The upcoming anime adaptation of Kō Nikaido’s heartwarming manga, With You and the Rain (雨と君と, Ame to Kimi to), has unveiled exciting new details, including additional cast members, a fresh key visual, and its official premiere date. Set to debut on July 5, 2025, the series promises a touching story about an unlikely friendship between a woman and a mysterious, dog-like creature.
Premiere Date and Where to Watch
With You and the Rain will officially premiere on July 5, 2025, at 1:30 a.m. JST, which is effectively July 6 at 1:30 AM JST. The anime will air on TV Asahi and 23 other affiliate channels in the “NUMAnimation” programming block. For international viewers, Crunchyroll will be streaming the series as it airs in Japan, so mark your calendars.
New Key Visual
A new key visual has been released, showing Fuji and Kimi gazing up at the rainy sky, capturing the serene and slightly melancholic atmosphere of the series.
Additional Cast Members
The cast list has expanded with the addition of three new voice actors:
- Shuhei Sakaguchi as Hiura
- Mitsuho Kambe as Hojo
- Yume Miyamoto as Arata
These actors join the already stellar cast:
- Saori Hayami as Fuji
- Yuna Kamakura as Mimi
- Satomi Sato as Ren
- Yuzu Yumoto as Kii Ella Krause
- Anna Mugiho as You (Kimi)
- Yoji Ueda as Tatsuo
- Mie Sonozaki as Michiko
- Kikunosuke Toya as Teru
- Yumiri Hanamori as Wako
- Chafurin as Veterinarian
Advanced Screening
For those eager to get a sneak peek, there will be an advanced screening at United Cinema Minatomirai on June 29, 2025. Select cast members will be in attendance, making it a special event for fans.
Production Team
The anime is being brought to life by a talented team:
- Director: Tomohiro Tsukimisato (Kirakira Kirari☆, Bikkuri-Men, Tanuki to Kitsune)
- Series Composition: Tōko Machida (7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life, Battle Game in 5 Seconds)
- Character Design: Ayano Ōwada (Bikkuri-Men, How Clumsy you are, Miss Ueno)
- Animation Studio: Lesprit
- Music: Rei Ishizuka (A Couple of Cuckoos)
What’s the Story About?
With You and the Rain tells the story of Fuji, a woman who encounters a strange animal on a rainy day. The creature, who insists on being called “dog,” offers her an umbrella and pleads to be taken in. Intrigued by its cleverness, Fuji brings the “dog” home, and they begin an unusual life together.
Kodansha USA, which publishes the manga in English, describes the story: “If it looks like a dog and acts like a dog and insists it’s a dog, it’s…a dog? Probably? She adopted it anyway, and her life with this “dog” will never be boring!”
Manga Background
The original manga by Ko Nikaido has been serialized in Kodansha’s Weekly Young Magazine since August 2020. As of September 5, 2024, seven volumes have been published. The manga has gained popularity for its heartwarming narrative and charming characters.
Where the Story Begins
One evening, while walking home in the rain, Fuji stumbles upon an animal in a box, seemingly waiting to be adopted. To her surprise, the animal has written “Please adopt me” on the box. Convinced that this creature is a dog, she decides to take him home, and their peaceful, if slightly odd, life together begins. The central question, however, lingers: is he really a dog?
Themes and Appeal
With You and the Rain is a slow, sweet story about the bond between a woman and her pet. The series beautifully captures the simple joys of companionship and the subtle surprises that life brings. It explores themes of loneliness, healing, and the unexpected connections that can enrich our lives.
The humor in the series is gentle and derives from the tanuki’s antics and the running gag about his true species. The veterinarian’s exasperated attempts to convince Fuji that her pet is not a dog, while humorously restrained by his professional obligation to not upset his client, add to the comedic charm.
A Heartwarming Slice of Life
With You and the Rain is shaping up to be a delightful addition to the slice-of-life anime genre. With its talented cast and crew, charming story, and heartwarming themes, it promises to be a comforting and enjoyable watch. Be sure to tune in on July 5th (effectively July 6th) and follow the unusual, heartwarming adventure of Fuji and her mysterious “dog.”
