I mentioned this in passing a couple of weeks ago, and this episode really drove it home - I think the overall theme of this series is “earn your iyashikei.”

It is an iyashikei in the long run - it’s comfy and soothing and heart-warming. But none of it’s just handed out for free. You (and Yachiyo) have to work for it.

The hunt for a replacement part got genuinely scary for a bit there, and then the way she finally found it was sad and touching and beautiful.

I really love this series, and I suspect it’s going to remain a sentimental favorite for years to come.