“A Mangaka’s Weirdly Wonderful Workplace” Episode 10: The Chaotic Joy of Taking a Break

Ever stared at your laptop at 1 AM, brain fried from deadlines, and thought, “I just need one day off”? Episode 10 of A Mangaka’s Weirdly Wonderful Workplace gets that exact vibe—and turns it into a cozy, laugh-out-loud adventure that feels like a warm hug for anyone who’s ever needed to hit pause.

For those who haven’t binged the series yet: it follows Nana Futami, a delusional but passionate shojo mangaka, her no-nonsense editor Kaede Sato, and her deadpan assistant Mizuki Hazama (affectionately called Ha-chan by fans). Episode 10, titled “Let’s Take a Day Off Work for a Change,” breaks away from the usual deadline panic to let these three breathe—and the result is pure slice-of-life magic.

The episode kicks off with Futami collapsing at her desk after pulling a 36-hour crunch (relatable AF, as one fan pointed out: “God, I do NOT miss the days of working almost 36 hours straight…”). Sato, in a rare moment of softness, declares they’re all taking the day off—no manga, no edits, no over-the-top daydreams about occupational illness (well, almost no daydreams). What follows is a chaotic tour of their “relaxation” plans: Futami tries to “research” shojo tropes by people-watching at a café (and ends up imagining a couple’s argument as a dramatic love confession), Sato attempts to be “casual” (spoiler: she still checks her work emails every 10 minutes), and Ha-chan? She’s just along for the ride, sipping boba and delivering deadpan one-liners that steal every scene.

Ha-chan, by the way, is the fan favorite for a reason. As one viewer put it: “Ha-chan’s the best part, though.” Her dry reactions to Futami’s chaos—like when Futami rants about a “perfect shojo kiss scene” and Ha-chan simply says, “Sensei, your matcha latte is getting cold”—are comedy gold. She’s the calm in the storm of Futami’s delusions and Sato’s strictness, and Episode 10 lets her shine in small, funny ways (like winning a claw machine plushie for Futami, then pretending she doesn’t care).

But the episode isn’t just jokes—it’s got heart, too. There’s a quiet moment where the trio sits on a park bench, watching kids play. Sato admits she’s been pushing them too hard, and Futami confesses she’s scared her manga won’t resonate. Ha-chan doesn’t say much, but she hands Futami a sketch of the three of them laughing—and suddenly, the stress of deadlines fades into the background. It’s these little, genuine moments that make the show feel relatable, even if you’re not a mangaka. As another fan noted: “Man, parts of this hit waaaaay too close to home. Trying to finish up projects that you already knew were doomed…”

And let’s not forget the subtle yuri hints that fans can’t stop talking about! When the trio stops at a bar later (yes, even Ha-chan has a non-alcoholic drink), Sato leans in to fix Futami’s hair, and the camera lingers just a little too long. One fan asked: “Was there a hint of yuri between the editor and sensei at the bar at the end??” Spoiler: Episode 10 doubles down on those soft, flirty moments—nothing overt, but enough to make shippers scream.

Is the show perfect? No. Some fans compare it to New Game!! and say it’s not as deep, but honestly—who cares? It’s a lighthearted comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s about finding joy in the messy parts of work, the friends who get you through the chaos, and the importance of taking a break when you need it.

If you’re into cozy slice-of-life shows with quirky characters and relatable humor, Episode 10 is a must-watch. It’s the kind of episode that makes you smile, then text your friends: “We need to take a day off like this.” And let’s be real—Ha-chan’s one-liners alone are worth the watch.

So grab your favorite snack, hit play, and let Futami, Sato, and Ha-chan remind you: even the busiest days deserve a little chaos (and a lot of boba).

Rating: 4.5/5 boba cups (deducting 0.5 only because we didn’t get more Ha-chan screen time).

P.S. If you loved this episode, go back and rewatch Ha-chan’s claw machine win—her tiny smile is everything. 💖