Egao no Taenai Shokuba desu. [Season 1 Episodes 1-13]

“A Workplace Where Smiles Are Forced: Why Egao no Taenai Shokuba desu. Is the Chaotic Office Comedy We Didn’t Know We Needed”

Let’s cut to the chase: If you’ve ever stared at an email draft for 20 minutes, hyperventilated before a work call, or daydreamed about your boss confessing their undying love mid-deadline, Egao no Taenai Shokuba desu. (or A Mangaka’s Weirdly Wonderful Workplace—we’ll stick to the snappier title) is your new guilty pleasure. This 13-episode anime dives into the messy, fax-machine-clogged world of manga creation, and it’s equal parts relatable chaos and heartwarming chaos. But fair warning: It’s not for everyone.

First off, let’s get the basics straight. Based on Kuzushiro’s manga (the same mind behind Inugami-san to Nekoyama-san), this series follows Nana Futami, a 25-year-old shoujo manga artist who’s basically a walking panic attack with a pencil. She’s got a hit series, a no-nonsense assistant named Mizuki Hazama, and a crush on her editor, Kaede Satou—who’s just as awkward as she is. The anime, which dropped in 2025 (yes, 2025—we’re talking fresh-off-the-press vibes), leans hard into the “cute girls doing cute things” (CGDCT) formula, but with a twist: These girls are working. Like, actual deadlines, actual writer’s block, and actual fax machines (apparently, Japan still loves ’em—who knew?).

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Nana Futami. She’s a disaster. A lovable disaster, but a disaster nonetheless. In the first episode alone, she spends 8 minutes spiraling over an email to her editor, daydreams about Kaede as a knight in shining office wear, and has a full-on meltdown when her manuscript is late. Some fans called her “one of the most annoying girls in anime this year” (ouch), but here’s the thing: She’s relatable. As one viewer put it, “I used to be like her about emails and calls—this is comedy gold for anyone who’s ever been socially anxious at work.” Nana’s over-the-top panic isn’t just for laughs; it’s a love letter to every 20-something who’s faked confidence to survive a meeting.

But Nana isn’t the only star. Mizuki, her assistant, is the show’s unsung hero. She’s the calm to Nana’s storm, the one who rolls her eyes at Nana’s drama but still stays up all night fixing her art. Fans adored their dynamic: “Hazama’s ability to handle her makes her the true master,” one user joked. Then there’s Kaede, the editor who’s just as flustered by Nana as Nana is by her. Their interactions are pure awkward magic—like when they both freeze up mid-conversation, or when Kaede accidentally compliments Nana’s work and they both turn into blushing messes. It’s subtle, it’s sweet, and it’s got major yuri vibes (shoutout to the fans who are here just for that).

The anime’s humor hits hard because it’s rooted in reality. Remember that time Nana forgot to send her manuscript and blamed a “fax machine gremlin”? Yeah, we’ve all blamed tech for our mistakes. Or when Mizuki had to drag Nana out of her apartment to meet a deadline? Relatable. Even the small stuff—like Nana’s obsession with HoneyWorks’ upbeat opening theme (seriously, that song slaps)—feels like a nod to the little joys that get us through work.

But let’s be real: This show isn’t perfect. Some viewers bailed after the first episode, calling Nana’s constant panicking “exhausting” or “annoying.” And they’re not wrong—if you hate characters who scream, cry, and overreact, this isn’t your jam. One fan even said, “I erased the recording halfway through.” Ouch. But for those who stuck around, the payoff was worth it. As the series progresses, Nana grows (slowly), her relationships deepen, and the jokes get smarter. By the end, you’re not just watching a disaster artist—you’re watching someone who’s trying their hardest, and that’s hard not to root for.

Another win? The animation. It’s bright, it’s colorful, and it nails the shoujo manga aesthetic Nana’s trying to create. The character designs are cute without being over-the-top, and the workplace setting feels lived-in—like you could walk in and smell the coffee (and the panic). Plus, the voice acting is on point: Sora Amamiya (Nana) and Miku Itou (Mizuki) bring just the right amount of chaos and charm to their roles.

So, who should watch this? If you loved New Game! or Comic Girls, this is right up your alley. If you’re into workplace comedies with heart, this is for you. If you’ve ever wanted to see what it’s like to be a manga artist (minus the actual work), this is your show. But if you can’t stand socially anxious protagonists or slow-burn romances, maybe skip it.

At the end of the day, Egao no Taenai Shokuba desu. is more than just a CGDCT anime. It’s a show about trying your best, even when you’re a mess. It’s about finding joy in the chaos of work. And it’s about the people who stick by you when you’re spiraling over a fax machine. As one fan summed it up: “Nana is a disaster in the best way possible.”

So grab your favorite snack, settle in, and get ready to laugh, cringe, and maybe even shed a tear (or two). This workplace might not be perfect, but it’s real. And in a world of polished, perfect anime protagonists, real is refreshing.

Final Verdict: 7.8/10 (according to IMDb)—and honestly? That’s fair. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s a fun, relatable ride that’s worth your time. Just don’t watch it if you’re already stressed about work. Trust me.

P.S. If you’re a fan of the manga, you’ll love the anime—just don’t expect it to be 100% accurate. And if you’re new? Give it three episodes. You might just fall for Nana’s chaos.