I started watching this anime with reservations, partly due to the synopsis, but partly due to experience with teen drama anime. And since I finished watching it, a particular question has been circling in my mind - When will it stop raining?
Koi wa Ameagari no You ni is, as the title suggests, a love story. But it's not your typical boy-likes-girl or girl-likes-boy. No, it's girl-likes-old-man. This might seem off-putting to some but to me it was a deciding factor in this anime's success. But in order for me to express my thoughts further, we'll need to delve a little bit deeper into the anime itself.
Story - 10
The story is about Tachibana - a high school girl who, having suffered from a trauma, has given up on her dream to run and is now casually floating through her youth. That is, until she seeks shelter from the rain in a family restaurant. The manager, a kind and gentle man, offers her a small gesture of hospitality. Which accidentally sparks the flame of love within this pure girl's heart. She then starts working part-time at said restaurant, in order to bridge the gap between her and the manager - Mr. Kondo. The hurdles, however, are many and far in between - an age difference of over 28 years, jealous co-workers and shaky friendships. However, with this being said, it's not only the love side of the story that's facing problem - the various characters also have personal issues to deal with. Tachibana with her longing for her dream of running competitively, yet giving up due to a injury. Mr. Kondo, with his youthful desire to write, yet giving up on it as it drove him apart from the ones he loved. The story takes us on a tearful ride through the many obstacles that await us in life. And, for those of us, lucky enough to encounter that one spark of love, this will be a shot straight through the heart.
Art - 8
While not being the main selling point if this anime, the art was decent. At time, it felt bland but it served to only paint the main characters in a brighter light. The simplistic facial expression of Mr. Kondo contrasts perfectly the beautiful and smooth characteristics of Tachibana. A drop of beautiful on an otherwise boring and plain canvass.
Sound - 10
Utterly breathtaking. I can't describe how emotionally touched I felt while listening to the ED. And, if I can be selfish for just a moment, I would like to say that, regardless of what anyone says, Aimer's song fits this anime perfectly. There is nothing but pure emotion emanating from every note. No, I'm not crying... I'm NOT, YOU'RE CRYING. SHUT UP!!
Character(s) - 8
If there is an area this anime is weak at, it's this one. While our two main protagonists get lots of screen time and development (rightfully so), the same cannot be said about the rest of the cast, with most of them having brief, if not episodic appearances that, although influence the story going forward, do nothing to further establish themselves and their background. I really liked the exchanges between Kondo and Chihiru and I wished I could have seen more.
Enjoyment - 10
I thoroughly enjoyed this anime. The emotional ride it took me is one I never expected to experience going into this. Unlike Violet Evergarden, this anime took a sweet and gentle approach to love. Without needless misunderstandings, without any shock factor, it managed to accomplish so much. If I had to name a scene that will stay with me, it has to be Mr.Kondo embracing Tachibana on that stormy night. It was beautiful. There is nothing wrong with wanting love, there is nothing wrong with wanting a companion, someone who understands you. And, even though he realized himself that his feelings might have been too frivolous to be called love, he still embraced her. That night, he was her umbrella, protecting her from the cold, unforgiving rain.
Overall - 9
My parting words to those who read so far - give this a shot. Love is something that has no bounds, has no limitations. It is difficult to understand, yet simple to express. It is impossible to describe, yet possible to show. And whether we choose to accept it or deny it, love will be with us, within us - now and forever.
