Thermae Romae Novae

Thermae Romae Novae is a Netflix series that is truly out of the ordinary. The story follows Lucius, a Roman architect who is passionate about baths, and who suddenly finds himself thrown into modern-day Japan. Through his travels, he discovers baths, onsen, and habits that are completely different from his own. The concept may seem totally absurd at first, but that is exactly what makes the series so charming.

What I found interesting is the way the series manages to blend humour, history, and cultural discovery without ever becoming heavy. Each episode revolves around a bath or a feature connected to well-being, but instead of being simply comic, the series also sparks curiosity. We observe with Lucius, we compare, and we realise that something as simple as bathing can actually say a lot about a culture.

This small contrast between ancient Rome and contemporary Japan works really well. Lucius takes everything very seriously, which makes his reactions even funnier. At the same time, the series does more than just make you laugh: it also shows real respect for the traditions it highlights. It is this mix of lightness and cultural interest that makes it so enjoyable to watch.

And then there is one detail that really makes all the difference: at the end of each episode, there is a video with real people who explain more concretely the specific bath featured in the episode. I found that particularly clever, because it gives the series a slight documentary feel. You do not stay only in fiction; you also better understand the reality behind what you have just seen. That makes the whole thing even more interesting and enriching.

In the end, Thermae Romae Novae is a short, original, and intelligent series that manages to make an everyday topic truly captivating. It is the kind of anime you watch for its funny and unexpected side, but also appreciate because it teaches you something. And that little final section with real explanations adds real value to the whole thing.