Ame to Kimi to

This is what I call an "atmospheric anime". There's no action to speak of, no ecchi, no drama, no real plot. This is just a plain slice of life.

But it's beautiful.

This maybe isn't the most beautiful anime I've ever seen, but it's in the running. The art is fantastic. The main character is drawn beautifully, as a beautiful woman who is beautiful without having massive... female artillery (I got that from "Cultural exchange with a game center girl" and I'm keeping it). She's tall, thin, understatedly lovely, and not any single part of her is designed to cater to ... the ecchi crowd. (and the faces are drawn and animated like real faces instead of cat-girls with flat faces and a flappy mouth that doesn't actually move the rest of the face properly, especially in side profile). This might, honestly, be the first anime woman I've seen other than maybe the female MC on ReLife that's actually my type.

And I absolutely love that.

A lot of slice of life anime have a common deficiency. The characters tend to be one dimensional. You get the cute, moe main character, the cute, moe glasses girl, the cute, moe gyaru, the cute, moe ditz. None of the characters in this anime are like that. They are so well written it's almost like they're real people. The voice acting is very understated - which is perfect for this anime.

The "hook" to this anime is a small "dog" (which is actually a tanuki but the ones who pick up on it ain't telling), and the story is basically about the main character Fuji finding the tanuki in a rainstorm and spending the rest of the anime living a quiet and peaceful life with her tanuki. That's all it is. I can't really spoil anything because there's really nothing to spoil. But the best part about this anime is that it's perfectly fine being what it is. It's not trying to be anything it isn't, and for what it is, it's amazingly well done.

As much as I love this, and as highly as I rated it, though, I'm going to call it mixed feelings. Not because I have mixed feelings about it, because I really don't. But more because I can see a particular group of people HATING this anime. If pure slice of life annoys you, if you hate slow paced anime, if you hate a lack of story or drama, if the reason you watch anime is jiggly, floppy flesh that bounces around hyper-realistically attached to high school girls who blush way too much, this anime is not going to be for you. But if you're the type of person who just likes a beautiful anime that really doesn't have, or need, a point beyond a woman and her "dog" interacting in a beautiful way, then you'll love this.

Mixed feelings, but only because you're either gonna love it or hate it. I'm not sure there's a middle ground with this one. It's the former, for me.

There's nothing acutely *wrong* with With You and the Rain. But it's hard to find too much right with it either.

There are good points - the opening is a breath of fresh air in every aspect, and something I looked forward to seeing every episode. It's humor isn't as frequent or gut-busting as a dedicated comedy anime would be going for, but when it goes for jokes they do land. It's tone and characters are also notably refreshing, grounded and quiet as it focuses on an adult doing grown-up things.

That said... I eventually was having to drag myself back to watch the show each episode. ... It's possible to make a show for and about adults without bring boring, but With You and the Rain seems to just have next to nothing going on. You gotta give me SOMETHING to get hooked on. This lady is nice, this tanuki is charming and funny, but watching them sit around all day isn't really my idea of a fun time.

Keep in mind, I'm not someone who hates slice of life stuff. But you need something more than literally just watching someone go about their day to get me interested. in theory With You and the Rain has that as this lady adopts a new pet, but in practice... none of this is actually interesting. Especially when the title and tone keep reminding me of After The Rain, another mature, melancholic show largely following one or two people's daily lives.

The difference is that After The Rain has deep characters, compelling themes and dynamic scenes. Maybe With You and the Rain has all those, down the line. But as it is I'm too bored by the initial episodes to stick around and find out, given what I've seen has little to no hint of any of those.

There seems to always be an audience in the anime community that calls for more stories that center less around the melodrama of teenagers in high school and more around the mundanity of adults in the work force. To answer that call, the summer season of 2025 has been blessed with Ame To Kimi To by the staff over at Lesprit, and they couldn't have done a better job with the adaptation. Just from the stylistic choices of the opening credits alone, director Tomohiro Tsukimisato masterfully translates the care-free world mangaka Kou Nikaidou created on paper to animation. If you ever read and enjoyed the ... works of fellow mangka Jun Mayuzuki, you're sure to enjoy Ame To Kimi To as it follows a similar visual style and "realistic" slice of life tone, albeit with less romance. And for those who aren't into or familiar with this niche, Ame To Kimi To is still a relaxing, feel-good watch that serves as an excellent pallet cleanser for some of the more dramatic, intensive stories airing this season.

