It really excites me to see writers being represented in anime because it feels like I’m watching myself, and it makes me wonder what I’m really supposed to do. I’m aware that it’s fiction, but there’s this innate desire to connect with someone who’s like me that I can’t just ignore. So, as a writer who’s also an introvert, With You and the Rain scratched that hidden itch.

With You and the Rain is referred to as a “palate cleanser” by viewers who took in the dark, emotionally overwhelming episodes of Takopi’s Original Sin, which aired alongside it. When I watched the trailer, I also expected to be comforted, of course. But in the end, it has become more than a relaxing anime to feel good and settle down, at least to me.

Fuji with You and the Rain

In this cozy, slice-of-life series, a novelist named Fuji lives with her adopted tanuki (a Japanese raccoon dog) named You, who can communicate with her by writing on actual paper. They first met on a rainy night on Fuji’s way home, with You asking Fuji to bring it home.

In Japanese folklore, a leaf on a tanuki’s head symbolizes its magic to transform into a human. But in this series, as we don’t know it yet, You doesn’t shapeshift despite having a leaf on its head. It’s a dog that just happens to know how to write and accompany Fuji as she lives independently. 

You certainly makes this series popular because of its peculiarity, cuteness, and behavior towards Fuji and her circle. But what makes it great is Fuji’s personality and struggles, which are relatable, especially to writers and introverts like me.

Fuji and the Writing Life

First off, the anime does an impressive job of presenting a writer’s life and thought process. Fuji writes, thinks about writing, reads books, and meets the people she works with. But of course, she can’t always get her creative juices flowing. In those days, we see her dealing with it by taking a breather, reaching out to a friend, or simply accepting it. There are also times when she questions why she’s doing it all in the first place.

Fuji regularly goes outside to walk You, too, and observes her surroundings. In one instance, she sits peacefully under a maple tree with her notebook open on her lap, wondering how to write about the beauty of the autumn leaves. Because, according to her, “Even if [she] put into words that something is truly beautiful, people still wouldn’t understand.”

The fear of being read is not glossed over, either. As writers, it’s expected that their works will be read. But it also means they’re letting themselves be seen and perceived by the world. Fuji wonders about this when she was experiencing writer’s block. And in one instance, she also voices that it’s embarrassing when her books are read by people she knows — a universal feeling for writers, and for anyone who creates in general.

Writing in itself is rewarding and scary at the same time, and Fuji knows this all too well. That’s why she wonders if she can endure this struggle if she loves her job enough. She can’t help but love what she’s doing, but loving it also means putting a piece of herself out there, and it’s something she needs courage for. I feel seen, determined, and encouraged when I watch her, and it’s a nice feeling.

Fuji and the Need for Alone Time

As with the writing aspect, the anime presents a realistic portrayal of introversion. Most introverts become people pleasers because they can’t say no to invitations or they don’t want to disappoint others. But Fuji highly values solitude, and this part of her is surprisingly accepted by her loved ones. 

When Fuji is with her parents and neighbor at a festival, her mom asks her if she wants to stroll along the stalls longer with You, which she agrees to. They are about to return to their seats, but even without saying anything, her mom knows what she always prefers.

Her best friends, Mimi and Ren, also visit her place one time, where Mimi says she wants to go to the beach with them. But Fuji tells her outright that she’s not going because it’s best to go there alone, and she can’t understand how it’s going to be fun with other people.

Mimi, having accepted Fuji’s personality since they were in high school, isn’t surprised at her reaction at all. Even before, Fuji already knew what she wanted. And while it’s new to her best friends, they have always respected her space and found other ways to spend some time with her. Ren even advises her to go on a trip alone.

It’s very comforting to watch, and Fuji, being the resolute woman that she is, pushes me to set healthy boundaries for myself like an older sister. 

Final Thoughts

Watching this anime feels like being hugged. It has a delightful (and adult) main character who’s true to herself, a cute doggo who can talk on paper, charming side characters, and a slow, calming, and quiet mood that is ideal to watch on rainy days.

This anime is special to me as an introverted writer, but it’s also perfect for other creatives or those who come home after a tiring day and need a serotonin boost. 

All episodes of With You and the Rain are streaming on Ani-One Philippines.