Thermae Romae (flash anime)

Thermae Romae is a Japanese anime series based on the manga of the same name by Mari Yamazaki. The anime, produced by Ajia-do Animation Works, is notable for its unique animation style that employs Flash animation to achieve a distinct visual aesthetic. The story centers around Lucius, a Roman bathhouse architect who inexplicably time-travels to modern-day Japan. He is fascinated by the advanced and diverse bathhouse designs he encounters in Japan and incorporates these ideas into his Roman designs. The anime faithfully adapts the comedic and culturally insightful aspects of the manga, highlighting the differences and similarities between Roman and modern Japanese bathhouse culture. The humor stems from the clash of cultures and Lucius's bewildered reactions to contemporary Japanese society. The series is praised for its historical accuracy regarding Roman architecture and social customs, combined with a lighthearted and often hilarious take on cross-cultural exchanges. While a relatively short anime series, it captures the essence of the manga's charm. The animation style, though different from many other anime, successfully contributes to the overall comedic tone.