There's really nothing to lose watching this, so give it a watch! Unless you don't like tanukis.

adorable and really funny, the protagonist is super endearing and somehow ends up one of the cuter characters in the show and she reminds me of a lot of people ive met that are exactly like that,
they may be hard to understand and get to know but they're much simpler than you think
and its nice to see it represented so well here
its very slice of life despite the unusual element of the "dog" so it may not be for you if you cant handle a chill, comfy pace
the aesthetic is perfect for the vibe its trying to give, especially in the opening, im ... wonder if it would have been good for the series or if it would have gotten tiring but i wish i could have seen it

With You and the Rain is a slice of life made by Lesprit studios, and it's got a lot of charming features about it, making it a very relaxing and peaceful watch.

Positives:
Voice actor work: Fuji, as the main character, who's a novelist and voiced by Saori Hayami, one of the most iconic VAs out there, shows off her voice range, making Fuji a very laid-back and calm character, which is perfect for this type of anime, and the raccoon-dog she adopted adds a lot of very wholesome and silly moments throughout by its sounds and expressions. Even the side characters like Fuji's neighbour, ... her twin, friends, and the vet offer a lot of contrast, making the anime more laid back and relaxing than your usual slice of life

Music: The music is very relaxing and gives off a lo-fi vibe, mainly through the Opening and ending themes. It adds to the slice of life elements very well

Story: It's straightforward but extremely refreshing at the same time, as you just slowly vibe to all the characters and the goofy pet that causes tons of lighthearted and funny moments as it gives its reactions through a pen and paper. It's also progressing the relationship between Fuji and the people around her, so it doesn't feel static at all.

Artwork and animation: In my opinion, this anime's biggest up. From the backgrounds to the character designs, everything looks wonderful and charming at the same time. They've used a fair number of first-person shots, making things more interesting.

Overall, it's a genuinely wholesome and relaxing anime perfect for people who enjoy the slice-of-life genre and animal-focused anime.

Another season, another Saori Hayami anime to bless us die-hard fans and welcome more newcomers into the relaxing SoL loop we love and can never have enough of.

- So what sets this apart from the other SoL anime and why should you watch this:
A "dog" in the form of a tanuki and a very heartwarming, enjoyable and connected to our Fuji side cast to go with it but also the sound and presence of the rain for anyone who likes rain altogether. I was on the "Don't really like rain" team before I started this show.

Art/Animation- 9
Lesprit is a not very well known a studio ... for taking up SoL series but they have knocked it out of the park with beautiful sceneries and especially the crisp interaction of every rain drop either that is a footstep in the rain, on the umbrellas or the rain altogether.

Sound - 9
As predisposed the sound of the rain, the environment but the Lo-fi like OST 100% of the time all work in tandem to deliver a relaxing and pleasant experience.
The VAs all did a stellar job. Needless to say a calm and serious Saori for any Saori fan is a treat, but what stood out to me was Ella's voice, since seeing a child VA voice an actual child is always welcome to the realistic factor of any anime; and You's voice, which sounded exactly like what you'd expect a "dog" to sound like.

Characters - 8.5
It is quite clear that the author had some personal experience when writing these characters because everyone feels unique and like real people/animals. The cast works very well together with Fuji herself. If anything leaves something to be desired was the latter half of the cast that was realistic yet indifferent and plain.

Overall Ame to Kimi to is highly recommended for all SoL fans and for anyone who just wants to have a break from their hectic daily life and watch a chill day to day experience with the best "dog". What do you know, by the end of it you might like rain more if you disliked it like me or you might as well find yourself already at home from the get-go~

This anime saved me, literally so calm and relaxing anime it saved me from overthinking and probably falling into deep depression!

