Mitsuru Hattori’s heartwarming manga, Wash It All Away (Kirei ni Shite Moraemasu ka.), is set to charm readers once more with a brand-new side story. Fans of the slice-of-life series can look forward to diving back into the tranquil world of Wakana Kinme and her seaside laundry service.
A Fresh Wash: Side Story Details
The new chapter of Wash It All Away will be published in the upcoming issue of Square Enix’s Young Gangan magazine, scheduled for release on June 6, 2025. The chapter will feature a color opening page, promising a visually delightful return to Atami and Kinme Cleaning.
This isn’t the first time Hattori has revisited the world of Wash It All Away since the main series concluded in June 2023. Six months after the final chapter, another side story was released, indicating the author’s continued affection for the characters and setting.
Synopsis: Finding Peace in Laundry
Wash It All Away tells the story of Wakana Kinme, a young woman who runs a laundry service in the coastal town of Atami. Despite having amnesia and no memories of her life before two years prior, Wakana has built a fulfilling life for herself, connecting with the local community through her meticulous cleaning skills and warm personality. Each chapter explores Wakana’s interactions with her customers, showcasing her dedication to her craft and the small joys she finds in her daily life.
Square Enix Manga & Books, which publishes the series in English, describes the manga as: “With an endearing protagonist and luscious art, this seaside slice-of-life story offers tranquility in the chaos of the modern world. For two years, Wakana Kinme has run a laundry service in the seaside resort town of Atami, where she’s built a fulfilling life making friends with the locals and visiting hot springs. Although Wakana has no knowledge of her own past, her cleaning services safeguard memories imbued in customers’ precious items.”
A Departure From Zombies: Hattori’s Range
Mitsuru Hattori is also known for his previous work, Sankarea: Undying Love, a zombie comedy manga that was adapted into an anime series. Wash It All Away represents a significant shift in genre for Hattori, showcasing his versatility as a storyteller. While Sankarea is filled with supernatural elements and comedic situations, Wash It All Away focuses on the simple pleasures of everyday life and the importance of human connection. Despite the difference in subject matter, both series share a common thread of heartfelt yearning and the search for peace.
Characters
- Wakana Kinme: The main character, Wakana, is the heart and soul of Kinme Cleaning. She has amnesia and cannot remember her past, but is passionate about her work and devoted to her customers.
- Atami Residents: The manga features a variety of recurring characters, including Wakana’s customers and neighbors, who each bring their own stories and laundry challenges to Kinme Cleaning.
Themes and Style
- Slice-of-Life: Wash It All Away is a quintessential slice-of-life manga, focusing on the quiet moments and everyday interactions that make up Wakana’s life.
- Community: The manga emphasizes the importance of community and the connections between people. Wakana’s laundry service becomes a hub for the residents of Atami, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.
- Memory and Identity: Wakana’s amnesia adds a layer of mystery to the story, as she tries to piece together her past and define her identity. The items she cleans often hold memories for her customers, highlighting the power of objects to evoke emotions and stories.
- Tranquility and Healing: Wash It All Away offers a sense of calm and relaxation, inviting readers to escape the stresses of modern life and find solace in the beauty of the natural world.
Hattori’s Artistic Strengths
Reviewers have praised Hattori’s clean art style and his ability to convey emotions through subtle body language and facial expressions. The detailed backgrounds bring the town of Atami to life, immersing readers in its atmosphere and charm. His art enhances the storytelling, capturing the essence of Wakana’s character and the warmth of the community she inhabits.
Where to Read
Wash It All Away is published in English by Square Enix Manga & Books. The series is available in print and digital formats from various retailers, including:
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble
- Books-A-Million
- Bookshop.org
- Crunchyroll Store
- Indigo
- Kinokuniya
- Local comic shops
More from Mitsuru Hattori
Mitsuru Hattori (born October 8, 1977) is a Japanese manga artist known for his diverse range of works. Some of his notable manga series include:
- Inu Neko Jump! (2000)
- Otogi no Machi no Rena (Rena in the Strange Town) (2002–2004)
- Concerto (2005-2011)
- Kenkō Zenrakei Suieibu Umishō (2006–2008)
- Love Fool (2009)
- Sankarea: Undying Love (2009-2014)
- Kaiju-iro no Shima (Monster-Colored Island) (2018-ongoing)
Hattori’s works often blend humor, romance, and heartfelt moments, appealing to a wide audience.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming side story of Wash It All Away is a welcome treat for fans of the series. It offers an opportunity to revisit the peaceful world of Atami and reconnect with the endearing characters that make the manga so special. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Hattori’s work, Wash It All Away is a comforting and uplifting read that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
