Thermae Romae

Architect Lucius Modestus may be brilliant and promising but his work is not without challenges. Bathhouses are common in Rome and Lucius felt he could improve them. However he has no idea what needed to be improved.

In the year 128 AD while in a bathhouse, Lucius discovers a drain that transports him to a modern-day Japanese bathhouse. The strange things he saw in the bathhouse gave him the ideas he needed to improve those in Rome. In the next 3 episodes (3 episodes, 2 OVAs and some special episodes), whenever Lucius needs new architecture ideas he is transported to Japan every time. His "new" ideas delighted the Romans and gained him some favor from the emperor.

Lucius in modern-day Japan

Don't let the cover and Lucius's face turn you off. Lucius's adventures are hilarious and his reaction when he's in Japan even more fun to watch. He's got that serious look on his face every time he sees something new that might help improve his designs. The series however is not just about the antics of a Roman public bathhouse architect time traveling through drainage. I've also learned a few things about everyday stuff I usually overlook. Lucius's concerns have merit though his ideas may be exaggerated. And there's always some things about public bathhouses in Rome and Japan that viewers do not know yet. 

Terumae Roman was fun to watch. The humor is effective and Lucius amusing. The animation might not work for some, but everything else about the series makes up for it.

Rating: 9 out of 10