Fish and Water follows the unlikely love story of two "straight" friends. Having met at a mutual friend's wedding, Akira, a business sales administrator, and Koji, a freelance writer, quickly become close buddies. One day, during a visit with a farm client, Akira is offered a case of freshly picked cabbage. Since no one at his office wants it, and he is no cook, Akira decides to see if Koji (who loves to cook) might be interested. Lonely and in the midst of pandemic-related shutdowns, Akira uses this as an excuse to come hang out at Koji's house. Once they get past how to be COVID-cautious, they become quite relaxed with each other, creating an amusing but emotionally confusing scenario. Akira and Koi grapple with deciding if they are just friends or something more.

Part exceptionally drawn character study, part contemporary comedy of manners, Fish and Water is a delightful love story for the modern era, considering how love and connection can find you in the strangest ways.

(Source: Pantheon)

Original Japanese Web Release

Note: Began as a one-shot published on Web Action on May 27, 2022. Serialization began on October 14, 2022. The one-shot is included as the first chapter in the volume release.