By looking at the cover, your first thoughts may be “wtf” , “Why is he on her like that?” , “This must be a super perverted manga for degenerates”. While this manga does have some risqué scenes and fan service , there is still a wholesome story behind it.
# Plot:
Asako Yaeshima, 26, works in the finance department at Lilliadrop Inc., a cosmetics and toiletries company. She loves the company’s products, mainly because they help with her perspiration problem. She’s been bullied for it during her childhood and so it becomes her biggest insecurity. One day, a guy named Kotaro Natori comes up to her and smells her. He’s like “ I was given chills by your smell, please allow me to smell you everyday and help me with soap product planning.” She does eventually agree to this and throughout the story, the two characters connect and form a strong bond.
Just to clarify, the plot is more than just two characters smelling each other and doing it.
# Pros:
I’ll be frank, the first few chapters of the manga are weird, there’s no getting around that. However, the story gets better as you read more. I like how we were able to learn more about Asako and her backstory, her insecurities which had negatively affected her life. She was always a serious person who had a walls around her and was mostly shy, but since she started dating Kotaro, those walls have slowly came down. She becomes more open, communicative, and happier. Asako begins to love herself more and overcomes those insecurities. I like how Kotaro is so considerate and patient. You can tell he clearly loves her( not just for her smell ). He isn’t so pushy and doesn’t peer pressure Asako into anything. When he sees Asako hurting inside, he’s there for her and is always by her side. What I like about this series is that shows what a healthy, consentual adult relationship looks like. When things are tense, the couple talks through it and work things out. It’s proof that communication is key in a relationship. The two characters aren’t perfect, but that’s ok because they are human and as humans we all make mistakes.
# Cons:
I can’t think of many cons except for the fact that they become a couple after only two chapters, which is really fast. However when you go to the “afterword” in volume 1,Yamada says that he originally made the series a one-shot, but due to high popularity he made more volumes. So, you kinda gotta give him pass on that. Although, I would’ve liked to see scenes where the two characters slowly realize their feelings for each other rather than just rush the relationship, ‘cause then the story feels rushed. Another con is the fact that the two have a one-night stand literally moments after Asako was harassed by a creep on the train and Kotaro apologizes to her when they get off. I know that sounds immature, but I thought that was weird.
# Final thoughts:
Although ecchi is my least favorite genre and I tend to refrain myself from reading/watching it, this was a series that I ended up fairly enjoying besides Harukana Receive. Now for the question, would I recommend this manga and to who? On the back of the manga covers, almost all have an Older teen ( OT ) rating. Of course, this rating may or may not be different for people living in different countries. So yeah, if you aren’t 16+, this series may not be for you. Though, I would most definitely recommend it to adults who read spicy Wattpad stories on a regular basis.
