Egao no Taenai Shokuba desu. Episode 10: The Hot Spring Break We All Needed

Okay, let’s cut to the chase—Episode 10 of A Mangaka’s Weirdly Wonderful Workplace was exactly the breath of fresh air we’ve been craving after watching Nana Futami grind nonstop on her shoujo manga. Fans online have been begging for a hot spring episode since, like, forever, and finally, we got it! And let me tell you—it didn’t just deliver laughs; it hit us right in the feels too.

First off, let’s talk about Mizuki Hazama, our favorite overworked assistant. She’s been glued to her tablet so long she gets an eye infection (relatable, anyone who’s pulled an all-nighter scrolling TikTok?), and suddenly she’s spiraling into “am I even necessary?” panic. Fans were screaming about how her insecurity hit way too close to home—like, who hasn’t felt replaceable at some point? One minute you’re the go-to person for everything, the next you’re worried your spot could be filled by someone better. But then Futami steps in, and their bond is unbreakable. When Mizuki’s sister Yuzuki (voiced by the iconic Hayamin—fans went wild for that casting!) drops the “everyone’s replaceable” line, Futami shut that down faster than you can say “manga deadline.” She made it clear: Mizuki isn’t just an assistant—she’s the one who gets her weird daydreams, who fixes her messy drafts, who’s been with her since the start. That moment was so wholesome I almost teared up.

And then there’s the hot spring trip! Sato, our savior editor, frames it as a “work trip” (smooth move, girl) to get Futami away from her desk. Futami spends half the time fangirling over Amano-sensei—the shogi queen who’s her idol—voiced by HanaKana (another fan-favorite voice actor win!). She’s so starstruck she can barely form sentences, which is totally relatable if you’ve ever met someone you look up to. The banter between everyone is chef’s kiss: Mizuki rocks an eye patch (fans thought she looked even cooler), Futami rambles about shogi strategies like a total nerd, and Sato… well, her vibe around Futami is low-key flirty. Fans online are begging her to just confess already—like, we see you, Sato, with your thoughtful “work trip” plans and soft smiles.

But let’s not forget the chaos back at the office. Nashida, the grumpy rival mangaka, gets left behind with Futami’s dog—and she’s so salty about missing the hot spring fun. Fans were rolling at her “why me?” energy; it’s the perfect comedic relief to all the heartfelt moments. Poor Nashida—always the one left out, but her pouting made the episode even funnier.

The best part? This episode isn’t just about laughs. It dives into the real stuff: friendship, self-doubt, and what it means to be irreplaceable. When Yuzuki tells Futami that everyone in the industry can be swapped out, Futami’s response—“But not Mizuki”—hit different. It’s a reminder that the people who get you, who stick by you even when you’re messy, are the ones who matter most. Fans online were gushing about how that line summed up their own friendships too.

And let’s talk about the little things: Mizuki’s sister Yuzuki being Futami’s old high school friend (small world, right?), the way Sato plans the trip just to get Futami to relax, and even the silly moments where Futami accidentally calls both Mizuki and Yuzuki “Ha-san” (fans found that hilarious). Every scene feels like hanging out with your own chaotic friend group—messy, loud, and full of love.

Overall, Episode 10 was a banger. It had the perfect mix of laughter, heart, and relatable vibes. Whether you’re here for the unbreakable bond between Futami and Mizuki, the slow-burn chemistry between Futami and Sato, or just the chaotic comedy of Nashida being left with a dog, this episode delivered. Fans are calling it their favorite so far, and I can’t argue—this one’s a must-watch.

If you haven’t seen it yet, grab some snacks, curl up on the couch, and hit play. Trust me—you won’t regret it. This episode is proof that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to take a step back and hang out with the people who make you feel like you’re one of a kind.

P.S. Nashida’s salty face when she realizes she’s missing the hot spring trip? Iconic. 10/10 would rewatch just for that. ✨