Thermae Romae

Struggling with creative burnout and criticized for his outdated designs, ancient Roman architect Lucius seeks inspiration at a local public bathhouse. While pondering his next move, he is suddenly sucked through the drain and transported over 1,500 years into the future—straight into a modern-day Japanese bathhouse. Though baffled by the strange "flat-faced foreigners" and their high-tech amenities, Lucius is struck by their ingenious approach to relaxation and hygiene. Armed with these futuristic ideas, he returns to ancient Rome to revolutionize its bathing culture, blending architectural history with time-traveling comedy. Winner of the 3rd Manga Taisho and the Short Story Award at the 14th Osamu Tezuka Cultural Prize, *Thermae Romae* is a hilarious and inventive cultural exchange centered around the universal joy of a good soak.