I was watching this anime when I was in my home, and I recently went to my college for my Post Graduate and it was really really far away and I didnt knew anyone, I was super sad for a few days, and honestly I felt like crying, language barrier, different terrain, different weather, different food, different people, and then a few days after, the other episode of this anime was released and it literally saved me, my overthinking and stuff, thank you the director ... producer, and the team!! I realy 9ow you guys.

With You and the Rain has a beautiful and relaxing story that feels good and cozy. There's not much violence, and it's perfect for purifying the soul and letting go of difficult moments.

Its animation is beautifully done by the Lesprit studio, its art is so beautiful and well done, and the character designs look quite adorable and somewhat funny. As for the tanuki mascot, it's so precious that anyone can grow attached to it.

I consider it a good recommendation for those who don't like romantic comedies about teenage love, especially in high school, and for those who avoid the fan service that influences many anime, ... especially romantic comedies. This one is quite pure without resorting to cliche or anything like that.

The characters in this anime are mostly adults, and I love watching anime with these types of characters because they act like normal adults due to their maturity, leaving aside their adolescence.

In conclusion, With You and the Rain is a very enjoyable and beautiful anime, with very cute characters, a very warm and comforting plot, and beautiful animation. If you're looking for a cleansing anime without all the forced drama ,violence or fan service, this is the best recommendation.

Warm. That's the first word that comes to mind to describe this special little series, which has found a place in my heart over the course of these twelve weeks.

Animation: 8
Artistic direction: 10
Visually, With You and the Rain doesn't impress with the fluidity of its animation, but with its delicate and soothing aesthetic. Each shot, almost “Instagrammable,” exudes simplicity and tranquility. The art direction, seemingly classic, actually hides a soft and consistent visual identity that enhances the atmosphere.

Atmosphere: 10
Music: 10
This is where the series shines the most. With You and the Rain is an anime to be savored like a hot cup of tea on ... an autumn evening, curled up under a blanket with a sleeping cat on your lap. The music, discreet but captivating, accompanies this atmosphere of serenity. I remember a melody from episode 12, both simple and moving, which left a lasting impression on me.

Story: 10
Development: 10
I know that many will disagree with me here. But for me, behind a seemingly simple and anecdotal plot, With You and the Rain hides a real treasure: a love letter to those little moments of twilight peace. Those moments when the sunlight gently warms your skin, when the smell of rain soothes you, when everything seems strangely light.

The series is built around small scenes from everyday life between Fuji and You. Nothing spectacular, nothing dramatic. Just two people who are complete opposites, and who, together, find a form of serenity. Fuji, initially cold and distant, gradually reveals a great sensitivity, brought out by You, this expressive and terribly endearing “dog.” Their strange duo manages to move and soothe the soul in a way that only very rare stories are capable of.

With You and the Rain is a series that won't appeal to everyone: some will find it too slow, too minor. But for those who are willing to let themselves be carried away, it offers a gentle, touching, and unforgettable experience.

If you're looking for a story of cuteness, warmth, and gentle rain, look no further. As for me, I'll read the sequel if the opportunity arises, while hoping for a new season. In the meantime, I'm going to miss Fuji and You terribly...

As a SOL enjoyer, this is like my ultimate comfort zone. Holy moly, how long have I been waiting for a chill anime like this?
I know I have seen a lot in recent seasons. See you Tomorrow at Food Court, Food for the Souls, and NegaPosi, for example. But this! This takes the winner here. There literally isn't any drama/romance, or even comedy in this anime. Okay, I might exaggerate that a little bit. There is comedy, but it's not the main focus of the anime.

How did I find this?
Anione Asia's line-up of anime for this season.
See! These guys are beasts! How many anime do ... they have in one season? It's bongkers! I love it!

Appealing (Why did I get into the anime?)
You guys might not know, I have a thing with milf with short hair.
Yeah, there you go. I'm coming clean here. I love Fuji upon looking at how she looks in the anime. I instantly fell in love with her.

Platform
Anione Asia, Animax Korea, Bahamut Taiwan, and Crunchyroll.

