After the Rain Review: A Gentle Rediscovery of Purpose and Connection
- The Weebersons
- May 15
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 15
Introduction
After the Rain (Koi wa Ameagari no You ni) is a thoughtful slice-of-life drama that explores unexpected connection and self-renewal through its quietly powerful premise: a high school girl develops affection for a slightly older restaurant manager. What could be awkward is instead handled with maturity, offering a story about healing, self-discovery, and subtle emotional support.
Plot Summary
Seventeen-year-old Akira Tachibana, a former track athlete sidelined by injury, works part-time at a family restaurant. There, she forms a gentle bond with Masami Kondō, the kind, introspective manager and single dad, who offers her small comforts under the rain-streaked skies. Their relationship—never overtly romantic—becomes a catalyst for both to reconsider their passions: rekindling dreams Akira had abandoned and helping Kondō find inspiration again.
Themes and Genre
This series blends coming-of-age and slice-of-life, anchored in themes of lost purpose, emotional support, and second chances. Rather than relying on romantic clichés, it uses symbolic visuals—rain, umbrellas, quiet interiors—to reflect Akira’s inner growth and Kondō’s reawakening. Ultimately, it’s less about romance and more about finding yourself through connection.
After the Rain doesn’t offer easy answers or dramatic resolution—it offers pause. And that makes it an ideal show to watch with someone else and talk about afterward. Here’s how to use stories like this to spark meaningful connection.
Character Analysis
Akira Tachibana is stoic and introspective, her trauma softened by gentle kindness. Her gradual openness—through simple interactions like reading or helping others—feels both honest and deeply relatable.
Masami Kondō is no heartthrob—just caring and human. A midlife dreamer returning to writing and fatherhood, his warmth is shown in unassuming acts like offering coffee or sharing creative ideas. Their bond spans quiet compassion and shared rediscovery.
Supporting characters like her track friend Haruka and Kondō’s co-workers gently ripple through their lives, inviting Akira back to the track and giving Kondō space to revive his creativity—again highlighting that healing often comes from real, small moments.
Art and Sound
The animation is soft and expressive, with watercolor backgrounds that echo emotional tone. Visual motifs like rain and petals are woven into symbolic storytelling . The soundtrack, especially ending theme “Ref:rain” by Aimer, leaves a lasting, moving impression
Who Should Watch This
After the Rain is best for teens and adults who are interested in anime about healing, character growth, and emotional restraint, and those drawn to introspective and subtle storytelling. Its mature handling of romance and healing makes it thoughtful and gentle—though the age gap may give some viewers pause, it never feels manipulative or uncomfortable.
Final Verdict
This is a controversial drama with an adequate ending. After the Rain is an anime of contradictions—gorgeous and thoughtful, yet often vague and emotionally detached. However, it finds redemption in its ending, where both main characters choose self-betterment over romance. By doing so, the show avoids sensationalism and embraces emotional honesty, highlighting the power of kindness, second chances, and small shared moments.
Pros:
Lush, atmospheric animation
Mature, non-romantic ending with strong emotional payoff
Themes of personal rediscovery and emotional healing
Realistic emotional arcs and character growth
Evocative use of rain and visual symbolism
Cons:
Pacing can feel slow and emotionally distant
The age gap premise, though handled wisely, may discomfort some
Underdeveloped character arcs until the final episodes
Our Rating:
Similar Titles You May Enjoy
If you appreciated After the Rain for its quiet emotional depth and reflective pacing, these titles offer similarly nuanced explorations of connection, identity, and healing:
A Silent Voice – A powerful story of regret, redemption, and the slow work of rebuilding trust—with a tone that balances honesty and hope.
Silver Spoon – While more lighthearted, this coming-of-age series shares a focus on self-discovery, inner conflict, and learning to move forward at your own pace.
March Comes in Like a Lion – An introspective, emotionally layered look at a young man navigating loneliness, pressure, and connection with others.
When Marnie Was There – A gentle, melancholic film about emotional isolation and the slow unfolding of understanding, memory, and belonging.
My Roommate Is a Cat – A soft, understated look at grief, introversion, and finding comfort in small, consistent relationships.
FAQs
Is After the Rain a romance or a drama?
It’s more of a drama—its romantic elements support themes of healing and reawakening rather than driving the plot.
Is After the Rain anime controversial?
Yes, the story’s age-gap dynamic may unsettle some viewers. However, the anime handles the relationship with restraint, focusing on mutual healing rather than romance.
Why is rain so prominent in the animation?
Rain is a visual metaphor for change and emotional cleansing, subtly underscoring the characters’ inner journeys.
What makes After the Rain worth watching?
Despite early concerns, the anime redeems itself with a thoughtful, character-driven conclusion. Its message—that growth sometimes means walking away—is satisfying and rare in romance anime.
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