[Thanks to Netgalley and Kodansha for an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.]

Amidst the COVID pandemic, systems engineer Nokoru has started working from home. This introduces him to Natsu, his next door neighbour, who has all the spirit that he lacks. And fate will take it from there.

This is a charming little romance one-shot from the mangaka behind the brilliant <i>Sweat & Soap</i>, which means it comes in with a very impressive pedigree. Now, it’s not quite that series’ equal, but it’s very good for what it is.

Part of its strengths and weaknesses are derived from it being a single volume. When there’s a moment that threatens to send Nokoru to jealousy town, he kind of just mopes about it a bit and moves on. He’ll learn that he has nothing to worry about soon enough, but I’m glad this gets all glossed over quickly.

And that’s not really a spoiler; it’s revealed right away that this is a story of Nokoru meeting his wife, so we thankfully dispense with the ‘will they, won’t they’ for a change and get to watch these two become close. It also lets the story end off in a more romantic place than just the traditional wedding; it’s a smart little touch.

Nokoru is believably awkward and also a decent lead; most of the story is about him rediscovering his zest for life and travel that his job and the pandemic have stripped from him. And Natsu is the perfect person to remind him of it all.

Now, Natsu is a little trickier, as she has all the makings of a manic pixie dream girl, so she is all energetic and has a cool job and is way into Nokoru, who just happens to be her type because she can see his soft side underneath.

And, to be fair, Nokoru is polite and helpful and concerned about Natsu even before they date, plus they connect over his elaborate balcony set-up and begin sharing books and manga. It’s not entirely that way, even if it looks like Natsu is a trope.

Except there’s also a very helpful design note from Yamada at the end that makes it clear that Natsu’s charms are entirely her own, but based on the notion of a bewitching creature from a folk tale.

I’d normally let that lie, but it really recontextualizes some of the book’s earlier scenes in a much more fascinating way and this is the rare manga that almost benefits from a second read through just to see how that interpretation of the character plays out.

The romance is pleasantly understated and I love that it has the feel of a relationship between two adults. They grow closer and closer, make their intentions known, and then go from there. It’s not quite as steamy as <i>Sweat & Soap</i> got, but it doesn’t ignore the physical side of things.

It’s been enough past the worst of the pandemic that this is more of a reminder of those dire (yet necessary) years where lockdowns were enacted and people could hardly move around. It’s a good setting, honestly, and I appreciated the proper mask use here amongst the other details.

I wouldn’t say the chemistry is perfect, Nokoru takes a while to come out of his shell, but it’s very clear that these are two people who make one another better and this is really a story of confinement to a small space working out for the best.

And, finally, boy is it nice to have another adult romance story. High school ones are fine, but they’re a dime a dozen. This one has such exciting moments as getting groceries or sharing a bag of chips, but they’re so much more interesting because of how less often we see them.

4 stars - really dang good and very recommended. It does a great job with its limited page count - that may not give it incredible depth, but it also lets it avoid some of the common tropes and pitfalls in romance manga.

"Home Office Romance" is a the story of a blooming romance at the height of Covid in Japan, while both main characters are forced to work in near isolation from home.

What more can I say besides the fact that I absolutely loved this story? It made me giggle and kick my feet in the air almost every chapter and that's a very hard feat for a romance, let alone a straight one, to make me feel.

The art style, without being super out there, has an original feel that distinguishes it from other romance manga that I've read, without mentioning the fact that it's also very polished. No single panel or chapter felt rushed out or like a first draft or like this was a second serialized work from the author.

Most importantly in my opinion, the story felt REAL. I felt like the author was really drawing the story of how he met his wife, not reading a romance manga. A lot of manga tends to be very tropey and formulaic, so this one was a breath of fresh air. Neither the problems that arose from their work, nor the conversations they had as neighbors, nor the mental ruminations from the characters felt overdone for the sake of comedic efect nor forced to create a false sense of conflict and urgency for them to get together. And also, because of the short nature of the story (only this one singular volume) it was also told very thightly, every chapter connecting with the next one, nothing being used as filler or irrelevant to the plot.

I will 100% recomend this to everyone I know. It's a short and super sweet read that won't make you feel like you wasted your time for a relationship without chemistry.

“Home Office Romance” is a sweet romance manga about two neighbors working from home during the pandemic.

I only started reading manga this year and this is the first one volume romance that I read.

Sometimes is hard to create a good live story in a short book, but this is the example that it can be done. The story between Natsu and Nokuru develops slowly and so sweet.
Also, the fact that I also work from home made it relatable.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and Kodasha Comics. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Book Review: "Home Office Romance" by Kintetsu Yamada

Kintetsu Yamada, the creator of the beloved "Sweat and Soap" series, returns with another heartwarming romantic comedy, this time wrapped in the peculiar setting of the COVID-19 lockdown. "Home Office Romance" is a standalone volume that captures the tender and humorous possibilities of love blossoming under the unusual constraints of pandemic life, where neighbors become office colleagues and the balcony becomes the office water cooler. Through the lens of romance and slice-of-life storytelling, Yamada weaves a tale of love, connection, and personal growth that feels both relatable and refreshingly light-hearted.

Plot Overview
The story introduces us to Nokoru, a hardworking professional who has been pulling grueling overtime hours in his demanding job. With the arrival of the pandemic and the sudden shift to teleworking, Nokoru is thrust into a new lifestyle that not only saves him from his daily commute but also allows him time to explore neglected hobbies and interests. One of these is creating a lush garden on his apartment balcony—a serene space that becomes a gateway to the heartwarming romance at the core of the story.

Enter Natsu, Nokoru's cute, soft-spoken neighbor who is a graduate student in archaeology. While their lives prior to the pandemic were physically close yet worlds apart, the lockdown's enforced distance becomes an unexpected bridge between them. As they begin interacting over their shared love for gardening, the story carefully navigates the challenges of building a relationship in the time of "social distancing." Whether they’re chatting through masks or exchanging messages from their balconies, their connection deepens in ways both endearing and grounded.

What makes "Home Office Romance" truly stand out is its ability to craft an office romance when the office itself has dissolved into personal spaces. The familiar rom-com trope of workplace flirtations and growing mutual attraction gets a creative twist, with their "workplace" being their homes, their desks separated by thin walls. The charm of the story lies in the authenticity of their budding relationship, where physical distance is replaced by emotional intimacy, and a shared experience of coping with lockdown becomes the foundation for something deeper.

Characters and Chemistry
The strength of this manga is rooted in its likable, well-rounded characters. Nokoru is a refreshing male protagonist—he’s not the typical aloof or overconfident hero. Instead, he is earnest, hard-working, and reflective. His initial exhaustion from the demands of his job speaks to the pandemic experience many can relate to—the stress of juggling work in a home environment. His rediscovery of simple joys, like tending to his balcony garden, is symbolic of the unexpected benefits some found during lockdowns: a forced pause that allowed for self-reflection and reevaluation of priorities.

Natsu, on the other hand, is a delightful counterpart to Nokoru. She’s intelligent, independent, and driven by her passion for archaeology. Her character radiates warmth and curiosity, which makes her the perfect balance for Nokoru’s more reserved nature. The two share a natural chemistry that grows organically throughout the story. What’s particularly charming is how they bond over shared hobbies—gardening, archaeology, and simple joys of daily life—without rushing into grand romantic gestures. It’s a slow-burn romance that feels deeply sincere.

The secondary characters are kept to a minimum, reflecting the isolation many experienced during lockdown. This choice works well in focusing the narrative on the growing bond between Nokoru and Natsu. The small cast allows the story to delve into their emotions and inner worlds with more depth, exploring how the pandemic has impacted them individually and together.

Themes and Atmosphere
"Home Office Romance" taps into the universal experience of living through a global pandemic, and Yamada does a wonderful job of portraying both the difficulties and the silver linings. While some manga might treat the pandemic as a backdrop, in this story it is integral to the plot and character development. The forced physical separation amplifies the emotional closeness between Nokoru and Natsu, allowing the reader to appreciate how even in tough times, human connection finds a way to flourish.

Yamada explores the idea of personal growth in isolation—Nokoru’s time at home enables him to slow down and rediscover forgotten passions. The enforced lockdown also challenges both characters to reflect on their priorities, making the romance not only about finding love but also about self-discovery and adaptation.

The manga deftly balances light-hearted moments with deeper reflections on the emotional toll of the pandemic. From Nokoru’s frustration with work to Natsu’s academic struggles, the challenges they face are grounded in the reality of lockdown life, making the characters more relatable and their journey more compelling.

Art Style
Kintetsu Yamada’s art style continues to shine in "Home Office Romance." The character designs are clean, expressive, and charming. Yamada excels at conveying subtle emotions through facial expressions—whether it’s a shy smile, a concerned glance, or the warmth in Natsu’s eyes as she talks about her research. The detailed backgrounds, particularly Nokoru’s evolving balcony garden, provide a lush and calming visual contrast to the mundane indoor life of lockdown.

The panels that depict the growing connection between Nokoru and Natsu are filled with quiet tenderness. From the way they exchange gardening tips to the moments where they silently enjoy each other's presence, Yamada’s artwork brings an additional layer of emotion to their relationship. The depiction of their balcony conversations feels cozy and intimate, emphasizing the closeness they develop despite the physical barriers.

Conclusion
"Home Office Romance" is a delightful and heartwarming manga that offers a fresh take on the romantic comedy genre in a time of unprecedented global events. By weaving together themes of love, isolation, and personal growth, Kintetsu Yamada has created a story that resonates on multiple levels. Nokoru and Natsu’s romance is not only charming and believable but also a testament to the resilience of human connection in the face of adversity.

This one-volume manga is perfect for readers looking for a feel-good, introspective romance that blends humor and emotion with the realities of pandemic life. It’s a quick, fulfilling read that leaves you with a smile and a sense of hope—a reminder that love and joy can be found even in the most unexpected places.

Highly recommended for fans of rom-coms, slice-of-life stories, and anyone looking for a light yet meaningful exploration of relationships in our modern world.