The review;
Plot/Story
A middle-aged woman walked down the street and went home. But then on the way there, she met with... A dog? A tanuki? A cat?
Well, the little guy said himself that he is a dog, so I'm just going to trust him.
Yes, you read that correctly! The little guy tells YOU he is a dog by writing it on paper. What a smart dog, ey?
After that initial plot point, the rest is basically Fuji, the middle-aged woman, doing her daily life with the little guy. A bit of comedy here and there. There was even a smidge of drama in the anime—just a smidge, not major. You'll know it when you watch it.

Character
Fantastic! They are all great—Fuji's character toward her college friend, neighbor, and even her elementary school friends.
I love the interaction between them. And I love how the little guy actually turned her life around to be more open, seriously!
Kind of reminded me of Unis from a komik on Webtoon.

OST/SFX
Chill and relaxing.
Love all the songs from the OP, ED, and even the OST in the anime itself.
Two Thumbs Up!

Animation
Going hard for no reason.
Some scenes are just okay, then there are some that just, holy moly. It was breathtaking to look at.
I love it!

VA
Bro, I gotta give it to Anna Mugiho. She is... 🤣🤣🤣
Upon looking at her career, it's no wonder she was chosen to be the little guy. Her entire career was just her mimicking animal noises. I want that job. She is living the dream job here. 🤣🤣🤣
She did an absolutely amazing job.
I'm not saying others were not, but she is the best of all!

The conclusion;
The good
I'm so glad I watched this anime. I'm really loving this so much.
The bad
I haven't seen any of the manga. I hope I didn't get bored when reading it, because SOL manga tends to be boring most of the time. Better to be animated. Even so, sometimes those didn't even hit the nail on the head.

Graditude
Thanks, Anione Asia, for ONCE AGAIN providing this anime to watch for free on YouTube. You guys are the best.

Overall 9/10
Good with the family. Hit the show with some popcorn, and you're enjoying your life. No exaggeration.

This is a great slice of life / iyashikei show this Summer 2025. It's an underrated gem. It's an anime about an introvert made for introverts. (Not really, just that many introverts would probably relate to the main character.) If you like the vibe of Zatsu Tabi, you will like this one.


§ Overview

One rainy day, the novelist Fuji notices an animal with a sign that says it is looking for a new owner. Reluctant at first, she takes it home, and she is pleased that this animal is intelligent, as it can communicate via writing.


§ Notes

... 1. Let's talk about the studio and staff.

Its studio, Lesprit, is barely a decade old. I haven't seen their other works. Regardless, the visuals of this anime are slightly above average.


⚫ The director is Tsukimisato Tomohiro. His previous works are obscure. The only work I've seen is 'Elemental Gelade', and he only worked there as the key animator for Episode 6.


⚫ The opening is performed by Suzuki Mamiko. This is her first and only credited performance so far, and she starts off great. Even if you don't know the meaning of the lyrics, one word that aptly describes it is cozy.

Sugawara Kei performs the ED, and this is his second credited work. It's about sleep, but it's ironically more energetic than the opening. It seems to be a jazz song.

In both OP and ED, this anime has a distinct drawing style that so many people have identified as 'pop art,' which was associated with commercial works.

Credit must be given to Oowada Ayano, who worked as character designer, chief animation director, and key animator, as well as the art director, Nakamura Norifumi.

⚫ I haven't seen Oowada Ayano's other works, but they include some big titles: animation director for the 2013 Steins; Gate movie; animation director for Episodes 7, 9, and 11 of Psycho-Pass 2.

I've seen two works by art director Nakamura Norifumi: art director for Episodes 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 of 'I Have a Crush at Work,' which I was not that impressed with, but I was impressed with the original Full Metal Alchemist, for which he worked as art director.

⚫ There are two persons I can credit for the super sound design: 1) Saitou Michiyo, who is responsible for sound effects, and handles diegetick sounds; and 2) Ishizuka Rei, credited with handling musick and probably the one responsible for nondiegetick sounds. The nondiegetick sounds here are superb and give quite a healing vibe.

