What do you think?
Rate this book
Keyaki Shopping District’s Sakura Bathhouse, Vol. 1
Tatsumi Azuma, a sociable third-year student at Keyaki High School, crashes into second-year Shunpei Eguchi and fractures his hand. But the stone-faced Shunpei is no ordinary student—rumor has it he’ll kill anyone who so much as looks him in the eye! Afraid of retaliation, Tatsumi tells Shunpei he’ll do anything to make up for his blunder. Thus, Shunpei puts him to work by making him help out at his family’s bathhouse, Sakura-no-yu!
164 pages, Paperback
Published February 24, 2026
1 person is currently reading
26 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 11, 2026
Random personal story before my actual review:
It might sound strange, but baths and bathhouses are actually a hyperspecific special interest of mine. I have genuinely, I kid you not, scoured all over the place for officially published English-translated bathhouse-themed manga (such a hilarious sentence), mostly coming up empty every time. So when I was browsing the stacks at B&N and just happened to stumble upon this, I nearly screamed from glee. I wondered how the hell I missed this in all my searching... lo and behold, it literally just came out a few weeks ago at time of writing. Isn't fate funny?
I'm happy me and the funny gay bathhouse manga managed to meet by pure coincidence!
So, yes. Take my high opinion of this silly little book with a grain of salt, because I am literally the Spiders Georg of bath-themed manga. I AM the target audience of this manga and I'll be damned if I wasn't catered to.
I just really liked it. I really liked the setting and the characters. It was unexpected and unconventional in some ways -- for example, the main character having a somewhat nerdy design, yet actually being a bit of a bro and playboy. I liked the dynamic of "guy who dates and breaks up with people 24/7" x "guy who is completely loyal and devoted with the object of his affection". They make for such a cute pair, and I really like to see how they interact.
I liked that this book discussed sexuality and consent, with characters insisting upon asking before kissing or touching, naming consent as being important to them, and finding identity in taking an online sexuality quiz. That felt very realistic and adorable. I already like all the characters in this quite a bit, they're such a cute boy-friendgroup!
The only thing I wish had been thought through a bit more was the main couple's mode of getting together. The whole conceit of this is that it's Tatsumi's fault that Shunpei broke his wrist, so Tatsumi needs to take responsibility and help him at his job... but that's just straight up not what happened. Tatsumi was standing still by the school gates and Shunpei, who was running fast and launched himself over the gates, knocked into Tatsumi. He broke his wrist because he was trying to help break Tatsumi's fall. In what world is any part of that Tatsumi's fault!? He was standing still and just talking to his friends, Shunpei is the one who wasn't being careful! Why does Tatsumi have to take any modicum of responsibility over that...? Shunpei shouldn't have been running away in the first place!
Even though that really bothers me -- and I think it would have been more narratively solid if Tatsumi had actually hurt Shunpei directly, like running over him with his bike or accidentally tripping him in the hallway, something like that -- I decided I would mostly overlook it because I really enjoyed this story. It bugs me that the whole inciting incident for their relationship is based on something that doesn't make logical sense to me, and even Shunpei acts like it's Tatsumi's fault that his wrist got broken, but like... Tatsumi's only crime was that he was just standing there! Make it make sense!
Anyways, despite all my griping about that, I did really like this and found it charming! I really wanna read the next volume already!!
It might sound strange, but baths and bathhouses are actually a hyperspecific special interest of mine. I have genuinely, I kid you not, scoured all over the place for officially published English-translated bathhouse-themed manga (such a hilarious sentence), mostly coming up empty every time. So when I was browsing the stacks at B&N and just happened to stumble upon this, I nearly screamed from glee. I wondered how the hell I missed this in all my searching... lo and behold, it literally just came out a few weeks ago at time of writing. Isn't fate funny?
I'm happy me and the funny gay bathhouse manga managed to meet by pure coincidence!
So, yes. Take my high opinion of this silly little book with a grain of salt, because I am literally the Spiders Georg of bath-themed manga. I AM the target audience of this manga and I'll be damned if I wasn't catered to.
I just really liked it. I really liked the setting and the characters. It was unexpected and unconventional in some ways -- for example, the main character having a somewhat nerdy design, yet actually being a bit of a bro and playboy. I liked the dynamic of "guy who dates and breaks up with people 24/7" x "guy who is completely loyal and devoted with the object of his affection". They make for such a cute pair, and I really like to see how they interact.
I liked that this book discussed sexuality and consent, with characters insisting upon asking before kissing or touching, naming consent as being important to them, and finding identity in taking an online sexuality quiz. That felt very realistic and adorable. I already like all the characters in this quite a bit, they're such a cute boy-friendgroup!
