Overworked OL Finds Solace in Steaming Hot Springs in New Manga ‘We Have a Bath!’ Vol. 1
Find your ‘totonou’ moment as a struggling office worker escapes the cold realities of corporate life for the warm embrace of Japan’s most beloved hot springs.
On February 6, 2026, Takeshobo released the first volume of the heartwarming and healing manga, “We Have a Bath!” (『私たちには風呂がある！』), by the talented artist Tori Tomato. This much-anticipated series invites readers to join a stressed-out office lady (OL) on a journey of self-discovery and relaxation through Japan’s actual hot springs and public baths, offering a comforting escape from the daily grind.
The Chill of the Office vs. The Warmth of the Onsen
The story centers on Yuko Aota, a contract staff member at a major publishing company. Like many in Japan’s demanding corporate culture, Yuko finds herself constantly battling exhaustion and mental strain from relentless work. Her days are a blur of tasks, often stretching late into the night, leaving her feeling utterly depleted.
One evening, after collapsing at her doorstep, Yuko wishes she could simply disappear. But then, a cheerful, almost hallucinatory voice beckons her: “Let’s go to the hot springs!” This unexpected invitation sparks a radical shift, pulling her from the chilling pressure of her workplace into the soothing warmth of Japan’s legendary hot springs, known as onsen.
A Journey Through Real-Life Hot Springs
“We Have a Bath!” distinguishes itself by featuring real-world onsen and sento (public baths), allowing readers to virtually explore these iconic Japanese destinations alongside Yuko. The manga beautifully illustrates the stark contrast between her demanding professional life and the tranquil, restorative power of these thermal waters. As Yuko immerses herself, her mind and body begin to “totonou” – a unique Japanese concept describing a state of deep relaxation and mental clarity, often experienced after a refreshing bath or sauna.
Some of the featured locations include:
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Yamagata Prefecture’s “Uesugi no Oyu Gotei-mori”
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Tokyo’s Toshima Ward’s “Myoho-yu”
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Tokyo’s Adachi Ward’s “Ooyata Onsen Myojin-no-yu”
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Shizuoka Prefecture’s Izu City’s “Shuzenji Onsen”
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Shizuoka Prefecture’s Gotemba City’s “Konohana-no-yu”
This manga is a warm embrace for anyone feeling the stiffness of modern life, offering a gentle reminder that sometimes, the best solution is to simply let your worries melt away in a hot bath. The manga captures a universal yearning for escape, a sentiment echoed by many who face the daily grind. As one character muses, “I’m not living to work; I’m working to go on hot spring trips!”
Meet the Creator: Tori Tomato
Tori Tomato (Tomato Tri) is an artist known for their distinctive style, often sparking discussion among readers. Beyond “We Have a Bath!” which is currently serialized in Monthly Manga Life Original, their notable works include “Nigatsu ni Koroshite Sakura ni Umeru” (Hakusensha), the novel “Mada Ojisan Janai” (Fusosha), “Tokyo Saitei Saiaku Saikou!” (Shogakukan), and “Akko-chan wa Sekaiichi” (KADOKAWA).
Follow Tori Tomato’s updates on their X (formerly Twitter) account: https://x.com/tori_the_tomato
Special Events: Talk & Signing Sessions
To celebrate the release of “We Have a Bath!” Vol. 1, Tori Tomato will be holding talk and signing events in both Tokyo and Osaka:
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Osaka Event:
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Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
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Venue: Umeda Lateral
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Tickets: https://lateral-osaka.com/schedule/2026-02-08-18198/
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Tokyo Event:
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Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026, 1:00 PM (Doors open 12:30 PM)
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Venue: Aoyama Book Center
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Guest: Manga artist Omachi Terrace
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Discussion: Insights into creating onsen and sauna-themed works, creative episodes, and balancing childcare with work.
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Tickets: https://aoyamabc.jp/collections/event/products/2-21-toritomatooomatiterasu
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Discover More on Takecomic!
“We Have a Bath!” is serialized on Takeshobo’s web comic site, “Takecomic!” This platform updates daily and hosts a variety of popular series, including “Made in Abyss,” “Imaizumichi wa Douyara Gyaru no Tamariba ni Natteru Rashii ~DEEP~,” “Magical Girl Spec-Ops Asuka,” and “Pop Team Epic.”
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Official Website: https://takecomic.jp/
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“We Have a Bath!” Series Page: https://takecomic.jp/series/b1a34fd2e3633
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Takecomic! Official X: https://x.com/takecomic_O
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Takecomic! Editorial Department Official X: https://x.com/takecomic_hen
This manga offers more than just a story; it’s a gentle nudge towards finding moments of peace and healing in our busy lives, a theme that resonates deeply within contemporary kawaii culture’s emphasis on self-care and comfort. As the series continues, it will likely inspire more readers to seek their own “totonou” experiences, whether in real-life hot springs or through the pages of a comforting manga.
