After Nana had her second volume signing event, she stayed at a hotel with Kaede. It becomes obvious what Kaede wants to do the next day while in the hotel.
Believe it or not, it’s strange for Nana to stay in a hotel in her hometown after doing a signing event for her 2nd volume. Nana remembers how much fun she had at the event today. That is, until Kaede came in after taking a bath, as she had a favor for Nana to do. She apparently wants to visit Nana’s family. It’s funny how Nana seems okay with it before panic settles in, as if she doesn’t want to do it. Kaede decided she wanted to do it while thinking things over. Since Kaede felt she was depending on Nana too much, even though things turned out well in the end, she just wanted to say hi to them and talk about being a mangaka, which is not a stable career like most creative fields.
The next day, Nana and Kaede went to her childhood home. The funny thing is that her whole family was there, since they knew their daughter would be visiting. It’s interesting to see what Nana’s older brother and sister are doing for a living. Also, it was interesting to see how Nana’s childhood playing shougi with her older brother and reading manga with her older sister inspired her manga series. It’s funny to know that Nana cried and got emotional as a child, just like she does now. Funny how Nana panics when her older brother and sister tell her how she was during her childhood.
Thankfully, her parents seem supportive of her daughter’s career choice, while Kaede shares her concerns about stability. As they say, if she enjoys doing what she does for a living, they are okay with it. They know there aren’t many safe, secure careers in Japan, but at least they are very supportive of Nana becoming a mangaka, especially given how successful she is now.
Still, I find it funny how Nana realizes her parents are pushing her away all of a sudden, since they think she is in a relationship with Kaede after Kaede says she will support her no matter what happens. It’s funny to see Nana’s reaction after someone asked if they are getting married. While Nana denies it, she may as well get married, given how close they are.
In the second half, Nana got invited to a dinner by Kaede at a fancy Chinese restaurant. Nana wondered if she had done something wrong and if her series would get cancelled. Nana is overthinking things, especially given how successful her signing event was. I doubt her series was getting cancelled.
It’s funny how Nana makes a big deal over this meeting, while the editor-in-chief and Ikenami came. They invited her there to celebrate Nana’s release of the second volume of her manga and the success of her signing event. Why would they go to a Chinese restaurant knowing that it’s Nana’s favorite food? Funny how Nana gets embarrassed that this was the case
Another reason they invited her is to have her become a judge for the next manga award. After all, the editor in chief explains what other mangaka take turns, and it’s not really optional. The funny thing is, Nana doesn’t seem confident she can do it. That is, before Kaede asks why they have busy authors to do it. Nana guessed correctly, as it will attract more people to participate in the contest. Interestingly, they mention that Nana’s manga led the magazine to receive more submissions from non-romance series. With that, Kaede thinks Nana can do it.
With that, Nana is willing to do it, and, of course, Mizuki and Arisa congratulate her, with Mizuki reminding Nana that she is behind schedule. Funny Nana gets upset as Arisa laughs at Nana’s suffering. Funny how Asakura calls her that. Arisa has something she needs to do, and she can’t change the deadline. Funny to see her reaction afterwards as she got what she deserved. The next day, Kaede, Asakura, and Touko dropped by. Nekonote also came forward and was willing to join Nana’s team. At least Nana is happy that her workplace now feels like a proper one.
Final Thoughts
Egao no Taenai Shokuba desu is a fun show, especially given that the characters are enjoyable. Sure, Nana is an introvert and socially awkward, with a personality similar to a pink-haired guitarist. I find it funny that Kaede, Nana’s editor, is also socially awkward, as she cannot communicate her plans to Nana, which makes her seem surprised when things happen.
Even so, I do like how supportive the characters are of Nana’s manga’s success. Also, Arisa is an amusing character, given her personality and, of course, that date with Touko. That said, Egao no Taenai Shokuba desu is a fun show, mainly for the characters and their personalities, with some stuff focusing on how the manga industry works. I wouldn’t mind another season if they decide to make one.
(Also known as A Mangaka’s Weirdly Wonderful Workplace)
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