Egao no Taenai Shokuba desu [Season 1 Episode 10]

If you thought Egao no Taenai Shokuba desu couldn’t get any more wholesome, Episode 10 just proved you wrong—because nothing says “we need a break” like a hot spring trip with your favorite chaotic mangaka crew! After weeks of deadlines, panic attacks over plot holes, and Nashida’s nonstop rants about deadlines, this episode was exactly the breath of fresh air both the characters and fans needed.

Let’s start with the star of the show (well, one of them): Mizuki Hazama. Her eye infection wasn’t just a random plot device—it was a window into her quiet insecurity and how much the crew cares about her. Fans were quick to point out how “great that others care for her,” and honestly, seeing Futami practically beg her to take time off was so sweet. It’s the little things: Sato sliding her eye drops across the desk, Futami checking in every five minutes, even Nashida (grudgingly) telling her to rest. Mizuki’s worry about being replaceable hit way too close to home for many fans—“Hazama’s struggle was way too real,” one comment said—and who hasn’t felt like they’re just a cog in the machine when they’re sick or tired? But Episode 10 shut that down hard: Futami made it crystal clear that Mizuki isn’t just an assistant—she’s the reason her manga gets done, the chaos that keeps her sane, and the friend who’s always there to fix her messy storyboards.

Then there’s the hot spring trip itself. Sato, ever the thoughtful editor, spun it as a “work retreat” (to justify the expense, obviously), but let’s be real—this was all about letting the crew unwind. Fans were screaming about finally getting a hot spring episode (“about time really!”), and it didn’t disappoint. The tension between Sato and Futami was impossible to miss: when Sato hesitated to bathe with Futami, fans were begging her to “just confess already!” And Futami’s reaction to the editor’s agreement line? Pure chaos—like, what was in that contract that made her turn bright red? We need answers!

But the real highlight of the trip was meeting Yuzuki, Mizuki’s older sister. Voiced by Hayami Saori (or Hayamin, as fans call her), Yuzuki was everything we hoped for: calm, witty, and just a little teasing. Fans loved how “perfect Hayamin’s voice was for the character,” and the scene where Futami realizes she’s been calling both sisters “Ha-san” this whole time was comedy gold. Yuzuki’s line about everyone being replaceable hit hard, but Futami’s quick retort—“not you, Mizuki”—was the kind of wholesome moment that makes this show so beloved. Fans gushed about how that line proved their bond is “one of a kind.”

And let’s not forget Futami’s fangirl moment with Amano-sensei, the shogi queen who inspired her manga. Voiced by Kana Hanazawa (HanaKana), Amano-sensei was the epitome of brains and beauty—fans called her “the GOAT” and loved how HanaKana nailed her calm, confident vibe. Futami’s reaction to meeting her idol? Relatable AF: she was stuttering, blushing, and even forgot to breathe for a second. The shogi venue was “breathtaking,” as fans noted, and watching Amano-sensei play was a dream come true for both Futami and us.

Of course, we can’t talk about Episode 10 without mentioning the chaos back at the studio. Nashida, left alone with the crew’s dog and a pile of unfinished work, was in full grumpy mode. Fans laughed at how “poor Takara-chan (the dog) was stuck with an angry Nashida,” and Kobayashi Yuu’s voice acting for Nashida was once again top-tier—fans praised her “outstanding vocal range” as she ranted about being abandoned. It’s the little funny bits like this that keep the show lighthearted even when dealing with real issues.

After weeks of deadlines and panic, Episode 10 slowed down to let us enjoy the characters just being themselves. Fans called it a “nice change of pace,” and it’s true—sometimes you just need to watch your favorite characters soak in a hot spring, bicker about silly nicknames, and admit how much they care about each other. This episode balanced humor and heart perfectly: one minute you’re cackling at Futami’s over-the-top fangirling, the next you’re tearing up at Mizuki realizing she’s not alone.

Fans are already calling Episode 10 their “favorite so far,” and it’s easy to see why. It’s got everything: friendship, laughter, a little romance tease, and even some real talk about self-doubt. Whether you’re here for the chaotic workplace vibes or the wholesome character moments, this episode delivers. So grab your snacks, sit back, and enjoy the chaos (and warmth) of the mangaka crew’s hot spring adventure—you won’t regret it!

P.S. If you’re still not convinced, just remember: this episode has Hayamin, HanaKana, and a hot spring. Need I say more? 😉