Ep 10. When You Count to Ten

As Retsuko struggles with her personal and professional life, her friends and colleagues try to push her towards making a change. Meanwhile, Haida is at a crossroads with his own career and must decide whether to remain at the company or pursue his passions elsewhere.

In "When You Count to Ten," the tenth episode of Aggretsuko season three, tensions reach a boiling point as Retsuko's frustration and anxiety come to a head. The episode explores themes of identity, self-acceptance, and the cost of conformity.

As Retsuko continues to work at her thankless job, her only reprieve is her newfound passion for karaoke. However, her colleagues' constant judgment and scrutiny leave her feeling insecure and embarrassed. She longs to break free from the rigid expectations placed on her, but fears the consequences of going against the grain.

Retsuko's struggles are mirrored by Haida, who grapples with his own sense of purpose and belonging. Despite showing promise as a designer, Haida remains stuck in his dead-end job and feels like he's wasting his talents. He begins to question whether he should stay at the company or take a leap of faith and follow his dreams.

Throughout the episode, Retsuko and Haida confide in each other and offer support as they navigate their respective challenges. Their friendship blossoms, and they begin to see each other in a new light.

Meanwhile, other characters in the show face their own crises. Gori and Washimi, Retsuko's high-powered colleagues, confront their own insecurities and vulnerabilities. Director Ton, Retsuko's boss, reveals a surprising side to himself, and Fenneko, Retsuko's sarcastic friend, grapples with her feelings for her coworker, Haida.

Despite the drama and tension, "When You Count to Ten" is ultimately a hopeful episode that celebrates the power of self-discovery and personal growth. The characters come to realize the importance of authenticity and the value of pursuing one's passions, no matter the cost.

As the episode comes to a close, Retsuko and Haida are left with big decisions to make. The future is uncertain, but they both feel more confident about following their hearts and being true to themselves. They lean on each other for support, and it's clear that their friendship will continue to evolve in the seasons to come.