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Mangaka Kintetsu Yamada became internationally known mainly through "Sweat and Soap". Now there's a new work by the mangaka in the USA with "Home Office Romance". "Telework Yotabanashi", as the single volume is called in Japan, was published from November 2022 to April 2023 in Kodansha's Morning Magazine, where "Sweat and Soap" was also published.
How was it?
Home Office Romance by Kintetsu Yamada is a manga that convinces with a down-to-earth narrative of love during pandemic times. The story revolves around Nokoru, a systems engineer who must adjust to the new reality of working from home. With the additional time gained from eliminating his commute, he dedicates himself to hobbies like gardening and gaming. His ordered daily life is turned upside down overnight when he meets his neighbor Natsu. Across their apartment balconies, tender conversations develop that slowly lead to a deeper connection.
What quickly makes the manga endearing is the authenticity of the characters, who seem taken from real life. Nokoru is an introverted thinker who organizes his daily life through logic and structure. His many internal monologues, in which he analyzes each of his decisions and Natsu's actions, provide humorous but also thoughtful moments. Natsu, on the other hand, is his complete opposite: she is spontaneous, extroverted, and full of energy. Despite their differences, the two complement each other and the dynamic of their relationship feels credible and realistic. Particularly appealing is that Natsu isn't just charming, but also a profound character. Her passion for archaeology and her ability to lure Nokoru out of his comfort zone quickly become captivating.
Unlike many other romance manga, Home Office Romance avoids exaggerated drama or embarrassing misunderstandings. The story thrives on subtle, everyday moments that build the connection between the two characters. Particularly noteworthy is how the two communicate openly and honestly with each other. There are no drawn-out conflicts or annoying density of characters often found in Japanese romances. Instead, the development of their relationship feels mature and down-to-earth.
The pandemic context serves as a background that doesn't dominate the plot but subtly runs through it. Themes like social distancing and working from home provide a framework that's relatable for many readers. However, the atmosphere is by no means depressing. The focus is on positive changes and the possibilities that arise from this new life situation.
Visually, the manga is also convincing. Kintetsu Yamada's clear and expressive drawing style perfectly captures the characters' emotional world. Natsu's lively facial expressions particularly stand out, expressing her energy and joie de vivre. Nokoru often appears calmer and more reserved in his depictions, which suits his analytical personality well.
A minor criticism is the narrative structure. The story is told from Nokoru's perspective as a flashback, and the reader knows from the start that the two will later be married. This removes some tension from the story since the outcome of the romance is clear from the beginning.
The single volume is published by Kodansha in a large format. There are some color pages at the beginning of the volume.
Conclusion
All in all, Home Office Romance is a single volume that convinces with its mixture of humor, authenticity, and charming characters. It's the perfect choice for those seeking an adult, realistic love story or simply wanting to enjoy a light read.
Home Office Romance
€12,31
€13,99
From the creator of Sweat and Soap comes a standalone rom-com manga about two neighbors who find unexpected love during lockdown and learn that working from home doesn't mean an office romance can't still blossom.Story complete in one volume!Nokoru has… read more
