Welcome to Cozy Anime Corner , your go-to place for finding the perfect anime to brighten your day! Every month I’ll highlight a comfy series with low stakes, calm vibes and people and tanuki dogs I wish I knew in real life. The sound of falling rain, the steam rising from the perfect bath and a companion to share the moment with: it’s not just the perfect description of coziness, it’s also a quiet moment in the first episode of With You and the Rain . The recent series is the epitome of chill, and a no-brainer for anyone looking for a low key anime as we get closer to the cool days of autumn — the coziest time of the year. RELATED: Cozy Anime Songs for a Summer Night Fuji loves quiet moments and the soft rain, and she happily lives by herself in a Tokyo apartment. But one particularly rainy day, she makes an unexpected friend, and together they begin a heartwarming adventure that opens up the quiet writer to relationships both old and new. Opening Number "Ame tō" by Mamiko Suzuki is an upbeat number that wouldn’t sound out of place in a jazz club. The piano notes are clear and beautiful, and the lively drums mimic the pitter-patter of rain falling. Combined with Suzuki’s warm voice, you’ll probably want to grab a cup of coffee or mug of hot tea every time you listen to it. RELATED: Slow Loop Is a Relaxing Start to the New School Year The credits scenes of Fuji going about an ordinary day somehow feel extraordinary when paired with Suzuki’s sweet song. Not only are we treated to Fuji’s super fashionable outfits, but the glimpses of the main character throughout the seasons are a welcome reminder to appreciate the ins and outs of everyday life. Add a few glimpses here and there of Fuji’s fuzzy companion, and you have an opening you won’t be tempted to skip. Here's the Story Fuji is a reserved and aloof, though extremely kind, writer living in Tokyo. She knows what she likes and she lives her life accordingly. She loves the rain, so walking home without an umbrella never bothers her. On her way home one wet afternoon, she walks past an animal in a box on the street. She pauses, wondering if it’s a dog that’s been abandoned. He holds up a sign to assure her that he is, in fact, absolutely a dog. He also offers her an umbrella. That’s all the convincing Fuji needs, she decides to take him home with her. While some people who meet the pair question if he’s really a dog, there’s a lot of fun in Fuji just going along with it. No matter what he is, he and Fuji live a happy life together, and we’re lucky enough to go along for the ride. Oh, his name? You. Coziest Character While Fuji’s companion You is the easy answer for the coziest character — those little paws! — her dad Tatsuo just barely wins out over him. He’s the opposite of Fuji and wears his emotions on his sleeve, which can aggravate his reserved daughter. And nothing gets Tatsuo more excited than You, whom he nicknames Angel. He even buys Fuji and You T-shirts to match his own. (Could that be any cuter?) RELATED: Feel Warm Summer Sunshine Anytime with Barakamon Fuji has always had trouble dealing with her father’s big emotions, but You gives them an unexpected way to connect. Every scene with Fuji, Tatsuo and You together is a delight. Ending Notes While "filled" by Kei Sugawara isn’t technically a lo-fi chill song, its soft beats paired with a You-themed screensaver on Fuji’s laptop evokes the exact same feeling as your favorite 8-hour long video of relaxing music. Fuji sleeps with her head on her desk after a long day of work while Sugawara sings sweetly, adding to the feeling. You’s on-screen antics once again make it almost impossible to click the skip button. RELATED: Singer-Songwriter Kei Sugawara Shares With You and the Rain Anime Ending Song Music Video As Fuji notes to herself in one episode, there’s no such thing as an “ordinary” day, and With You and the Rain echoes that sentiment as a whole. There’s something special about every day we have, even if it’s something that seems small, like a good snack or the joys of friendship and companionship. This cozy series is guaranteed to make you smile, and its quirky charm is putting it firmly on my favorites list. Join me in the Cozy Anime Corner next month for my latest pick!
