REVIEW: ‘Let’s Make a Mug Too,’ Episode 9 – “Pound, Stretch, Subtract, and Add”

Last time in the Potter Club, viewers were treated to an episode of Let’s Make A Mug Too that can only be described as… strange. A bit of magical realism, a dollop of fan service, and a huge amount of plot deviation later, we’re now at Let’s Make a Mug Episode 9. This episode seems to be a return to the 41st Minoware Contest plot. Based on the title, that’s what you’d think… right?

Thankfully, Let’s Make a Mug Episode 9, “Pound, Stretch, Subtract, and Add,” is just that. A pleasant return to the Pottery Club and the more central plot. Himeno’s back at it making her ceramic cushion, though it’s definitely going to take a lot of experimentation before she gets it right. Thankfully, Himeno’s not alone. She has Nao, Mika, and Touka to help guide her along the way!

A lot of Let’s Make a Mug Episode 9 front half is spent with Himeno experimenting with different shapes and sizes, and thicknesses of ceramic cushions. Still, they’re not exactly what she needs. Then, Himeno sees Nao eating a danish, and inspiration strikes! Unfortunately, immediately afterward, Himeno’s arms start to show all that pottery wear and tear. However, that’s not enough to stop Himeno’s pottery passion. It seems like maybe, just maybe, we’ll have something of a resolution to her project.

The next day, Himeno’s pieces are dry, and the members of the Pottery Club gather for a sit test. Naturally, Himeno’s ideas are hit and miss, but she’s still making a solid dent in her ceramic cushion plans. However, it’s clear that she’s also becoming frustrated. Thankfully, senior Touka reminds Himeno that she can approach her project from a variety of angles. She also reminds Himeno that she has over a month to do this project, and a matter of weeks -two weeks, really- before firing her ceramics. Will she meet the deadline on time? Well… I guess you’ll just have to watch and find out!

In the live-action segment of Let’s Make a Mug Episode 9, the voice actors are back in Tajimi getting their fill of the city’s local specialties. It’s a feast for the eyes as they dive headfirst into loads of good food! They sample all manner of good, including sauced and grilled gohei mochi, chilled koro udon, soy-sauce broth shina soba, and grilled eel. It’s fascinating to see what foods make up Tajimi City. More so since some of these dishes might have appeared in the show as well. In many ways, seeing the voice actors of the Pottery Quartet eating together reminds me of episodes where the animated girls hang out outside of the club. It’s a wonderful tie-in for a really delightful show.

Let’s Make a Mug Episode 9 is a pleasant return to the current arc. After an incredibly weak episode last week, this week’s episode feels like everything is back on track. Himeno’s growth feels genuine, as does the solution to her cushion conundrum. Admittedly, this isn’t the most plotty episode, as most of Himeno’s crafting is done in montages rather than dialogue with her clubmates. Still, I found this episode rather enjoyable and definitely better than last week’s.

Let’s Make a Mug Episode 9, ultimately, is a good transition into the final few episodes, which will probably conclude the contest. Will Himeno win? I’m hoping so. She’s put so much effort into everything that it would be a shame if she didn’t! Guess we’ll all just have to keep coming back every week to see where Let’s Make a Mug Too goes!

Let’s Make a Mug Too is now streaming on Crunchyroll.