Mitsuru Hattori’s heartwarming manga series, Wash It All Away (綺麗にしてもらえますか。 Kirei ni Shite Moraemasu ka), has made a delightful comeback with a new side story after its initial run from July 2017 to June 2023. Fans of the slice-of-life series can rejoice as Wakana Kinme’s adventures in the seaside town of Atami continue to unfold.
What is ‘Wash It All Away’ About?
Wash It All Away is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Mitsuru Hattori. The story revolves around Wakana Kinme, a young woman who runs a laundry service called “Kinme Cleaning” in the picturesque resort town of Atami. Wakana is known for her dedication to her craft and the personal touch she brings to her work, offering pick-up and delivery services that make her a beloved figure in the community.
However, Wakana has a secret: she suffers from amnesia and has no memory of her life before the past two years. Despite this, she embraces her life in Atami, forging friendships with the locals and finding solace in her work and the town’s hot springs. Her cleaning services often involve safeguarding the precious memories imbued in her customers’ cherished items, adding a layer of emotional depth to the story.
New Side Story
After the original series concluded in June 2023, Hattori surprised fans with a new story that began serialization in Square Enix’s Young Gangan magazine on December 15, 2023. Two more chapters have been published since then, on April 19 and July 19, 2024, continuing Wakana’s journey and exploring new facets of her life and the community around her.
The World of Wakana Kinme
Atami: A Seaside Town
The setting of Atami is integral to the charm of Wash It All Away. The town is vividly depicted, with Hattori’s art capturing its bustling atmosphere, scenic shores, and the sense of community that permeates daily life. As Wakana makes her deliveries, the manga showcases the beauty of Atami, highlighting local festivals and the everyday interactions that bring the town to life.
Kinme Cleaning: More Than Just Laundry
Wakana’s laundry service is more than just a business; it’s a focal point for the community. Kinme Cleaning specializes in wet laundry, taking on smaller, specialized orders and offering personal touches that larger establishments can’t match. Wakana’s meticulous approach to her work and her genuine care for her customers’ belongings make her an indispensable part of Atami.
Characters and Community
Wash It All Away features a diverse cast of characters who add richness and depth to the story. From elderly ladies to fashionable young women, high school students, and travelers, Wakana interacts with people from all walks of life. These interactions not only highlight Wakana’s character but also provide glimpses into the lives of the town’s residents, creating a vibrant tapestry of interconnected stories.
Themes and Style
Slice-of-Life with a Touch of Mystery
Wash It All Away is primarily a slice-of-life manga, focusing on the everyday experiences and interactions of its characters. However, the series also incorporates elements of mystery, particularly surrounding Wakana’s amnesia. This subtle undercurrent of mystery adds intrigue to the otherwise peaceful narrative, encouraging readers to ponder Wakana’s past and future.
Emotional Resonance
One of the strengths of Wash It All Away is its ability to evoke emotions through simple, everyday moments. Wakana’s dedication to her work, her interactions with customers, and her quiet moments of contemplation all resonate with a sense of heartfelt yearning and a desire to find peace. Hattori’s art skillfully conveys these emotions, using subtle body language and expressions to capture Wakana’s feelings.
Hattori’s Artistic Style
Mitsuru Hattori’s clean and expressive art style is well-suited to the slice-of-life genre. His attention to detail brings Atami to life, and his character designs are both appealing and expressive. The series also includes translation notes and “art translation notes” to preserve the integrity of Hattori’s original artwork, ensuring that readers can fully appreciate his artistic vision.
Reception and English Release
Wash It All Away has been well-received for its charming story, endearing characters, and beautiful artwork. The manga has been praised for its ability to create a relaxing and comforting reading experience, making it a perfect choice for fans of the slice-of-life genre.
Square Enix Manga & Books has licensed the manga for English release in North America. The first volume was released on February 18, 2025, with subsequent volumes scheduled for release every two months. This bi-monthly release schedule allows English-speaking fans to gradually immerse themselves in the world of Wakana Kinme and Atami.
Other Works by Mitsuru Hattori
Mitsuru Hattori is a prolific manga artist known for his diverse range of works. Some of his notable series include:
Inu Neko Jump!: Hattori’s debut manga, a comedy series.
Sankarea: Undying Love: A romantic comedy about a boy obsessed with zombies and a girl who becomes one.
Kenkō Zenrakei Suieibu Umishō: A sports comedy series.
Where to Read
For those eager to dive into the world of Wash It All Away, the manga is available for purchase in English from various retailers, including:
- Square Enix Manga & Books
- Amazon
- Local bookstores
Additionally, fans can find more information and updates about the series on various online platforms, including Anime News Network, MyAnimeList, and MangaUpdates.
A Tranquil Escape
Wash It All Away offers a tranquil escape from the chaos of modern life. With its heartwarming story, endearing characters, and beautiful setting, the manga is a comforting and enjoyable read for fans of slice-of-life stories. The new side story is a welcome addition to the series, promising more adventures and insights into the life of Wakana Kinme and the town of Atami.
