Kenjiro Tsuda
Lucius (voice)
Overview
A proud bath architect in ancient Rome starts randomly surfacing in present-day Japan, where he's inspired by the many bathing innovations he finds.
Seasons
- Status
- Ended
- Seasons
- 1 season
- Episodes
- 11 episodes
- First aired
- Mar 28, 2022
Cast
10 people
Reviews
4 min readThe Bathhouse at the End of the World
I’ve always had a soft spot for stories that treat time travel as a kind of cultural whiplash—where the past and present don’t just collide, but splash into each other like bathwater sloshing over the edge of a tub. Thermae Romae Novae is one of those rare shows that takes that premise and doesn’t just run with it, but soaks in it. Based on Mari Yamazaki’s manga, this 2022 anime series follows Lucius Modestus, a Roman bath architect from the 2nd century AD, who keeps finding himself mysteriously transported to modern-day Japan.
There, he’s baffled, delighted, and occasionally horrified by the bathing innovations he encounters—onsen, sentō, high-tech bidets—all of which he dutifully sketches in his notebook to bring back to Rome. It’s a fish-out-of-water story, but the fish in question is a Roman engineer with a toga and a very strong opinion about public hygiene.
What makes the show work isn’t just the novelty of the premise, though that’s certainly part of it. It’s the way it treats its central joke with a kind of earnest absurdity. Lucius isn’t a bumbling tourist; he’s a professional, and his reactions to modern Japan are filtered through the lens of his craft.
When he stumbles into a Japanese bathhouse for the first time, his eyes widen not just at the unfamiliarity of it, but at the possibility. The show’s humor comes from his deadpan acceptance of the impossible—of course he’s in another time, of course these people have figured out how to heat water more efficiently, of course they’ve invented a machine that washes your back for you.
His confusion is never played for mockery; it’s a kind of reverence.
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsNetflix’s Thermae Romae Novae Brings Ancient Rome to Life with Star-Studded Cast and Creator’s Vision
Netflix’s 2022 anime Thermae Romae Novae is a quirky time-travel comedy that blends ancient Rome with modern Japan, and its behind-the-scenes details are almost as entertaining as the series itself. Based on Mari Yamazaki’s manga, the show follows Lucius, a Roman architect who stumbles through bathhouse portals into contemporary Japan, where he’s baffled—and inspired—by modern innovations. latestnetflix.com's view is that the anime’s cast and creator have given fans a peek into its making, revealing a mix of humor, cultural exchange, and star power.
A Cast of Anime Heavyweights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5y9nfHs4Sw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1rSzLH2eBM
The series boasts a stacked Japanese voice cast, announced in a Netflix teaser . Leading the charge is Kenjiro Tsuda (Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man) as Lucius, the bewildered Roman protagonist. Tsuda’s voice work has been a highlight for fans, particularly in scenes where Lucius grapples with Japanese toilets—a running gag that’s become a meme-worthy moment . Other standout names include Chikahiro Kobayashi (Demon Slayer), Satoshi Hino (My Hero Academia), and Asami Seto (Rent-A-Girlfriend), whose performances add depth to the show’s comedic and dramatic beats.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QAZ3dFWgUw
The cast’s chemistry was on full display during a Netflix event featuring Tsuda and creator Mari Yamazaki, where they discussed the series’ unique premise . While the event didn’t dive deep into recording sessions, Tsuda’s enthusiasm for the role was evident, suggesting a playful dynamic in the studio.
Creator Mari Yamazaki’s Personal Touch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELsGEbcp92M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fz9qA7Ri2Cs
Mari Yamazaki, the manga’s original creator, played a hands-on role in adapting Thermae Romae Novae for Netflix. In a series of interviews, she revealed how her own experiences living in Italy and Japan shaped the story’s humor and cultural clashes . Yamazaki’s deep dive into the anime’s production highlighted her collaboration with the team to ensure the bathhouse settings—both Roman and Japanese—were historically accurate yet whimsical.
One of the most intriguing behind-the-scenes tidbits came from Yamazaki’s discussion of Lucius’s character. She described him as a "fish out of water" who grows to appreciate modern conveniences, a theme that resonates with her own cross-cultural journey . While she didn’t share specific anecdotes about the voice actors’ improvisations, her interviews suggest a close-knit creative process.
Netflix’s March 2022 Debut and Fan Reception
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH4D4kZ3y9E
Thermae Romae Novae premiered on Netflix on March 28, 2022, after a promotional push that included trailers and cast announcements . The series’ reception has been mixed but enthusiastic, with fans praising its animation and humor. On SensCritique, it holds a 6.3/10 rating based on 229 votes, with viewers highlighting its unique premise as a standout feature 
.
The show’s blend of historical satire and modern absurdity has sparked discussions online, particularly around its fish-out-of-water humor. Clips like Lucius’s first encounter with a Japanese toilet have gone viral, cementing the series as a cult favorite . However, some critics argue the pacing and episodic structure limit its broader appeal.
What’s Next?
As of now, there’s no official word on a second season, leaving fans to speculate about Lucius’s future adventures. Given the manga’s ongoing popularity, a renewal isn’t out of the question—but for now, Thermae Romae Novae remains a delightful one-season wonder.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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