Ep 11. I Never Thought That Girl Would Be a Princess

Tamako Market is a slice-of-life anime that centers around the daily lives of the residents of Usagiyama Shopping District. Tamako Kitashirakawa, a cheerful young girl, works at her family's mochi shop alongside her parents and her little sister, Anko. One day, a talking bird named Dera Mochimazzi arrives from a faraway island and makes himself at home in Tamako's house.

In episode 11, titled "I Never Thought That Girl Would Be a Princess," the shopping district prepares for their annual festival, the Usagiyama Shopping District Market. Tamako is excited to take part in the festivities, but her attention is soon drawn to a new girl in town named Shirahashi Ruri. Ruri is a bit of a mystery to the locals, and Tamako is curious about her.

As it turns out, Ruri is actually a princess from a small island nation called the Kingdom of Hope. She arrived in the shopping district looking for something called the "Lucky Bird's Foot," a legendary item that is said to bring fortune to its owner. The foot is said to be in possession of one of the residents of Usagiyama Shopping District, so Ruri has been scouring the district to find it.

Tamako is fascinated by Ruri's story and offers to help her find the Lucky Bird's Foot. Together with Dera and some of their friends, they search high and low for the item, but it seems to be nowhere in sight. As they search, Tamako begins to realize that Ruri isn't just a princess on a mission; she's also a girl who wants to experience the joys of everyday life.

Throughout the episode, Tamako and her friends show Ruri around the shopping district, taking her to local bakeries and antique shops. They even introduce her to their favorite arcade game, Love Attack. At first, Ruri is hesitant to join in on the fun, but soon she's laughing and having a good time with her new friends.

As the day wears on, Tamako and Ruri come across a group of children who are trying to catch a small bird. The bird is none other than the Lucky Bird, and it seems to have taken a liking to Ruri. Tamako and Ruri manage to catch the bird, and in return, the Lucky Bird brings them a piece of the Lucky Bird's Foot.

In the end, Ruri realizes that the Lucky Bird's Foot isn't just a mere possession; it's a symbol of the friendships she's made in the shopping district. The excitement of the festival and the newfound friendships make Ruri decide to extend her stay in Usagiyama a bit longer. As the episode draws to a close, Tamako and her friends see off Ruri at the train station, promising to keep in touch with their new friend.

Overall, "I Never Thought That Girl Would Be a Princess" is a heartwarming episode that highlights the importance of friendship and the joy of everyday life. Tamako and her friends go out of their way to make Ruri feel welcomed in their town, and in doing so, they learn more about their own community. The episode is filled with funny moments, touching scenes, and a bit of suspense as the characters race to find the Lucky Bird's Foot. Fans of Tamako Market will adore this episode for its charming characters and its celebration of small-town life.