‘With You and the Rain’ Appeals To the Animal Lover In Us All

I do not know what to make of With You and the Rain. We start simply with Fuji, a 20-30ish year old woman walking in the rain, who comes upon an animal she thinks is a dog, in a box with a sign asking to adopt him. She questions if she can to the animal and herself, and it lifts up the sign and underneath is a sign saying easy to take care of, and then offers her an umbrella. She takes it in stride and takes the “dog” home.

This “dog” can write things out on pads of paper and seems to be able to influence people to some degree with his writing, and no one questions why the “dog” can do this. We spend most of our time with Fuji, who is thinking about how to take care of it, getting food, and going to the vet where the “dog” is terrified of getting a shot. The vet examines it in these quick movements saying little, but when it holds up a sign saying “dog,” seems to accept it as well. Then we just see Fuji and her “dog” being together doing pet things and the “dog” asking about her life.

I really wish I had a second episode to figure out where this is going, but the lack of curiosity about the magical nature of this “dog” from everyone was confusing. Magic in anime is nothing new, but usually the rules or nature of it is explained so we can get a fuller grasp of the world. The slower pace is understandable with it being a slice of life anime but I had little to grasp onto. Fuji is very blank right now as a character. We learn she writes books, has a brother, and now has a magical pet that she doesn’t seem to realize is magical. Or does know but part of the magic is not knowing it? The animators have given her very expressive eyes that jump out at you, with hints of possible loneliness on her part, but are vague at this point. Obviously I do not want to know everything about her right away but I wish I had a little bit more about her to peak my curiosity.

The “dog” is cute. I will give it that, and it does an interesting variation of being more sentient with writing things out, but then also being very animal-like in wanting petting and doing things that would annoy any pet owner. I think it is supposed to be a kitsune, a mythical fox in Japanese lore, and that would make sense for the show. I am curious what it wants overall, though I am certain it is really a cute, lovable creature and the vibe of the show is their bonding. But I hope we get more lore for it or see it help Fuji connect with more people to give the show more to do.

I know the manga is very well regarded, which is encouraging, but I had a hard time getting invested to start with. The animation is pretty and the “dog” is expressive and cute, but this might be more of a show to binge watch when episodes build up. Or if a slow, cute animal and its pet owner just being together is appealing, this is the perfect show for you.

With You and the Rain airs July 5th on Crunchyroll.