Saitou Michiyo also did the sound effects for 'I have a crush at work,' 'I'll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History,' and 'Love Is Indivisible by Twins. ' Whilst I don't remember the sounds from these three, I remember the distinct sounds in the other anime he worked on: 'The Girl I Like Forgot Her Glasses.' The sound of the aeroplane in the sky as there is an exciting moment is hilarious.

Saitou-san is also present in the Fall 2025 seasonal, 'This Monster Wants to Eat Me.' He is killing it there.


2. With the technical side covered, let's now talk about the story and other stuff.

The fact that the animal Fuji adopts is somewhat intelligent may strike some as unrealistic. It's quite fantastical, and it's not explicitly explored in the anime why and how her pet is able to do this.

To address possible objections, let us remember what Aristotle said, '[T]he poet should prefer probable impossibilities to improbable possibilities.' (Poetics, ch 24, trans. S. H. Butcher)

Within this anime's story logick, such an impossibility is allowed. Hey, it's cute anyway, and that's the only thing that matters.


3. This animal looks like either a tanuki or a raccoon. He likes to be called a dog, but protests whenever he is called another type of animal. This is one of its peculiarities.

Through this animal, subtle changes in Fuji's behaviour are made possible. She became more patient, even if his cute actions would infuriate a stressed owner.

A good example: as an introvert, Fuji isn't comfortable going to the beach with her friends. It's her alone time. We see that her relationship with the animal has developed when she takes her pet to the beach.


4. Fuji is voiced by Hayami Saori, and as Fuji, I am quite impressed. This is the first time I was wowed by Saori's performance. Her Fuji voice reminds me of how some female newsreaders from the UK use their voice. It's so soothing and fits well with the vibe of this anime.


5. I don't know about you, but I love the rainy season. Not only is it cold, but it is relaxing.

I interpret the rain motif as the purifier of one's soul. After all, in Jungian psychology, water represents the Unconscious.

The rain, the cool colours, and the OST create a relaxing atmosphere that gives a sense of healing.


6. There's no plot to speak of — just vibes. It's also about the people she meets as well as the people she reconnects with.

As such, I don't recommend bingeing this anime. It's better to watch a single episode during the evening.


§ Conclusion

'With You and the Rain' is good, not because of the waifus or similar bullshit. It's good because it serves as a refuge from the busyness and challenges of life.


NOTA BENE: A grade of 7 out of 10 means that I find this anime is very good and two notches above average. I enjoyed watching it.

It is a high score. It's not mid or average, unlike the misconception of some people on this site.

My enjoyment spectrum lies from 4 to 10. If I have scored an anime below 4, I actively dislike it.

This review comes after a 3 Episode Test.
Recommended Audience: Those who want a slower, quieter comedy with summer vibes and a cute dog.


Studio Lesprit haven't produced much up to this point. As of writing this review, this is their highest rated work. While the animation is nowhere close to the titans of the industry for obvious reasons, this is likely due to the fact that this is set in the real world, meaning that this isn't as intensive an adaptation as some other currently running shows. As such, the animation not being an immediately obvious problem is something to be commended, as it allows ... the show to instead focus on the writing and characters, where the show shines.

This show is funny, but in a way that doesn't feel wacky or goofy. Now, the show has it's goofy moments, a-la Konosuba, but the show doesn't do all too much to emphasize that sort of humor. Instead, the show relies on its leads, Fuji and her new pet dog(?), You, to carry the story through it's more slow sections that might otherwise bore a perspective audience. Their chemistry is good enough that the show doesn't have to constantly wave a Big Comedy Stick in front of you to keep your attention. Instead, the show can simply lean back, let the two trade clever lines back and forth, and (both metaphorically and literally) watch the sunset. The fact that the dog can write, but not talk, helps tremendously in this endeavor.

The music compliments this feeling of comfort well. It's rarely spectacular, again, just letting Fuji and You do their thing, and accenting any moments deserving of it. It's the OP that helps the show out the most, though. Mamiko Suzuki's light, comfy bossanova beat gives the show an air of relaxation and happiness in calm that perfectly prepares the audience for the quiet, simple nature of the show's comedy. It's light, airy, and fun, and that's all it needs to be.

