The third episode of “Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf!”, titled “Lost Magic Stones”, aired on Friday, January 24, 2025, and saw Kazuhiro and Marie’s adventures take an interesting turn. While the previous episodes focused on Marie’s initial adjustment to modern Japan and the duo’s discovery of their ability to travel between worlds, this installment dives deeper into the mysteries of Marie’s world, introducing new challenges and characters.
A Gyoza-Fueled Start in Japan
The episode begins not in the fantasy realm, but back in Kazuhiro’s apartment in Japan. Marie is diligently studying Japanese, a stark contrast to her earlier bewilderment with the modern world. Kazuhiro returns from his office job to a warm welcome from Marie, who enthusiastically demonstrates her newly acquired Japanese phrases. The domestic scene quickly transitions into a delightful dinner of gyoza and white wine, with Marie expressing her astonishment at how inexpensive the dish is. This lighthearted moment highlights the cultural exchange between the two, with Marie’s drunken shock at the affordability of gyoza being a particularly humorous highlight.
They discuss their recent adventure in Marie’s world and the dragon’s attack. The conversation also touches upon the magic items they collected, a dragon scale and a blood stone. Marie and Kazuhiro muse about the possibility that some entity is controlling their travels, before deciding not to dwell on it further. They acknowledge the challenges they face in Marie’s world, as they prepare for their next adventure, this time seeking a magic stone.
Journey to the Ujapeak Ruins
The pair’s quest takes them to the scorching Ujapeak Ruins in Marie’s world. This location is a stark contrast to the cozy confines of Kazuhiro’s apartment. The ruins appear to be located in a desert-like area. After passing an area where they overhear people discussing a beastfolk child, they reach an oasis. The cool temperature of the oasis provides a welcome respite from the heat.
They have lunch there, before continuing their exploration. Marie explains how her spirit magic works, revealing that she follows traditional fantasy rules for such abilities. During their journey, Kazuhiro senses a presence, but dismisses it and they move forward.
Battling a Koopa and the Appearance of a New Character
Their search for the magic stone leads them to a confrontation with a monster called a Koopa, emerging from an oasis spring. Kazuhiro and Marie, along with a new character, a cat tribesman named Mui, engage in battle. Mui is introduced as a potential key ally.
While battling the Koopa, they are suddenly attacked by a group of ruffians who appear to be overseeing the area. During the fight, they reveal they have been watching Marie and Kazuhiro from the shadows, and refer to Kazuhiro as “boss.” They bring out the beastfolk from before, who appears to be some sort of captive. The ruffians force the child to summon a powerful sea serpent-like beast from the oasis using a magic stone. Marie and Kazuhiro barely escape the attack by using their ability to return to Japan by sleeping.
Back to Japan, But With Questions
The episode concludes with a return to Kazuhiro’s apartment, leaving viewers on a cliffhanger and eager for the next episode. While the initial episodes showcased the charm of Marie’s fish-out-of-water experiences in Japan, this episode shifts the focus, teasing the greater dangers and intrigues of the fantasy world, with the introduction of the ruffians and the powerful sea serpent beast.
Production and Animation
While “Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf!” generally maintains a charming visual style, this episode has been criticized for inconsistencies in animation quality. Certain scenes feature characters that appear off-model, and the animation feels stiff at times, detracting from the overall viewing experience. These issues are particularly noticeable during action sequences, where the lack of fluidity is a significant drawback.
Despite these visual shortcomings, the show still manages to engage viewers with its story and characters. The voice acting remains strong, particularly in portraying Marie’s childlike wonder and Kazuhiro’s down-to-earth nature.
Overall Impression
Episode 3, “Lost Magic Stones,” is a pivotal episode that advances the overarching plot, setting up the duo for further adventures, while also introducing a new character, Mui, and a mysterious group. The episode balances lighthearted moments with thrilling combat, though the animation quality is not up to par with previous installments. The shift in focus from Marie’s integration into Japan to a more complex adventure in her world offers a glimpse into the show’s potential for long-term storytelling. While the animation may not be the strongest point, the episode’s narrative and character interactions continue to make it an enjoyable viewing experience.
Key Highlights:
- New Character: Introduction of Mui, a cat tribesman, who is likely to be a key ally.
- New Antagonists: The reveal of a group of antagonists who appear to be overseeing the Ujapeak Ruins.
- Action and Adventure: The battle with the Koopa and the escape from the sea serpent-like beast add a touch of action to the story.
- Magic Stone Quest: The journey to find a magic stone sets the stage for future adventures.
- Cultural Moments: Humorous scenes of Marie learning Japanese and her fascination with gyoza.
Release Date: Friday, January 24, 2025
“Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf!” continues to be a promising reverse-isekai series. The series is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
