKING, which is such a nice change of pace from the normal fake drama in romance. The art stays great, a good mix of comedy bits, funny faces, really great shots, and good sex scenes.
This is probably going down as one of the best romance mangas of all time IMO.
This time we have Asako wanting to do something special for Koutarou for Valentine's day. So she decides to get some sexy clothing which turns out to be a really sweet, and then very sexy, moment later. We also deal with the couple finally moving in together. Anyone who's moved in with your partner knows this can be an interesting time in your life, getting used to someone in your life all the time, good and bad.
I really loved that they had their first kind of fight. And the fact Asako finally spoke up for herself. They are learning from each other, and TALKING, which is such a nice change of pace from the normal fake drama in romance. The art stays great, a good mix of comedy bits, funny faces, really great shots, and good sex scenes.
This is probably going down as one of the best romance mangas of all time IMO.
June 12, 2021
This is officially the best Josei romance manga I've ever read. Seriously.
Kotaro and Asako are such a wonderful couple that experience the typical ups and downs of any relationship, but unlike MANY romance series, they have the maturity to use their words and actually talk through their problems. It has been so long since I've read a romance book, manga or novel, that deals with jealousy in such a mature, sensitive, and realistic way. Thank you, Yamada, you have blessed this world with your creation and the world is better for it.
That aside, this was more cute, sweet, wonderful fluffiness with one of my fave couples and I savored every page and every panel. I truly love these two and their relationship and am looking forward to seeing more now that they've moved in together.
Love this series, I want more ASAP!
Kotaro and Asako are such a wonderful couple that experience the typical ups and downs of any relationship, but unlike MANY romance series, they have the maturity to use their words and actually talk through their problems. It has been so long since I've read a romance book, manga or novel, that deals with jealousy in such a mature, sensitive, and realistic way. Thank you, Yamada, you have blessed this world with your creation and the world is better for it.
That aside, this was more cute, sweet, wonderful fluffiness with one of my fave couples and I savored every page and every panel. I truly love these two and their relationship and am looking forward to seeing more now that they've moved in together.
Love this series, I want more ASAP!
July 12, 2021
I cannot rave about this series enough. It's such an adorable slice of life. It baffles me that it's supposedly considered a seinen. I reject that and I'm calling it a josei. I don't care. I don't care. This couple is the epitome of the healthy couple I want to swoon over. Flawless communication even if it make them uncomfortable. They're so considerate and loving which is such a change from most adult relationships depicted in manga. Please keep in mind this is a pure slice of life manga. There is no overarching plot. We are watching their day to day lives and I CANNOT get enough. I'm preordered through volume 9 and I need them to arrive now! Highly, HIGHLY recommend.
December 3, 2023
➺
4/5 🌟
Their first 'real' couple fight and I loved how they handled it. The communication is great, they try to talk it out and solve the problem as soon as possible. I'm glad they didn't dragged their conflicts out, it's so good to see such a mature relationship
Their first 'real' couple fight and I loved how they handled it. The communication is great, they try to talk it out and solve the problem as soon as possible. I'm glad they didn't dragged their conflicts out, it's so good to see such a mature relationship
June 2, 2021
theyre so cute >.< T_T
April 24, 2023
This has absolutely no reason to be this cute
April 24, 2023
It’s so warm and gooey and adorable and sweet. I can’t!
December 21, 2023
While I loved this one, too, the miscommunication in here was a little much. But other than that, I love Asako and Kotaro and them getting domestic was too cute.
P.S. I love Keita
P.S. I love Keita
June 24, 2021
4.25 stars
Love seeing their relationship grow!
Love seeing their relationship grow!
July 20, 2021
Even when things start to get bumpy, they still manage to communicate. I wish Asako could be a little more assertive, though.
May 26, 2021
To be honest, it's refreshing to read a manga where the couple ACTUALLY COMMUNICATES!
November 10, 2023
4 stars
I love the romance between these two, but this was not my favorite volume. It was kind of long-winded and while the move-in together plot was interesting and the communication was adorable and so good, I wasn't particularly moved by this volume.
I love the romance between these two, but this was not my favorite volume. It was kind of long-winded and while the move-in together plot was interesting and the communication was adorable and so good, I wasn't particularly moved by this volume.
October 3, 2022
More like 3.5⭐s
I can't bring myself to round it up
Something about Natori's actions felt off to me in this one. I just can't put my finger on it🤔
I can't bring myself to round it up
Something about Natori's actions felt off to me in this one. I just can't put my finger on it🤔
August 28, 2025
They feel like such a real and authentic couple, and perfect for each other. I love how well they communicate and how much they love each other. This series is such a happy read 📖
August 29, 2022
Zapach miłości #6 ♡
Czas przejść do recenzji kolejnego tomu „Zapachu miłości”.
Nadciągają duże zmiany w życiu naszej księgowej oraz jej ukochanego.
Nasza urocza para przeprowadziła się do wspólnego mieszkania.
