“With You and the Rain” (Japanese: 雨と君と, Ame to Kimi to), the heartwarming anime adaptation of Ko Nikaido’s manga series, recently released its ninth episode, continuing the gentle slice-of-life adventures of Fuji and her peculiar “dog,” Kimi. The episode, titled “A Secret,” offers further insight into their unique companionship and Fuji’s personal life, particularly her work as a novelist.
Release and Streaming Information
Episode 9 of “With You and the Rain” premiered on August 30, 2025, for audiences in PST, while Japanese viewers could watch it on August 31, 2025. The anime series, which first premiered in July 2025, is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. Ani-One Philippines and Tonton also list the episode as available, often with English subtitles and Japanese dubbing.
Episode 9: “A Secret” – Key Moments and Plot Details
The ninth installment, “A Secret,” delves deeper into the charming dynamic between Fuji and Kimi. A central theme of the episode revolves around Fuji’s profession as a novelist, a detail she initially finds awkward to discuss with others, even long-time friends.
Kimi’s Endearing Antics
Kimi, the enigmatic creature that resembles a tanuki but is believed by Fuji to be a dog, continues to display a blend of canine and feline behaviors. In Episode 9, Kimi embarks on a small adventure under a vending machine, revealing for the first time that he does, in fact, have visible eyes. This moment, alongside Kimi eating grass to the point of sickness (a common behavior in both dogs and cats), highlights his unique and often humorous nature. Fuji’s calm reaction to Kimi’s unusual habits further underscores their bond.
Fuji’s World and Social Interactions
The episode emphasizes how Kimi acts as a catalyst for Fuji to become more comfortable in her social interactions. While Fuji maintains relationships with neighbors like Emma and Kii-chan, Kimi provides a “safe topic” for conversation and an easy way to initiate dialogue, even if it’s simply introducing herself as the “dumb dog’s owner.”
A significant part of the episode explores Fuji’s discomfort in revealing her identity as a novelist. When her childhood friend, Kii-chan, discovers Fuji’s profession and expresses eagerness to learn more, Fuji struggles to open up, finding it “weird and uncomfortable” to discuss her writing. This shows a deeper layer to Fuji’s personality, suggesting that while she has friends and a good relationship with her neighbors, Kimi offers a unique sense of safety and companionship that helps her navigate the world.
Thematic Significance
The title “With You and the Rain” metaphorically encapsulates Fuji’s journey. “You” clearly refers to Kimi, while “the rain” symbolizes interactions and the unavoidable elements of life. Fuji first encounters Kimi on a rainy day, and other significant encounters, like with Kii-chan, also occur during a shower. The rain, much like social interactions, cannot be entirely avoided; even with protection, one gets “a little bit wet.” As Fuji spends more time with Kimi, she experiences a “gentle drizzle” of social engagement in her life, signifying her gradual opening up to the world around her.
“With You and the Rain” continues to offer a “slow, sweet story” about the bond between a woman and her pet, with Episode 9 further solidifying its charm and emotional depth. The anime, produced by Lesprit and directed by Tomohiro Tsukimisato, has been praised for its art and engaging storyline.
