Sweat and Soap

Summary

Sweat and Soap (Japanese: あせとせっけん, Hepburn: Ase to Sekken) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kintetsu Yamada. It was serialized in Kodansha's digital seinen manga magazine D Morning from June 2018 to August 2019, and later in Morning from October 2019 to January 2021, with its chapters collected in tankōbon volumes. A nine-episode television drama adaptation was broadcast on MBS from February to April 2022.

Sweat and Soap
First volume cover, featuring Asako Yaeshima (left) and Kotaro Natori
あせとせっけん
(Ase to Sekken)
Genre
Manga
Written byKintetsu Yamada
Published byKodansha
English publisher
Magazine
  • D Morning (June 21, 2018 – August 22, 2019)
  • Morning (October 3, 2019 – January 7, 2021)
DemographicSeinen
Original runJune 21, 2018January 7, 2021
Volumes11
Television drama
Directed by
  • Shūhei Shibue
  • Yuki Kumagai
Written by
  • Moral
  • Tete Inoue
  • Santa Ikegame
Original networkMBS
Original run February 4, 2022 April 1, 2022
Episodes9

Plot edit

Asako Yaeshima is a timid office worker at Lilia Drop, a toiletry company. Asako loves the company, because she is ashamed of her sweating problems and body odor, and the scent of the soap produced by the company is the only thing capable of undermining her insecurities. However, when Kotaro Natori, the company's lead product developer, approaches her and gets a deep whiff, he states that he loves Asako's smell and finds her inspirational. As the two continue to meet for work, Asako begins to care less about being sniffed by Kotaro, and they start a romantic relationship.

Characters edit

Asako Yaeshima (八重島 麻子, Yaeshima Asako)
Portrayed by: Yuno Ōhara[3]
Kotaro Natori (名取 香太郎, Natori Kotaro)
Portrayed by: Kanta Sato[3]
Korisu Ichise
Portrayed by: Haruka Kudō[4]
Keita Yaeshima
Portrayed by: Kazuto Mokudai[4]
Yūji Suzumura
Portrayed by: Shūzō Ōhira[4]
Maki Sakashita
Portrayed by: Ayaka Nakata[4]
Osamu Hashitani
Portrayed by: Yūsaku Mori[4]
Jin Ōkura
Portrayed by: Mansaku Ikeuchi[4]

Media edit

Manga edit

Written and illustrated by Kintetsu Yamada [ja], a one-shot chapter of Sweat and Soap was published on Kodansha's digital manga magazine D Morning on January 4, 2018.[5] It was later published as a full-fledged serialized manga in the same magazine from June 21, 2018,[6] to August 22, 2019.[7] The series was then transferred to Morning, being serialized from October 3, 2019,[8] to January 7, 2021.[9][10] Kodansha collected its chapters in eleven tankōbon volumes, released from October 10, 2018,[1] to May 21, 2021.[11]

In North America, Kodansha USA announced the English language release of the manga in July 2019.[12] The eleven volumes were published from February 25, 2020,[13] to December 14, 2021.[14]

After the serialization, Yamada published a 24-page doujinshi titled Kodomo Tsukuru Hon (こどもつくる本, "A Book of Making a Baby") in Comitia 136 in June 2021. The story is about Asako and Kotaro having sex without contraception for the first time.[15][16]

Volumes edit

No. Original release date Original ISBN English release date English ISBN
1 October 10, 2018[17]978-4-06-513342-2February 25, 2020[13]978-1-64659-336-1
2 January 23, 2019[18]978-4-06-514297-4April 28, 2020[19]978-1-64659-474-0
3 April 23, 2019[20]978-4-06-515186-0August 18, 2020[21]978-1-64659-573-0
4 July 23, 2019[22]978-4-06-516516-4October 20, 2020[23]978-1-64651-006-1
5 October 23, 2019[24]978-4-06-517224-7
978-4-06-517777-8 (LE)
January 5, 2021[25]978-1-64659-435-1
6 January 23, 2020[26]978-4-06-518208-6
978-4-06-518783-8 (LE)
June 1, 2021[27]978-1-64659-766-6
7 April 23, 2020[28]978-4-06-519205-4
978-4-06-519708-0 (LE)
July 27, 2021[29]978-1-64659773-4
8 July 20, 2020[30]978-4-06-520281-4
978-4-06-520364-4 (LE)
August 31, 2021[31]978-1-64659779-6
9 November 20, 2020[32]978-4-06-520980-6
978-4-06-521127-4 (LE)
September 21, 2021[33]978-1-63699390-4
10 February 22, 2021[34]978-4-06-522342-0
978-4-06-522341-3 (LE)
November 16, 2021[35]978-1-63699391-1
11 May 21, 2021[36]978-4-06-523109-8
978-4-06-523274-3 (LE)
December 14, 2021[14]978-1-64651297-3

Drama edit

In January 2022, it was announced that the series would receive a television drama adaptation, which was broadcast on MBS's Drama Tokku programming block from February 4 to April 1 of the same year.[3][37][a]

Reception edit

Sweat and Soap placed second in the third annual Tsutaya Comic Awards in 2019.[39] The series also placed ninth in the fifth Next Manga Awards in the digital category.[40] Alongside Dr. Stone and Heterogenia Linguistico, the series ranked 17th on Takarajimasha's Kono Manga ga Sugoi! list of best manga of 2020 for male readers.[41] It ranked sixth on "Nationwide Bookstore Employees' Recommended Comics of 2020" by the Honya Club online bookstore.[42] The manga was nominated for the 45th Kodansha Manga Award in the general category in 2021.[43]

Rebecca Silverman from Anime News Network wrote that while the "sniff-based" romance is a "bit awkward" or "uncomfortable", it is "worth giving this a chance anyway", adding: "it's easy to get behind Asako and Natori and in romance, that's often the most important thing."[44] Brittany Vincent from Otaku USA called the main characters' relationship "downright enviable", and wrote that the story is "unique and moves along at a good clip."[45] Demelza from Anime UK News wrote that despite a premise "somewhat creepy and off-putting", she "wasn't expecting such a sweet romance series", calling the "wholesome content of the story" a "compelling and heartwarming read", concluding: "If you're looking for a sweet love story involving adult characters then certainly give this one a go!."[2]

Notes edit

  1. ^ MBS lists the air dates for the series on Thursday at 25:09, which is effectively Friday at 1:09 a.m. JST.[38]

References edit

  1. ^ a b 君のにおいを嗅ぎに来ます!多汗女子と嗅覚男子のフェチラブコメ「あせとせっけん」. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. October 10, 2019. Archived from the original on December 20, 2020. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  2. ^ a b Demelza (March 11, 2020). "Sweat and Soap Volume 1 Review". Anime UK News. Archived from the original on August 3, 2021. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c Pineda, Rafael (January 13, 2022). "Sweat and Soap Romantic Comedy Manga Gets Live-Action Show on February 3". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on January 14, 2022. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Pineda, Rafael Antonio (January 20, 2022). "Live-Action Sweat and Soap Show Adds 6 Cast Members". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on January 20, 2022. Retrieved January 20, 2022.
  5. ^ Kintetsu Yamada [@KintetsuYMD] (January 3, 2018). 本日配信のDモーニングに読み切り「あせとせっけん」が掲載されてます!今回ちょっと毛色がちがって、少し女性向けな感じな上に少ないですがえろしーんがあります…それでも大丈夫な方はアプリをインストールすれば無料で読めるので是非…! (Tweet) (in Japanese). Retrieved September 3, 2022 – via Twitter.
  6. ^ Yamada, Kintetsu [@KintetsuYMD] (June 13, 2018). 6/21(木)より講談社Dモーニングにて「あせとせっけん」を週刊連載します…!!初連載でアワアワしどうしですが楽しみつつ頑張ります!!どうぞよろしくお願い致します!!! (Tweet) (in Japanese). Archived from the original on April 9, 2021. Retrieved April 8, 2021 – via Twitter.
  7. ^ Morning [@morningmanga] (August 22, 2019). #Dモーニング 38号本日配信!『 #あせとせっけん 』掲載中です! (Tweet) (in Japanese). Archived from the original on April 8, 2021. Retrieved April 8, 2021 – via Twitter.
  8. ^ 多汗女子と嗅覚男子のにおいフェチラブコメ「あせとせっけん」同棲編がモーニングで. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. October 3, 2019. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  9. ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (December 10, 2020). "Kintetsu Yamada's Sweat and Soap Manga Ends on January 7". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on March 6, 2021. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  10. ^ DCを代表するヴィラン・ジョーカーが子育てに奮闘する新連載「ワンオペJOKER」. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. January 7, 2021. Archived from the original on February 1, 2021. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  11. ^ 山田金鉄「あせとせっけん」最終11巻発売、特装版には"結婚式招待状&席次表"も. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. May 21, 2021. Archived from the original on August 3, 2021. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  12. ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (July 6, 2019). "Kodansha Licenses 6 New Manga, Acquires Saiyuki, Chobits, Clover". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on July 7, 2019. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  13. ^ a b Sherman, Jennifer (February 27, 2020). "North American Anime, Manga Releases, February 23-29". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 9, 2020. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
  14. ^ a b Mateo, Alex (December 14, 2021). "North American Anime, Manga Releases, December 12-18". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on December 16, 2021. Retrieved January 5, 2022.
  15. ^ Kintetsu Yamada [@KintetsuYMD] (June 5, 2021). コミティア新刊同人誌「こどもつくる本」の電子版が配信開始されました!電子版お求めの方は下記配信サイトさんよりどうぞ! (Tweet) (in Japanese). Retrieved September 3, 2022 – via Twitter.
  16. ^ こどもつくる本. DMM.com (in Japanese). Retrieved January 14, 2022.
  17. ^ 【10月10日付】本日発売の単行本リスト. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. October 10, 2018. Archived from the original on August 3, 2021. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  18. ^ 【1月23日付】本日発売の単行本リスト. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. January 23, 2019. Archived from the original on August 3, 2021. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  19. ^ Sherman, Jennifer (April 28, 2020). "North American Anime, Manga Releases, April 26-May 2". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 8, 2021. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
  20. ^ 【4月23日付】本日発売の単行本リスト. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. April 23, 2019. Archived from the original on August 3, 2021. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  21. ^ Sherman, Jennifer (August 18, 2020). "North American Anime, Manga Releases, August 16-22". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 8, 2021. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
  22. ^ 【7月23日付】本日発売の単行本リスト. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. July 23, 2019. Archived from the original on August 3, 2021. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  23. ^ Sherman, Jennifer (October 20, 2020). "North American Anime, Manga Releases, October 18-24". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on January 13, 2021. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
  24. ^ 【10月23日付】本日発売の単行本リスト. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. October 23, 2019. Archived from the original on December 12, 2019. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  25. ^ Sherman, Jennifer (January 8, 2021). "North American Anime, Manga Releases, January 3-9". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 8, 2021. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
  26. ^ 【1月23日付】本日発売の単行本リスト. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. January 23, 2020. Archived from the original on August 3, 2021. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  27. ^ Sweat and Soap, Volume 6. Kodansha USA. Archived from the original on March 30, 2021. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  28. ^ 【4月23日付】本日発売の単行本リスト. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. April 23, 2020. Archived from the original on August 3, 2021. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  29. ^ Mateo, Alex (July 27, 2021). "North American Anime, Manga Releases, July 25-31". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 8, 2021. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
  30. ^ 【7月20日付】本日発売の単行本リスト. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. July 20, 2020. Archived from the original on August 3, 2021. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  31. ^ Mateo, Alex (August 31, 2021). "North American Anime, Manga Releases, August 29-September 4". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 8, 2021. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
  32. ^ 【11月20日付】本日発売の単行本リスト. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. November 20, 2020. Archived from the original on November 18, 2021. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  33. ^ Mateo, Alex (September 21, 2021). "North American Anime, Manga Releases, September 19-25". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on October 21, 2021. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
  34. ^ 【2月22日付】本日発売の単行本リスト. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. February 22, 2021. Archived from the original on August 3, 2021. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  35. ^ Mateo, Alex (November 16, 2021). "North American Anime, Manga Releases, November 14-20". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  36. ^ 【5月21日付】本日発売の単行本リスト. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. May 21, 2021. Archived from the original on August 3, 2021. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  37. ^ 吹き出す人続出!漫画『あせとせっけん』実写ドラマの演出が「超斬新!」と話題に. Shūkan Gendai (in Japanese). Kodansha. March 31, 2022. Archived from the original on March 31, 2022. Retrieved May 15, 2022.
  38. ^ 「あせとせっけん」ビジュアル解禁、チョーキューメイと天月-あまつき-が主題歌担当. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. January 25, 2022. Archived from the original on February 14, 2022. Retrieved February 14, 2022.
  39. ^ みんなが選ぶTSUTAYAコミック大賞2019 結果発表!. Tsutaya (in Japanese). Culture Convenience Club. Archived from the original on November 2, 2020. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  40. ^ "SPY × FAMILY, Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Win Tsugi ni Kuru Manga Award 2019". Anime News Network. August 22, 2019. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved November 26, 2021.
  41. ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (December 11, 2019). "Kono Manga ga Sugoi! Editors Unveil 2020 Rankings". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on March 24, 2021. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  42. ^ Mateo, Alex (February 1, 2020). "Japanese Bookstores Recommend 15 Top Manga for 2020". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on February 1, 2020. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  43. ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (April 7, 2021). "45th Annual Kodansha Manga Awards' Nominees Announced". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on April 7, 2021. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  44. ^ Silverman, Rebecca (March 24, 2020). "Sweat and Soap GN 1 - Review". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on August 10, 2021. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
  45. ^ Vincent, Brittany (August 26, 2020). "Sweat and Soap [Manga Review]". Otaku USA. Archived from the original on August 10, 2021. Retrieved August 2, 2021.

External links edit

  • Official manga website at Morning (in Japanese)
  • Official drama website at MBS (in Japanese)
  • Sweat and Soap (manga) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia