In the realm of slice-of-life anime, where gentle humor and heartwarming everyday moments take center stage, With You and the Rain (Ame to Kimi to) has emerged as a standout, offering a comforting respite for viewers. The series, which premiered in July 2025, invites audiences into the tranquil yet subtly eccentric life of Fuji, a novelist, and her enigmatic companion, Kimi—a creature she insists is a dog, despite all evidence to the contrary. As the narrative gracefully unfolds, each episode delves deeper into their unique companionship, and Episode 5, titled “The Same Moon,” further explores the delightful oddities that define their bond.
The Gentle Charm of With You and the Rain
Based on Ko Nikaido’s popular manga, With You and the Rain captivated audiences from its debut with its muted blue palette and serene animation style, creating an atmosphere akin to a cozy, rainy afternoon. The story begins when Fuji, walking home in the rain, encounters a peculiar, plump creature in a box. This creature, later named Kimi (or “You” in some translations), communicates by writing words on flip charts and explicitly asks to be adopted.
Despite Kimi’s undeniably intelligent and human-like behaviors—such as understanding human speech and exhibiting a guileless disposition—Fuji consistently refers to him as a dog. This central premise forms the backbone of the series’ charm, blending wholesome comedy with the quiet joys of solitude and companionship. The show meticulously highlights the small blessings and intricacies of daily life, offering a drama-free experience that prioritizes comfort and relaxation over fast-paced plots.
The Endearing Enigma of Kimi
Kimi is undeniably the heart of With You and the Rain. While Fuji maintains he is a dog, his actions consistently suggest otherwise. He possesses an uncanny ability to comprehend human language and emotions, communicates through writing, and displays behaviors far beyond the typical canine. This ambiguity is a source of much of the series’ soft humor and gentle mystery. Viewers are left to ponder Kimi’s true identity, with theories ranging from a highly intelligent dog to a tanuki (raccoon dog) or even a small, fuzzy cryptid, as playfully suggested by some.
The series thrives on this playful deception, with Fuji often going along with the “dog” charade, sometimes even to tease others. Kimi’s love for food, desire for companionship, and peculiar habits, such as making leaf masks, cement his status as a beloved and utterly unique companion.
Episode 5: “The Same Moon” Highlights
Released on August 2, 2025, Episode 5, “The Same Moon,” delves into a fresh set of everyday scenarios that further underscore the endearing dynamic between Fuji and Kimi.
Shedding Season Shenanigans
One of the relatable highlights of the episode involves Fuji experiencing the trials and tribulations of shedding season with Kimi. Any pet owner understands the omnipresent challenge of animal hair, and the episode humorously portrays Fuji’s discovery of this aspect of pet ownership. It’s a small, authentic detail that grounds the otherwise whimsical premise in a shared, common experience.
The Raccoon vs. Tanuki Debate
A key moment in Episode 5 revolves around the ongoing debate regarding Kimi’s true species. While Fuji prefers to call him a dog, others, including a perky teenager encountered in the episode, offer different interpretations. This particular teenager identifies Kimi as an “araiguma,” the Japanese word for a raccoon. This misidentification stems from observing Kimi washing his food—a behavior characteristic of raccoons but not typically tanuki (raccoon dogs). Kimi, of course, is merely washing an apple slice he dropped, but to the uninitiated, this action leads to a new theory about his identity.
The episode subtly plays on the distinction between “raccoon” (araiguma) and “raccoon dog” (tanuki), highlighting how English speakers often use “raccoon” interchangeably for both. Fuji’s reaction to this new theory is particularly amusing; she initially agrees with the teenager, perhaps to tease her, before later claiming that Kimi is merely a mixed-breed dog, leaving the audience to wonder about her true thoughts. This playful ambiguity is a consistent source of humor and depth in the series.
Beyond the Pet Debates
Episode 5 also expands on Fuji’s world beyond her interactions with Kimi. The episode sees Fuji engaging in a video meeting with manga artist Tokaku Arata. Additionally, Fuji and Kimi have an encounter with characters named Medaka and Noriko during one of their walks, further enriching the tapestry of their daily lives.
Thematic Resonance Continues
“The Same Moon” beautifully encapsulates the core appeal of With You and the Rain. It reinforces the series’ reputation as a comforting, drama-free viewing experience that finds beauty in the ordinary and value in quiet moments. Through the simple, yet profound, interactions between Fuji and Kimi, the episode continues to explore themes of companionship, acceptance, and the joy of embracing life’s gentle unknowns. The ongoing mystery of Kimi’s nature, far from being a plot device demanding resolution, serves as a charming backdrop to a heartwarming tale of an unconventional family.
