A Mangaka’s Weirdly Wonderful Workplace (Japanese: 笑顔のたえない職場です。, Egao no Taenai Shokuba Desu), the delightful anime adaptation of Kuzushiro’s manga, continues to charm audiences with its humorous and insightful portrayal of a shojo mangaka’s daily life. The series, which premiered in October 2025, has garnered attention for its engaging characters and relatable workplace dynamics. Episode 9, titled “Sanpo de Mitsuketa Otakara Desu” (散歩で見つけたお宝です。; “A Treasure Found on a Walk”), offers a blend of heartwarming moments and significant character development, particularly for protagonist Nana Futami and her fellow mangaka, Arisa Nashida.
The Canine Companion and Futami’s Reflections
Episode 9 opens with Nana Futami, a rookie shojo manga artist struggling with the pressures of serialization and her personal health, embarking on a walk as part of her dieting efforts. During this outing, she encounters an abandoned puppy, a chance meeting that deeply resonates with her. Futami, known for her occasional “occupational illness” leading to wild delusions, sees a reflection of her own past struggles as a fledgling mangaka in the tiny, vulnerable creature. This immediate connection leads her to bring the puppy back to her workplace, hoping to provide it with proper care.
A Welcoming Workplace for a New Friend
The introduction of the puppy into the bustling environment of Futami’s studio quickly brightens the atmosphere. The innocent and adorable newcomer effortlessly wins over everyone it meets, including Futami’s editor, Kaede Satō, and her assistant, Mizuki Hazama, as well as other colleagues like Nashida, Toko, and Asakura. This segment of the episode highlights the sense of community within the workplace, emphasizing how shared experiences and mutual support are integral to their creative process. The presence of the puppy serves as a catalyst for moments of lightheartedness and camaraderie, reinforcing the anime’s core theme of a “workplace where you can’t help but smile”.
Nashida’s Creative Spark and a Mysterious Letter
A significant subplot in Episode 9 focuses on Arisa Nashida, another mangaka who has been experiencing a creative slump following the conclusion of her previous series. Nashida has been a source of comedic relief and a representation of the challenges artists face, often depicted as a “depressed alcoholic” in previous episodes.
However, her fortunes begin to shift in this episode. Nashida receives a mysterious fan letter, a small but powerful gesture of appreciation that could potentially alter her creative trajectory. This fan letter acts as a much-needed morale boost, providing her with the encouragement to consider new projects. The episode suggests that this newfound inspiration may lead to her involvement in a spin-off series related to Ren Takizawa’s work, a possibility that has been hinted at previously. This development marks a positive turning point for Nashida, showcasing the impact of external validation and the resilience of artists in overcoming creative blocks.
The Unseen Threads of Collaboration
Beneath the humor and character-driven narratives, Episode 9 subtly reinforces the anime’s overarching message about the importance of collaboration in the manga industry. Even though Nana Futami is the primary creator, the episode illustrates that her success is a collective effort. The support of her editor, the assistance of her colleagues, and even casual conversations with experienced individuals all contribute to her ability to produce her work. The episode highlights that no creator truly works in isolation; a strong support system and the contributions of a dedicated team are crucial for a mangaka’s journey.
Looking Ahead
“A Mangaka’s Weirdly Wonderful Workplace” Episode 9 effectively blends personal character arcs with the broader themes of workplace comedy and artistic collaboration. The introduction of the puppy brings a refreshing dynamic to Futami’s daily routine, while Nashida’s renewed creative spirit promises exciting developments for her character. The episode underscores the small victories and essential connections that make the “weirdly wonderful workplace” a place of growth and shared success for these aspiring mangaka.