This show perfectly captures the feelings of the nice, quiet vibes of a late summer night, when the chaos of the day- either good or bad- comes to an end, and you just want something to watch that will slowly lower your heartbeat without boring you to sleep.

It’s fine (5), it’s just a slice of life that doesn’t have any real plot or direction which is okay if you’re just looking for something to watch while relaxing. I wish they had gone more into the MC’s love for reading or gone into why she didn’t “love” writing; maybe they did and I wasn’t paying attention, I was too bored to watch it attentively since there wasn’t any attempt to tell any story or meaningful symbolism that isn’t just a random poem the writer came up with. The animal was also fun I guess, I thought it would have a greater impact like ... inspiring the MC to find a reason to love writing.

Animation and story: 10

This is a notably calm and easily digestible anime that can be enjoyed without any real effort. While the story does not aim to be highly original or complex, it works very well within its genre, and its predictability never detracts from the enjoyment.

The pacing and overall atmosphere make it ideal for relaxation, and the art style fits the tone of the story perfectly. Visually, it stands out as a high-quality production: the artwork is detailed, clean, and aesthetically refined, which is rare to see at this level in this genre.

The characters are simple but likable, reacting naturally to the situations they ... face, which helps maintain the calm and immersive experience. This series is especially recommended for viewers looking for a relaxing, feel-good anime rather than intense drama or plot twists.

At present, there is no official information regarding a continuation, but based on what has been shown so far, the series would clearly deserve further installments.

Ame to Kimi to is without a doubt my favorite anime of the season. I used to save it to watch on some night of the week, and I’d go through each episode with a smile on my face the whole time, then go to sleep happy.

It’s such a light, beautiful, and heartwarming anime to watch — definitely a hidden gem of the season. The me from the past would never have given a chance to something like this.

If you ever feel lonely and want some company but don’t quite know how to handle that with people, adopt a pet — it will definitely make ... your days better.

I simply fell in love with Ren 😳

I'll never look at a rainy day quite the same again. I'll be looking for a tanuki!

I only gave this a chance because I liked the soft, gentle look of the artwork. Pleasing pastels, with some nice blotches of brightness here and there, made for a nice mix. The background work was very good throughout the season. The animation, for an SoL, was well above average. I thank the producers for not slipping into the cheap shortcuts so many animes of this genre present later in a season.

The character designs are well above average. I appreciated Fuji was a young, adult modern woman and ... all that brings with it. So very well portrayed. You, the tanuki, was really cute. Although the running gag of him being a dog got a bit droll after a while. It never got annoying. The other characters in her life, like her friends and parents, are well portrayed and not entirely 2 dimensional. Everyone relates and reacts at adult levels, not the typical teen cliches. The characters are what makes this series stand above other SoL offeriings.

Like most SoL, there isn't much of a plot. This is almost entirely episodic. Although there are a few running jokes and mini arcs, to loosely tie together episodes. While the individual episodes are hardly earthshattering, they are quite delightful in a gentle, laid back way. Each episode was like watching the depiction of a good haiku. A lot was said with as little as possible.

Can't praise the VA crew enough. I could rave about yet another stellar Hayami Saori performance, but why bother? She's the best of her generation. There is nothing she can't do. The others of the cast were up to snuff, too. I would like to praise the actress that did Fuji's friend, Mimi. I thought her performance was wonderful. It all points to some excellent direction between the VA work, the animation and use of the sound track. I know jazz is not the most popular thing, but the opening theme of this was the best tune since Tank! It gave me a real Girl From Ipamena vibe.

It was a rough day. Work sucked, and a thunderstorm deluged on your head, on the way home. This series will put you back into a proper perspective. It got better as it progressed, so I'll assign it an 88/100 for a solid B+. Weather you need to chill, or get a warm fuzzy, you'll find it here.

An anime that every pet and relaxation lover must watch.

