Thermae Romae Novae

Set against the grandeur of the Roman Empire, this comedy follows Lucius, a dedicated and highly skilled bath designer tasked with creating the finest bathing facilities of his era. While striving to innovate and meet the exacting standards of Roman architecture, he unexpectedly finds himself slipping through time, transported far from the ancient world he knows. His accidental journey deposits him directly into present-day Japan, where he is suddenly immersed in an entirely unfamiliar yet fascinating culture centered around bathing. Surrounded by modern Japanese bathhouses and their unique customs, Lucius begins to study these contemporary practices closely. As he navigates the stark contrast between ancient Rome and modern Japan, he draws inspiration from what he observes, hoping to bring fresh ideas back to his own time. This comedic premise explores the humorous cultural collisions that arise when a classical Roman architect encounters the refined bathing traditions of the modern world.