Ame to Kimi to Episode 1 Anime Review

Sometimes, the quietest stories leave the deepest impression. Ame to Kimi to (or With You and the Rain) begins not with explosions or dramatic twists, but with something beautifully simple, a rainy night, a lonely novelist, and a strange creature that changes everything.

The episode opens on a rainy evening as Fuji, a novelist living alone, finds an abandoned cardboard box by the roadside. Inside is what looks like a dog... but maybe isn’t. The creature clutches a sketchbook that says, “I’m a dog. Please keep me.”

It’s an irresistibly odd setup. Fuji takes the creature home, unsure whether to laugh or worry, and from there, a quiet companionship begins to form. The show doesn’t rush to explain who (or what) this “dog” really is. Instead, Episode 1 focuses on atmosphere: the sound of rain on the window, the warmth of shared food, and the feeling of unexpected connection in a lonely life.

Everything about this episode is soft, the muted color palette, the slow pacing, and even the gentle voice acting. It feels like an anime you’d watch at the end of a long day just to unwind. It’s slice-of-life storytelling at its most comforting.

The “dog” (if we can call it that) brings a touch of mystery without ever breaking the show’s cozy tone. There’s something sweet about how Fuji interacts with it, not with fear, but with genuine curiosity and care.

Instead of heavy dialogue or plot twists, Ame to Kimi to builds emotion through silence and mood. The result feels natural and deeply human. Every pause, every quiet look, says more than words could.

Episode 1 gives us only hints about what this mysterious “dog” really is. For some, that intrigue will be charming; for others, it might feel too vague.

Episode 1 of Ame to Kimi to sets the stage for something quietly beautiful. It’s a story about small connections, everyday kindness, and how even the simplest encounters can bring light to lonely days.

If you’re a fan of slow, reflective slice-of-life anime with a touch of mystery, this one’s absolutely worth your time. It doesn’t shout to get your attention and that’s exactly what makes it special.