Thermae Romae

Roman Architect Lucius Modestus Travels to Modern Japan for Bathhouse Inspiration

In 128 AD Rome, architect Lucius Modestus discovers a drain that transports him to a modern Japanese bathhouse. He marvels at innovations like fruit-flavored milk and returns to Rome to apply these concepts to a successful new bathhouse. A year later, he is commissioned by a sickly man to construct an outdoor bath near Vesuvius. While inspecting a heated well, Lucius is transported again, this time to a Japanese hot spring where he experiences slow-cooked eggs and sake. He brings these culinary discoveries back to Rome, which help restore the health of the elderly client.

Lucius visits modern Japan twice to learn about baths and toilets for Emperor Hadrian

Lucius is mistaken for a caretaker in modern Japan and learns about bathtubs, which he builds for Emperor Hadrian. Summoned as the new architect, he feels unworthy and is sent back to Japan, this time to a toilet showroom. He mistakes digital sea life footage for an aquarium and studies modern bidets. Using this knowledge, he creates these innovations for the Emperor.

Lucius builds baths near Vesuvius and explores modern Japan's hot spring culture.

Lucius is dispatched to a hot spring near Vesuvius to construct public baths, where he successfully enlightens several smelly robbers residing there. After a mishap, he travels back to modern Japan, finding himself in a city abundant with public hot spring baths. He enjoys the offerings at an amusement stand and a ramen shop before returning to Rome with souvenirs. Back in Rome, he utilizes his experiences to build a village filled with baths, completing his mission with the knowledge gained from his journey.

The Fascination of Pharos / I Want to Slip Honestly

The Three Office Lady Sisters' Thermae Murder Mystery / I Want to Feel Smooth

The Fascination of Pharos

A character expresses a desire to slip honestly

A murder mystery involving three office lady sisters and their thermal baths

The desire to experience a smooth sensation is expressed