The only thing I wish had been thought through a bit more was the main couple's mode of getting together. The whole conceit of this is that it's Tatsumi's fault that Shunpei broke his wrist, so Tatsumi needs to take responsibility and help him at his job... but that's just straight up not what happened. Tatsumi was standing still by the school gates and Shunpei, who was running fast and launched himself over the gates, knocked into Tatsumi. He broke his wrist because he was trying to help break Tatsumi's fall. In what world is any part of that Tatsumi's fault!? He was standing still and just talking to his friends, Shunpei is the one who wasn't being careful! Why does Tatsumi have to take any modicum of responsibility over that...? Shunpei shouldn't have been running away in the first place!
Even though that really bothers me -- and I think it would have been more narratively solid if Tatsumi had actually hurt Shunpei directly, like running over him with his bike or accidentally tripping him in the hallway, something like that -- I decided I would mostly overlook it because I really enjoyed this story. It bugs me that the whole inciting incident for their relationship is based on something that doesn't make logical sense to me, and even Shunpei acts like it's Tatsumi's fault that his wrist got broken, but like... Tatsumi's only crime was that he was just standing there! Make it make sense!
Anyways, despite all my griping about that, I did really like this and found it charming! I really wanna read the next volume already!!
March 9, 2026
This was pretty boring for me. The characters are annoying and Shunpei is extremely pushy and it's not endearing at all. I don't like the amount of times Tatsumi explicitly said no and Shunpei acknowledges it and says ok but turns around and does the same thing again. I also don't like how clueless Shunpei was written. I feel it was trying to make him seem innocent but really it just made him look like an airhead and it pissed me off.
February 26, 2026
Sure went through a flurry of emotions while reading this.
1. Based on the summary, I actually didn't think this was going to be BL; I was fully prepared for something fanservicey and sweet, like A Vampire in the Bathhouse .
When the first few scenes went super romcom tropey, I thought, ohhhhh awesome! Either this is BL or it'll be a really fun dancing-around-romance slow burn as they get to know each other better!
2. I was NOT expecting the confession to happen immediately, with no build up and barely any conversations between the two main characters.
3. Reading the author's note at the end revealed that it's written by the same person as Minato's Laundromat , although the manga artists are different. (Why I didn't recognize it right off the bat, because sites tend to only list the artists.) It's actually meant to all be a connected world, so it's possible Minato will make some cameo appearances later on.
That combination of reveals made me go from excitement to meh, which is...disappointing. Point #3 honestly explains a lot of why I was feeling so off about the pacing, though, and gives me a better idea of whether I'd enjoy the series if I stuck it out for more volumes. I'm pretty sure the answer will be a no.
And that's a bummer, because I was initially really excited to have a genuine BL in this setting!
There were parts of the setup that were really cute, but it suffers from exactly the same issues I had with Minato's Laundromat. Tsubaki seems to write two very specific types of characters: a younger "top" who's attractive but misunderstood and stone-faced and single-mindedly devoted to the older "bottom," who's cheery and outgoing and kind of weirded out but flattered by the attention. (Let's set aside how it bugs me when BL is separated out into those kinds of sexual role categories to begin with, because when that's the author's focus, it makes it clear the story and character development is taking a back seat to personal fantasies.)
I don't have a problem with those two personality types themselves: the grumpy/sunshine dynamic is popular for a reason. But in this entire volume, there's no "getting to know you" substance. Tatsumi spends a little time at Shunpei's grandmother's bathhouse, realizes he's just awkward and scary-looking but is very family-oriented and kind, and introduces Shunpei to his friends.
Shunpei, meanwhile, has been "obsessed" with Tatsumi for a while, observing him from afar, and is delighted that he finally gets the chance to be alone and even naked with him. (Although it seems like Tatsumi had some sort of accident when he was younger, which left him with visible scars he doesn't want anyone else to see, so he refuses to undress or join Shunpei and his friends in the bath.)
Shunpei is incredibly pushy, which was an issue with Minato's Laundromat too. He's oblivious to the point of seeming kind of stupid, and I'm not particularly into that type of character. He rambles about how he's respecting Tatsumi's boundaries but makes a move on him every chance he gets. And Tatsumi decides they can try out dating, since he's getting intrigued by Shunpei's devotion to him, but then is amusingly irritated to discover that Shunpei has had tons of random crushes before him.
It's just not going to be the kind of substantial story I want, and I don't see these two characters forming a balanced, thoughtful relationship. It's a fun, lighthearted, silly story with very little plot and one super pushy character who will eventually get his dream of being romantically attached to his crush. Not really interested in trying more.
1. Based on the summary, I actually didn't think this was going to be BL; I was fully prepared for something fanservicey and sweet, like A Vampire in the Bathhouse .
When the first few scenes went super romcom tropey, I thought, ohhhhh awesome! Either this is BL or it'll be a really fun dancing-around-romance slow burn as they get to know each other better!
