Get ready to dive into the heartwarming world of Mitsuru Hattori’s Wash it All Away! The slice-of-life manga about a seaside laundry service is set to receive an anime adaptation in 2026, promising to bring Wakana Kinme’s tranquil story to life on screen.
A Soothing Seaside Story
Wash it All Away (Japanese: 綺麗にしてもらえますか。, Kirei ni Shite Moraemasu ka.) is a manga series written and illustrated by Mitsuru Hattori. The manga was serialized in Square Enix’s Young Gangan magazine from July 7, 2017, to June 2, 2023. Square Enix has compiled the chapters into ten tankōbon volumes.
Square Enix Manga & Books publishes the manga in English, describing it as: “With an endearing protagonist and luscious art, this seaside slice-of-life story offers tranquility in the chaos of the modern world.”
The story revolves around Wakana Kinme, who runs Kinme Cleaning, a beloved laundry service in the seaside resort town of Atami. Wakana is known for her dedication and skill, making her business popular among the locals. She enjoys a fulfilling life, making friends and visiting hot springs. However, Wakana has no memories from before she started the laundry service two years prior. Despite her amnesia, she finds joy in revitalizing her customers’ precious items and safeguarding the memories imbued within them.
What to Expect From the Anime
While details about the anime adaptation are still emerging, fans can anticipate a faithful adaptation of the manga’s heartwarming story and charming visuals. The anime will likely highlight:
- The Tranquil Setting: The seaside town of Atami will be vividly brought to life, showcasing its scenic beauty and relaxed atmosphere.
- The Art of Laundry: Wakana’s meticulous cleaning process and dedication to her craft will be showcased, highlighting the care she puts into preserving her customers’ memories.
- The Slice-of-Life Elements: The anime will focus on Wakana’s daily life, her interactions with the locals, and her exploration of Atami’s attractions, such as the hot springs.
- The Underlying Mystery: The anime may also delve into Wakana’s missing memories, adding a layer of intrigue to the otherwise peaceful narrative.
Meet Wakana Kinme: The Heart of the Story
Wakana Kinme is the endearing protagonist of Wash it All Away. She is a dedicated and skilled laundry service owner who has built a fulfilling life in Atami. Despite having no memories of her past, Wakana is cheerful, hardworking, and deeply cares about her customers.
Key aspects of Wakana’s character:
- Professionalism: Wakana takes her work seriously and is committed to providing the best possible service to her customers. She meticulously cleans and repairs items, ensuring they are returned in pristine condition.
- Kindness: Wakana is friendly and compassionate, always willing to lend a helping hand to those around her. She builds strong relationships with her customers and is a valued member of the Atami community.
- Resilience: Despite her amnesia, Wakana doesn’t dwell on the past. She focuses on the present and strives to live a fulfilling life, embracing her work and her relationships with others.
- Subtle Sadness: While Wakana generally appears cheerful, there are moments where her missing memories weigh on her, adding a touch of melancholy to her character.
Mitsuru Hattori: The Creative Mind Behind Wash it All Away
Mitsuru Hattori is a Japanese manga artist known for his clean art style and expressive characters. Born on October 8, 1977, Hattori has created various manga series, including:
- Kenkō Zenrakei Suieibu Umishō: A comedy manga about a high school swimming club. It was adapted into an anime television series.
- Sankarea: Undying Love: A zombie comedy manga that was also adapted into an anime.
- Wash it All Away: A slice-of-life manga about a laundry service owner in a seaside town.
Hattori’s works often blend humor, heartwarming moments, and relatable characters, making them popular among a wide audience. In Wash it All Away, Hattori showcases his ability to create a tranquil and immersive world, drawing readers in with his detailed artwork and engaging storytelling.
Themes and Appeal
Wash it All Away explores several themes that resonate with readers:
- The Importance of Memories: The manga emphasizes the value of memories and how they shape our identities. Wakana’s work involves preserving her customers’ cherished memories, highlighting their significance in people’s lives.
- Community and Connection: The story celebrates the importance of community and the connections we make with others. Wakana’s interactions with the Atami locals showcase the warmth and support that can be found in a close-knit community.
- Finding Joy in the Everyday: Wash it All Away encourages readers to appreciate the simple pleasures in life. Wakana finds joy in her work, her relationships, and the beauty of her surroundings, reminding us to find happiness in the everyday moments.
- Tranquility in a Chaotic World: The manga offers a sense of peace and escapism, providing readers with a respite from the stresses of modern life. Its tranquil setting and heartwarming story create a soothing experience.
The manga’s appeal lies in its ability to create a comforting and immersive world, with relatable characters and gentle storytelling. It’s a series that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages who appreciate slice-of-life stories with a touch of mystery and heartwarming moments.
Where to Read the Manga
For those eager to experience the world of Wash it All Away before the anime arrives, the manga is available in English from Square Enix Manga & Books. You can find it at various online retailers, including:
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble
- Books-A-Million
- Bookshop.org
- Crunchyroll Store
- Indigo
- Kinokuniya
- Local comic shops
Square Enix Manga & Books has been steadily releasing the English volumes. As of June 2025, the first few volumes are already available, with future volumes scheduled for release in the coming months.
Other Works by Mitsuru Hattori
If you enjoy Wash it All Away, you might also be interested in exploring other works by Mitsuru Hattori:
- Sankarea: Undying Love: A zombie comedy manga series that follows a boy obsessed with zombies who accidentally turns a girl into one. The manga was serialized in Kodansha’s Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine from 2009 to 2014 and was adapted into a 12-episode anime television series by Studio Deen in 2012. Kodansha USA licensed the manga for English release in North America.
- Kenkō Zenrakei Suieibu Umishō: A comedy manga about a high school swimming club.
These series showcase Hattori’s versatility as a manga artist, demonstrating his ability to create engaging stories in various genres.
Final Thoughts
With its heartwarming story, charming characters, and tranquil setting, Wash it All Away has captured the hearts of manga readers worldwide. The upcoming anime adaptation promises to bring this beloved series to an even wider audience, offering a soothing and immersive experience for fans of slice-of-life anime. Be sure to keep an eye out for more news and updates as we approach the 2026 release!
