Thermae Romae

Lucius Modestus, a bathhouse architect in ancient Rome, has hit a creative wall and ends up out of work. Hoping to lift his spirits, friends bring him to a public bath, but the noise and crowding only frustrate him. When he ducks underwater to escape, he discovers a hidden passage that drops him into a modern Japanese bathhouse—an encounter that sparks the inspiration he’s been missing.

Armed with ideas far beyond his era, Lucius returns to Rome determined to adapt what he’s seen. Limited by the tools and materials of his time, his attempts don’t always match the originals, yet the novelty and cleverness of his designs may be enough to impress the public and restore his standing.

Note: MyAnimeList lists the show as three episodes rather than five; see “More Info” for details.