Weathering With You (2019)

A Love Story Between Sky and Rain

Weathering With You (Tenki no Ko) is a visually stunning romantic fantasy film directed by Makoto Shinkai, known for Your Name. Set in a perpetually rain-soaked Tokyo, the film captures the fragile beauty of youth, love, and the consequences of altering nature’s balance.

At its heart, this is a story about two young souls who meet under the clouds and choose to defy fate—even if it means changing the world.

Anime Overview

Title: Weathering With You
Japanese Title: Tenki no Ko (天気の子)
Studio: CoMix Wave Films
Director: Makoto Shinkai
Writer: Makoto Shinkai
Genres: Romance, Drama, Fantasy, Supernatural
Release Date: July 19, 2019
Duration: 112 minutes
Streaming Platforms: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video

Story Summary

Hodaka Morishima, a runaway high school boy from a rural island, arrives in Tokyo seeking freedom but finds only isolation and endless rain. His life changes when he meets Hina Amano, a cheerful girl with a mysterious gift — she can make the skies clear by praying.

As the two form a bond, they start offering “sunshine services” to people across the city. But every miracle has a cost. Hina’s power is tied to the weather’s imbalance, and her use of it threatens her existence.
When Tokyo faces devastating floods, Hodaka must make a heartbreaking choice — save the girl he loves, or save the city.

Main Characters

• Hodaka Morishima: A determined runaway who finds purpose and love amidst the chaos of Tokyo.

• Hina Amano: The “Sunshine Girl,” a kind-hearted teen with the power to stop the rain.

• Nagi Amano: Hina’s younger brother, wise beyond his years.

• Keisuke Suga: A writer who takes Hodaka under his wing.

• Natsumi Suga: Keisuke’s spirited assistant who helps Hodaka on his journey.

Themes and Style

• Love and Sacrifice: Choosing personal happiness over global consequences.

• Environmental Balance: Humanity’s interference with nature’s cycles.

• Loneliness and Belonging: Two isolated souls finding each other in a vast city.

• Youth and Freedom: The courage to rebel against destiny for love.

Animation & Music

Makoto Shinkai’s signature art direction shines here — dazzling cityscapes, raindrops that glimmer like glass, and emotional skies that mirror the characters’ feelings.
The soundtrack by RADWIMPS elevates every scene, blending heart-pounding emotion with poetic beauty. Songs like “Is There Still Anything That Love Can Do?” perfectly encapsulate the film’s bittersweet tone.

Where to Watch

You can stream Weathering With You (2019) on:

• Netflix

• Crunchyroll

• Amazon Prime Video

Popularity & Reception

Upon release, Weathering With You became Japan’s highest-grossing film of 2019, earning international acclaim for its visuals, music, and heartfelt storytelling. It was even submitted for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards.

Similar Anime Recommendations

If you enjoyed Weathering With You, try these:

• Your Name (2016) – Another Shinkai masterpiece exploring love across time.

• A Silent Voice (2016) – A touching drama about guilt, forgiveness, and connection.

• Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song (2021) – Emotion and sacrifice in a beautifully animated sci-fi setting.

• The Day I Became a God (2020) – A supernatural tale about destiny and friendship.

• Tsurune (2018) – A heartfelt coming-of-age story about passion and purpose.

Final Thoughts

Weathering With You (2019) is a breathtaking blend of romance, fantasy, and environmental reflection. It’s a love story that dares to defy fate — a reminder that even when the world drowns in rain, the human heart can still shine through.