The popular slice-of-life anime “With You and the Rain” continued its charming narrative with Episode 5, delving further into the delightful intricacies of Fuji’s life with her mysterious companion, Kimi. This installment explores Kimi’s ever-ambiguous species, introduces a fresh challenge for Fuji’s writing career, and highlights the relatable struggles of pet ownership, particularly the dreaded shedding season.
Shedding Season Shenanigans
Episode 5 opens with a universally relatable scenario for pet owners: the pervasive presence of animal hair. Fuji, accustomed to Kimi’s antics, discovers the full glory of shedding season, quickly realizing that pet hair is a constant, regardless of the time of year. This humorous portrayal resonates with anyone who has found pet fur on their clothes, food, or seemingly every surface of their home. The narrative playfully suggests that pets have an uncanny ability to snuggle closest when their fur color contrasts most with an owner’s attire, a lighthearted observation that adds to the show’s charming realism.
What Exactly Is Kimi? A Raccoon, a Dog, or a Tanuki?
The central mystery of Kimi’s species takes a new turn in this episode. While Fuji consistently refers to Kimi as a “dog,” and most characters accept this, a new character introduces a compelling alternative: a raccoon. This theory emerges after Kimi is observed washing an apple slice he dropped, a behavior characteristic of raccoons (“araiguma” in Japanese), but not typically seen in “tanuki” (raccoon dogs), which Kimi is more commonly speculated to be.
The teenager who proposes this theory has never seen a live raccoon, but Kimi’s washing action, coupled with his appearance, convinces her. Fuji’s reaction is ambiguous; she initially agrees with the girl, leading to further confusion about Kimi’s true nature. Later, Fuji claims she was merely teasing and insists Kimi is a mixed-breed dog, though the narrative hints at her own awareness that Kimi is far from an ordinary canine. This ongoing playful ambiguity about Kimi’s identity is a running gag in the series, adding to its unique charm and humor.
Fuji’s New Professional Endeavor
Beyond Kimi’s shedding and identity crisis, Episode 5 also introduces a significant development in Fuji’s professional life. As a novelist, Fuji is approached with an intriguing new opportunity: to write the original story for a manga. This proposition comes from a manga artist who is a fan of Fuji’s work.
The meeting to discuss this potential collaboration adds a touch of lighthearted tension and humor. Fuji, initially hesitant and prone to overthinking, is surprised to learn that the manga artist gives her complete creative freedom for the project. This “free” approach to the theme and concept simultaneously excites and challenges Fuji, setting the stage for a new arc in her journey as a writer. The episode concludes with Fuji having somewhat inadvertently accepted the project, signaling an exciting new creative chapter for the protagonist.
The Enduring Appeal of “With You and the Rain”
“With You and the Rain,” adapted from Ko Nikaido’s comedy manga, continues to resonate with audiences due to its gentle storytelling and focus on the simple, comforting aspects of life. The series is lauded as a “struggle-free slice-of-life seinen anime,” offering a tranquil escape from everyday stresses. Its charm lies in romanticizing the ordinary and highlighting the small joys found in solitude and the unique companionship between Fuji and Kimi. Episode 5 perfectly encapsulates this ethos, blending humorous observations about pet ownership with a quiet exploration of creative pursuits, all while keeping the endearing mystery of Kimi’s true identity alive.
The anime, which began broadcasting in Japan in July 2025 as part of TV Asahi’s NUMAnimation block, has quickly gained a reputation for its cozy and relaxing atmosphere. With its ongoing manga serialization and critical acclaim for its adaptation, “With You and the Rain” continues to offer a refreshing and heartwarming viewing experience.
