As the popular BL title Minato’s Laundromat enters its third volume, readers are given new opportunities to experience the complicated dynamic between its main duo Akira and Shintarou. However, the volume goes a step further by bringing up old emotions and former flames, making things even more difficult than expected. That being said, here’s our take on the events of the third volume!

The Plot

In the third volume of Minato's Laundromat, the storyline takes an intriguing turn as Akira Minato, the owner of the humble laundromat, finds himself on a much-needed break — how relatable of him!

This volume in particular delves deeper into the complex relationships that bind Akira, his former teacher Takayuki Sakuma, and the intense emotions coming from Shintarou’s affinity for Akira. As Akira faces his unresolved emotions for Takayuki, a series of events unfold that test the strength of their past connections and pave the way for confrontations that have been a decade in the making. The plot thickens!

The Characters

Given the ambition of the title’s central pair and the new addition to stir things up — the characters in this volume are very richly developed, with each of them carrying layers of emotions and unresolved conflicts. Akira Minato's internal struggles are palpable as he wrestles with his conflicted feelings for Takayuki, while Shintarou's obsession with Akira adds a sense of foreboding to the narrative and this emotional conflict at hand.

Takayuki Sakuma's presence in the volume typically introduces a new perspective (and dynamic) to the story, as his past with Akira is gradually unraveled, offering a glimpse into the complexities of their shared history.

The Art

Much like the volumes that came before, the art and/or visuals crafted in the third volume of Minato’s Laundromat are beautifully rendered, capturing the emotional turmoil (or even the bubbly flirtatiousness) of the characters with utter precision.

Furthermore, the detailed textures of outfits, the gorgeous new ocean setting, and even the subtleties of each character's expressive nature equally enhance the overall depth of the story making each panel pop. Additionally, the use of visual cues to capture the tension between the characters adds a layer of visual storytelling that complements the narrative seamlessly.

Themes and Symbolism

Themes of love, regret, and longing permeate Minato's Laundromat Vol. 3, as the characters attempt to gain clarity with both their past and present desires. The symbolism of the laundromat itself as a place of cleansing and renewal is expertly woven into the story of two who feel refreshed from each other’s presence, reflecting the characters' journeys of self-discovery and emotional growth. The theme of confronting one's past and embracing one's true feelings also reverberates throughout the volume, creating a universal conflict that the series had yet to introduce.

The Verdict

Minato's Laundromat Vol. 3 is a standout addition to the title for beginning to navigate the main characters’ emotions while still turning new, unexpected corners to highlight the inevitable conflicts coming their way.