Honestly, I never thought I’d read a manga about life during COVID—it was such a tough time, and it felt too real. But I’m so glad I did because I absolutely loved it.

Everything about this manga was relatable for me—cute, and funny in the most adorable way. The female lead also has freckles, and as someone who’s heavily freckled myself, I was so happy to see that they weren’t used to make her seem less attractive.

I’m a bit sad that this is just a standalone manga, but I also think I wouldn’t have loved it as much if it had been stretched out over several volumes. The romance, the buildup—everything was top-tier, and it made for such a nice read. There was a hint of spice, but it was really refreshing to see a romance manga that focused on how the two characters genuinely came to support and care for each other.

full blog post scheduled for Nov. 11th~

This was so cute! I read it in one sitting. I also love the fact that it’s a one volume manga! The couple were just so adorable!

What a cute and wholesome manga!
I loved the artstyle and since it played at the time of the lockdown with an outgoing woman and a reserved guy.
It just felt so good and made my day better.

I adored Sweat & Soap, so I was thrilled to see new work from the author!
This was very cute & humorous.
Set in the height of covid in Japan, we see two neighbors grow and fall in love as they develop a friendship and see the perks of more than just school & work.


That Sweat & Soap Easter egg was hilarious!

📖 ARC REVIEW 📖

Thank you @kodanshamanga for an early copy of Home Office Romance by Kintetsu Yamada. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Release date: November 12th, 2024

Blurb: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208433128-home-office-romance?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=ougOO9u05M&rank=1

🛑Read on with caution; review may contain spoilers🛑

Home Office Romance begins with Mitsuhashi Nokoru settling inside his apartment during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to make it more suitable as a home and working space when he meets his neighbor Izumi Natsu next door on her balcony.

As the author highlights the delights of working from home – not going through the hassle of waking up early to commute to work, less need to interact with other co-workers, etc, the story was also heartwarming to read as both Nokoru and Natsu get to know each other and eventually fall in love, sharing each other’s interests, going on convenience store dates. I couldn’t help but root for Nokoru when he specially made an Excel file survey to get to know Natsu’s schedule and date preferences at the beginning of their relationship. 🤩

I really enjoyed their little moments and how Natsu’s energy brought life to Nokoru’s almost burn-out state. This is a standalone one-volume manga, and the only thing that I didn’t like about this is that it’s too damn short! I need more of this couple and their sweet moments huhu

Thank you to NetGalley and author Kintetsu Yamada for the ability to read an ARC of this book.

This was a super sweet Josei manga to end my weekend with. This follows neighbors Nokoru and Natsu who meet during the pandemic lockdown after Nokoru starts working from home. The main plot focuses on their budding relationship from neighbors to friends and then to, eventually, romantic interests for one another, but there's an overarching re-introduction to what makes life worth living for Nokoru. His job, prior to working from home, had zero work-life balance and was burning him out. As he shifts to working from home and meets the larger-than-life Natsu, he seems to open up and bloom-just like the balcony garden he sets up as a hobby while he's in lockdown.

Short and sweet and a standalone story, Home Office Romance had me reflecting on what's important (like work-life balance, and having adventures outside of your job).

Okay! I’ll profess that I haven’t yet read Sweat And Soap, but I’ve heard no end of good things about it, so snagging this one was a no brainer. I really liked both Nokoru and Izumi; they felt like real people connecting unexpectedly because of the pandemic. Their relationship developed in a logical way and they were both very keen on communicating effectively with each other.

I also did laugh a few times, which is important to note. And since all the major laugh lines are Izumi’s, seeing Nokoru’s reactions made them land even better.

firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!!

AHHH this was so wholesome and had a bit of spice (even though it revolves around the acursed covid times) — i am so excited to see that there are older (amen!!) shojo manga being published!!

Thank you to NetGalley, tsuke, and the publisher for this advanced copy!

"Spoil Me Plzzz, Hinamori-san!" is a GL manga about two high school girls, Hinamori and Suo. The former once confessed her feelings to the latter, but was promptly rejected due to her not being serious and studious like Suo is. After working hard to change herself, Hinamori finds out that Suo is not what she seems!

I loved the art style in this one. Even though the plot is overdone and very predictable, there is still enjoyment to be had here and I would be more than happy to read the next volume!

Never thought I could enjoy anything Covid-related, but Yamada-san proved me wrong.
It was a heartwarming story of human connection (and also an ode to remote work!) that I devoured in one sitting.
I recommend this manga to anyone who likes realistic slow-burn love that goes beyond the romantic / sexual aspects and is, at its core, a caring relationship between two people who enrich each other's lives.

Home Office Romance is a cute one-volume manga romance about a pair of neighbours who are working from home when they meet on their adjoining balcony, and begin to get to know each other. Told from our male protagonist's point of view, we know from the very start that this will be a very light read as it lays out the lack of stakes from the start, but this works completely for me here - the story instead becomes about piecing together these personalities as they start to develop. I do wonder if I would have enjoyed this even more in split POV, as the development does mostly come from one side here owing to the narration, but nevertheless I really enjoyed breezing through this. 4.5 stars.