2. I was NOT expecting the confession to happen immediately, with no build up and barely any conversations between the two main characters.
3. Reading the author's note at the end revealed that it's written by the same person as Minato's Laundromat , although the manga artists are different. (Why I didn't recognize it right off the bat, because sites tend to only list the artists.) It's actually meant to all be a connected world, so it's possible Minato will make some cameo appearances later on.
That combination of reveals made me go from excitement to meh, which is...disappointing. Point #3 honestly explains a lot of why I was feeling so off about the pacing, though, and gives me a better idea of whether I'd enjoy the series if I stuck it out for more volumes. I'm pretty sure the answer will be a no.
And that's a bummer, because I was initially really excited to have a genuine BL in this setting!
There were parts of the setup that were really cute, but it suffers from exactly the same issues I had with Minato's Laundromat. Tsubaki seems to write two very specific types of characters: a younger "top" who's attractive but misunderstood and stone-faced and single-mindedly devoted to the older "bottom," who's cheery and outgoing and kind of weirded out but flattered by the attention. (Let's set aside how it bugs me when BL is separated out into those kinds of sexual role categories to begin with, because when that's the author's focus, it makes it clear the story and character development is taking a back seat to personal fantasies.)
I don't have a problem with those two personality types themselves: the grumpy/sunshine dynamic is popular for a reason. But in this entire volume, there's no "getting to know you" substance. Tatsumi spends a little time at Shunpei's grandmother's bathhouse, realizes he's just awkward and scary-looking but is very family-oriented and kind, and introduces Shunpei to his friends.
Shunpei, meanwhile, has been "obsessed" with Tatsumi for a while, observing him from afar, and is delighted that he finally gets the chance to be alone and even naked with him. (Although it seems like Tatsumi had some sort of accident when he was younger, which left him with visible scars he doesn't want anyone else to see, so he refuses to undress or join Shunpei and his friends in the bath.)
Shunpei is incredibly pushy, which was an issue with Minato's Laundromat too. He's oblivious to the point of seeming kind of stupid, and I'm not particularly into that type of character. He rambles about how he's respecting Tatsumi's boundaries but makes a move on him every chance he gets. And Tatsumi decides they can try out dating, since he's getting intrigued by Shunpei's devotion to him, but then is amusingly irritated to discover that Shunpei has had tons of random crushes before him.
It's just not going to be the kind of substantial story I want, and I don't see these two characters forming a balanced, thoughtful relationship. It's a fun, lighthearted, silly story with very little plot and one super pushy character who will eventually get his dream of being romantically attached to his crush. Not really interested in trying more.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
This is by the same author as Minato’s Laundromat and set in the same place. High school third year Tatsumi is popular with girls, but he tends to end things after one date. It doesn’t lessen his popularity. Shunpei is a second year, and feared by everyone for looking scary when he tries to communicate. The two run at each other, and Shunpei breaks his arm. Tatsumi feels bad for it, so he agrees to help Shunpei at his grandmother’s bathhouse.
Tatsumi thinks it’ll be only until Shunpei’s arm heals, but Shunpei instantly confesses to him. Tatsumi is sure it’s only because of the accident, but agrees to consider dating. Meanwhile, the two slowly build a friendship. It’s a bit uneven. Tatsumi is vey outgoing and Shunpei is somewhere on the spectrum. He’s very earnest though and slowly wears Tatsumi down. But just as he’s changing his mind about dating, Shunpei’s earnestness ruins things—or Tatsumi’s own inability to deal with emotions does.
I really loved this. It’s a slow-build romance between two very different characters. Tatsumi isn’t very understanding of Shunpei’s difference, but he does bring the younger boy into his friendship circle—the two best friends making most of the situation by being open and understanding—and eagerly helps out at the bathhouse. The cliffhanger ending definitely makes me want to read more. Art is very good.
I received a free copy from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Tatsumi thinks it’ll be only until Shunpei’s arm heals, but Shunpei instantly confesses to him. Tatsumi is sure it’s only because of the accident, but agrees to consider dating. Meanwhile, the two slowly build a friendship. It’s a bit uneven. Tatsumi is vey outgoing and Shunpei is somewhere on the spectrum. He’s very earnest though and slowly wears Tatsumi down. But just as he’s changing his mind about dating, Shunpei’s earnestness ruins things—or Tatsumi’s own inability to deal with emotions does.
I really loved this. It’s a slow-build romance between two very different characters. Tatsumi isn’t very understanding of Shunpei’s difference, but he does bring the younger boy into his friendship circle—the two best friends making most of the situation by being open and understanding—and eagerly helps out at the bathhouse. The cliffhanger ending definitely makes me want to read more. Art is very good.
I received a free copy from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2026
Thank you to Edelweiss and Yen Press for a digital ARC of this manga, all opinions are my own.