Każdy ma w nowym domu wyznaczone obowiązki, jednak Natori niekoniecznie ich przestrzega.
Chce dogodzić swojej partnerce, w skutek czego dochodzi do małej sprzeczki między nimi dwojga.
W tej części ich relacja bazuję zdecydowanie na typowym związku pełnym wzlotów i upadków.
Można uznać to za nudne, ale jest w tym coś wyjątkowego.
Zbliżają się również urodziny Asako. Natori jest zdeterminowany, by uczynić je najlepszymi, tak jak udało się to zrobić naszej bohaterce w trzecim tomie.
Bohaterami są dorosłe osoby.
Każda ich wypowiedź, kwestia oraz myśl, bez zaprzeczenia różni się od intuicji nastolatków.
Jestem pod wrażeniem
przemiany Yaeshimy.
To nie cicha myszka, jaką
poznaliśmy na początku historii.
Ona już umie wyrazić swoje zdanie i wyraźnie nie popiera zachowania Koutarou.
Zauważa, że obchodzi się z nią niezwykle ostrożnie.
Traktuję ją jak księżniczkę, a wszelakie obowiązki domowe, przydziela wyłącznie na samego siebie.
Ostatni rozdział jest dość ważnym punktem w ich dalszej relacji.
Akurat tego mogłoby być troszkę więcej, bo spodobała mi się druga strona Asako ^^
Czas przejść do recenzji kolejnego tomu „Zapachu miłości”.
Nadciągają duże zmiany w życiu naszej księgowej oraz jej ukochanego.
Nasza urocza para przeprowadziła się do wspólnego mieszkania.
Każdy ma w nowym domu wyznaczone obowiązki, jednak Natori niekoniecznie ich przestrzega.
Chce dogodzić swojej partnerce, w skutek czego dochodzi do małej sprzeczki między nimi dwojga.
W tej części ich relacja bazuję zdecydowanie na typowym związku pełnym wzlotów i upadków.
Można uznać to za nudne, ale jest w tym coś wyjątkowego.
Zbliżają się również urodziny Asako. Natori jest zdeterminowany, by uczynić je najlepszymi, tak jak udało się to zrobić naszej bohaterce w trzecim tomie.
Bohaterami są dorosłe osoby.
Każda ich wypowiedź, kwestia oraz myśl, bez zaprzeczenia różni się od intuicji nastolatków.
Jestem pod wrażeniem
przemiany Yaeshimy.
To nie cicha myszka, jaką
poznaliśmy na początku historii.
Ona już umie wyrazić swoje zdanie i wyraźnie nie popiera zachowania Koutarou.
Zauważa, że obchodzi się z nią niezwykle ostrożnie.
Traktuję ją jak księżniczkę, a wszelakie obowiązki domowe, przydziela wyłącznie na samego siebie.
Ostatni rozdział jest dość ważnym punktem w ich dalszej relacji.
Akurat tego mogłoby być troszkę więcej, bo spodobała mi się druga strona Asako ^^
December 26, 2021
I am starting to get a bit bored.
I think the crux of the drama in their relationship is that Asako has low self esteem so she's timid and never knows what to do (like when a strange white man gives you his business card, that she kept!, after hitting on that caused your boyfriend to intervene).
I often feel like her character has some spunk when she glares at Natori or sticks up for herself in some way. But it feels sluggish.
And since I dont read romance very generally, either in manga or generalized fiction, I don't know if this type of character is popular in the genre. But it VERY tiresome to see this character struggle with things that she need not struggle with!
Speak up! Stop being self conscious about your bra size (she wears a G cup, and while this would normally be considered desirable in a woman, she has no real interest in her body outside of how much she sweats).
Actually, I think I would be happier to learn more about why Asako had not had a boyfriend before, and her relationship with her body. Because yes, being teased aa a child for being sweaty is awful. But as a grown woman, are you really holding out to childhood trauma like that? Or is there more?
Once I get more of a deep dive into her character, I think I can enjoy it more.
I think the crux of the drama in their relationship is that Asako has low self esteem so she's timid and never knows what to do (like when a strange white man gives you his business card, that she kept!, after hitting on that caused your boyfriend to intervene).
I often feel like her character has some spunk when she glares at Natori or sticks up for herself in some way. But it feels sluggish.
And since I dont read romance very generally, either in manga or generalized fiction, I don't know if this type of character is popular in the genre. But it VERY tiresome to see this character struggle with things that she need not struggle with!
Speak up! Stop being self conscious about your bra size (she wears a G cup, and while this would normally be considered desirable in a woman, she has no real interest in her body outside of how much she sweats).
Actually, I think I would be happier to learn more about why Asako had not had a boyfriend before, and her relationship with her body. Because yes, being teased aa a child for being sweaty is awful. But as a grown woman, are you really holding out to childhood trauma like that? Or is there more?
Once I get more of a deep dive into her character, I think I can enjoy it more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews