Ase to Sekken

Ase to Sekken, or Sweat and Soap, was created by mangaka Kintetsu Yamada and originally serialized in Kodansha's Morning magazine from 2018 to 2021. The series emerged as a prominent title in the office-romance genre, centering on the unconventional relationship between Asako Yaeshima, who suffers from excessive sweating, and Kotaro Natori, a product developer at a toiletry company. The narrative was widely noted for its departure from traditional romance tropes, choosing instead to focus on mutual respect, healthy communication, and the gradual building of intimacy between two professional adults.

The design and artistic approach of the series emphasize detailed character expressions and the tactile nature of the workplace setting. Yamada’s illustrations are characterized by a clean, deliberate style that grounds the story’s more intimate moments in a realistic, everyday environment. Upon release, the series received significant critical acclaim for its mature treatment of body insecurities and its refreshing depiction of a supportive partnership, eventually leading to a successful live-action television adaptation in 2022.