We can easily say it's one of the best of its genre. With such a simple premise—a writer who adopts a tanuki dog—it envelops us in a sense of warmth. The story doesn't have a defined plot; it doesn't aim to go anywhere; it's simply the everyday life of another person who could very well live in our neighborhood. The human-pet relationship presented in the anime is very well crafted. It perfectly reflects what would happen if you were able to communicate with your pet. The questions you would ask and how little by little you ... would grow closer to it in a familiar way. Someone you can share secrets with because you know it won't tell anyone else, someone you can be vulnerable with after a long day at work. Adult life isn't easy, but everything is better having a companion on adventures. Speaking of adult life, that's the anime's other important theme, and one it skillfully handles. It's an anime that shows the tedium of adulthood, how sometimes you just want to give up everything and go back to your parents. Despite that, you have to keep working because you have to eat and pay bills. It's not presented from a dramatic perspective, but rather from a more casual perspective. Like a complaint you or I might say on a normal workday.
Ame to Kimi to is an anime that dares to break stereotypes, and it does so better than any anime you can name this season. Small things are appreciated, like the character of Kii Ella Crause. She's a 10-year-old girl, but she's not infantilized; she's curious, energetic, and also intelligent. It's not that Kii is "mature for her age," she's simply well-educated and can understand what adults are saying to her. There are a couple more examples like this. Each character is a world apart, and it becomes interesting to see how these worlds interact.

It was an anime I was loving until we reached the end. The final stretch of the final chapter is an "episode 0." I understand the maneuver of trying to make the anime a kind of infinite loop, but narratively it feels awkward. Once you've seen the end of the story with a beautiful postcard of Fuji and the Tanuki Dog playing in the rain, returning to the beginning of the story is very abrupt. I'm not against episode 0; it's a nice addition, but it wasn't the right place for it. It would have been an excellent addition, had we seen it at the beginning of the anime or even as a kind of flashback. It's not something that takes too many points away from it, but when something is extremely good, any small mistake can be very noticeable.

Give yourself a chance to breathe peace, and while you're at it, watch this anime, which is the perfect complement to any Zen space you have at home.

I am someone who suffers from OCD and many anime can trigger it for me. This anime however is like one of the best anime I’ve seen for someone like me. It is very calming and doesn’t have much story or drama, it’s just a slice of life with a cute animal that’s really smart and funny. This anime calmed me down during a bad episode of OCD and for that, I rate it highly as a soothing show. I don’t have much to say about the show itself since it’s pretty basic, just a woman who adopts a raccoon dog and has slice of ... life stuff happen. For those of us who are mentally struggling, I recommend this anime.

At first it was strange everyone seemed to accept that the creature Fuji finds on the side of the street, is a dog. And somehow they accept the dog carries a notepad where he writes what it's thinking? And nobody seemed to question there is a leaf on the creatures head, which sometimes changed form. Its strange because the world the story takes place is not a fantasy world but our world. Anyways I didn't find the creature "referred by 'With You' in the anime title" very interesting. Yet the world is very realistic and soothing. I like the visuals and how the show looks. ... I just think its a good slice of life show even if you ignore the uninteresting creature.

I think the group that will like the show the most is single young ladies who are working or pursuing a career. Fuji is a young novelist who lives alone. They can relate to her the most.

I cannot think of another anime in which so little happens, while being as entrancing as a plot-burner one. I started it late mid-season and immediately I found myself watching this one first, putting the rest on hold.

I have enjoyed other Iyashikei animes, but in general I don't get as caught in them as with other genres. This one has something about it, maybe the hook being the obvious nonchalant obliviousness of everyone about the bizarre things the "dog" is able to do, that gets you at first. This is later downplayed, and it just becomes a slice-of-life but the characters' personalities are so well ... done that they seem like people you know and love.

There's even some minor unexpected developments about said personalities that surprise you when you think you've fully grasped the vibe of the anime. It even has a sort of ending note that fits perfectly the season.

On the technical side, the animation is gorgeous, as is the main character, without ever going down the route of the male gaze. The main voice actress has a distinctive tone, very soothing, very beautiful.