This is going down as one of my hall of fame BL shoujos, right up there with My Love Mix-Up. I love when a manga doesn't take itself too seriously, and fully leans into its genre--case in point, Shunpei falling *immediately* for Tattsun, and Tattsun calling it out on the page. I absolutely adored their dynamic--the stoic, secret golden retriever x the outgoing "playboy" is just soooo good. And I actually screamed at their first kiss, it was so cute and so well-developed. I need the next volume ASAP!!!
I particularly also loved how this manga dealt with consent and queerness. IDK if it's just the manga I read, but I rarely ever see either topic addressed head-on--here, we have on-page mentions of bisexuality and pansexuality, and Tattsun establishes clear boundaries with Shunpei re:physicality. This is exactly what I want to see in my manga!!!
This is going down as one of my hall of fame BL shoujos, right up there with My Love Mix-Up. I love when a manga doesn't take itself too seriously, and fully leans into its genre--case in point, Shunpei falling *immediately* for Tattsun, and Tattsun calling it out on the page. I absolutely adored their dynamic--the stoic, secret golden retriever x the outgoing "playboy" is just soooo good. And I actually screamed at their first kiss, it was so cute and so well-developed. I need the next volume ASAP!!!
I particularly also loved how this manga dealt with consent and queerness. IDK if it's just the manga I read, but I rarely ever see either topic addressed head-on--here, we have on-page mentions of bisexuality and pansexuality, and Tattsun establishes clear boundaries with Shunpei re:physicality. This is exactly what I want to see in my manga!!!
March 20, 2026
I tried this one because it’s from the author of “Minato’s Laundromat”. It’s cute and fun.
Sakura Bathouse is about a scary loner type high school student who crashes into the older popular high school student. The crash results in the loner breaking his wrist and the popular kid helps him out. Along the way, feelings bubble up.
I liked that Shun, the one with the broken wrist is up front with his feelings (although too honest with hilarious/cringe results). Azuma is the popular guy with a secret. I like the way this story unfolded (laundry pun not intended). In romance stories, the goal is to get into agreement about being in a relationship but what happens when you get there, it derails and you have to work back at it again?
Looking forward to more and maybe (fingers crossed) there’ll be a crossover with Minato and Shin.
Sakura Bathouse is about a scary loner type high school student who crashes into the older popular high school student. The crash results in the loner breaking his wrist and the popular kid helps him out. Along the way, feelings bubble up.
I liked that Shun, the one with the broken wrist is up front with his feelings (although too honest with hilarious/cringe results). Azuma is the popular guy with a secret. I like the way this story unfolded (laundry pun not intended). In romance stories, the goal is to get into agreement about being in a relationship but what happens when you get there, it derails and you have to work back at it again?
Looking forward to more and maybe (fingers crossed) there’ll be a crossover with Minato and Shin.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Omg! This is the same author as Minato's Laundromat?? No wonder I liked it so much. And it's in the same location so that means the laundromat they go to is Minato's right?
This was so cute! I'm so pleasantly surprised. It made me laugh a few times and I just absolutely love a scary looking character that is just a puppy on the inside. I also find it hilarious that Tatsumi is taking the blame for Shunpei's wrist when it's truly not his fault lol. Ah! I can't wait to read more. This was so good!
This was so cute! I'm so pleasantly surprised. It made me laugh a few times and I just absolutely love a scary looking character that is just a puppy on the inside. I also find it hilarious that Tatsumi is taking the blame for Shunpei's wrist when it's truly not his fault lol. Ah! I can't wait to read more. This was so good!
March 24, 2026
2.5 because I kinda liked the art.
That said... I'm generally not a fan of characters incapable of not understanding a no and being pushy and controlling/manipulating, especially not for something meant to be a lighthearthed cozy rom com kinda thing. And that's regardless gender, age or sexuality. This could have been a sweet fun story but given the route it is seemingly taking/what the dynamic is seemingly going to be, this is not going to be a series meant for me.
That said... I'm generally not a fan of characters incapable of not understanding a no and being pushy and controlling/manipulating, especially not for something meant to be a lighthearthed cozy rom com kinda thing. And that's regardless gender, age or sexuality. This could have been a sweet fun story but given the route it is seemingly taking/what the dynamic is seemingly going to be, this is not going to be a series meant for me.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Cute and silly! A very romcom-like story with a charming "puppy-coded" male love interest and a main character who (seemingly) isn't so interested in his pursuant. The ending was an interesting twist on the story, and I'm really curious about what secrets the main character is hiding. Overall, a fun BL story that has potential for further development in the next volumes.
Review of advance copy
This was super cute but WHAT was that ending CMON!!!!!! Well I hope the next one comes out at a normal rate!!
Review of advance copy
Lowkey kinda corny but ig bro
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews