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Plot summary & ending explained

Weathering with You (2020) Plot Summary, Ending Explained & Timeline

Weathering with You (2020) movie poster

Weathering with You is a 2020 drama and fantasy film directed by Makoto Shinkai, running 1 hour 52 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 623 words (about 3 minutes to read) and covers 15 key events in order, 3 characters, where and when it is set, 3 themes and the ending explained. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Weathering with You.

to read the plot summary
3 min
key events in the timeline
15
characters profiled
3
themes explained
3
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Weathering with You (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 52m
Director
Makoto Shinkai
Genres
Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Original language
Japanese
Studio
GKIDS
No spoilers

What Is Weathering with You About?

The premise of Weathering with You in 279 words, with nothing given away. The full story and the ending follow below.

In a perpetually rain‑soaked Tokyo where the sky seems to mourn, a teenage boy seeks a fresh start far from the isolation of his island home. Hodaka Morishima arrives with only a suitcase and a quiet determination, his eyes taking in the neon‑lit streets that glisten beneath a constant drizzle. The city is both dazzling and overwhelming, its rhythm set by the steady patter of water and the hum of countless lives moving beneath the gray canopy.

Amidst the damp concrete, Hina Amano appears—a bright‑spirited young woman whose smile seems to catch the fleeting light that slips through the clouds. She possesses an extraordinary gift: the ability to summon sunshine and clear the oppressive sky with a simple prayer. Their meeting feels like a chance collision of two wandering souls, each yearning for something beyond the monotony of their daily survival.

The film balances delicate magical realism with the gritty reality of youth thrust into an unfamiliar metropolis. Tokyo itself becomes a character, its endless rain a metaphor for personal doubt and societal pressure, while moments of sudden clarity hint at the transformative power of hope. The tone shifts fluidly between wistful melancholy and uplifting wonder, inviting the audience to feel both the weight of isolation and the exhilaration of discovering a kindred spirit.

As Hodaka and Hina learn to navigate the city’s relentless downpour together, their burgeoning connection suggests that even in the bleakest weather, the promise of light can emerge. Their partnership hints at a larger story about responsibility, the cost of miracles, and the courage required to chase a brighter future, leaving viewers eager to see how this delicate balance between rain and sunshine will unfold.

Full plot

What Happens in Weathering with You?

The complete story of Weathering with You, from the first scene to the last, in 623 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.

Spoilers ahead

In June 2021, Hodaka Morishima, a freshman in high school, escapes his troubled home life in Kozu-shima by heading to Tokyo. His journey takes a dramatic turn when the ferry he is on encounters a torrential rainstorm, during which he is saved by Keisuke Suga. Struggling to find work in the city, Hodaka stumbles upon an abandoned Makarov PM handgun in a trash can.

As he navigates this difficult life, he crosses paths with Hina Amano, a kind-hearted employee at McDonald’s who offers him food out of compassion. Suga later hires Hodaka as an assistant at a small occult magazine where they explore urban legends tied to the unusual rainy weather affecting Tokyo, including the tale of “sunshine girls,” who supposedly possess the power to control the weather.

One fateful day, Hodaka witnesses Hina being coerced into working at a club. When he attempts to step in, he finds himself confronted by the club’s owner, leading to a tense situation where he loses control and fires the gun—thankfully, missing. Hina quickly leads him to Yoyogi Kaikan, an abandoned site with a shrine on the roof, where he discards the weapon after realizing the weight of his actions. It’s then that Hina surprises him by using her ability to clear the sky through prayer.

As the story unfolds, Hodaka learns that Hina supports her younger brother, Nagi, and they lack adult supervision. Recognizing their shared financial woes, Hodaka suggests they create a service to clear the weather for events, which quickly gains popularity. However, their business takes an unexpected turn when Hina appears on television after a successful job clearing the sky for a fireworks display, resulting in an overwhelming demand for their services. Feeling overwhelmed, they decide to pause operations to recuperate.

Meanwhile, the police have been on the lookout for Hodaka as a missing person’s report has been filed by his family. They identify him via security footage connected to the gun incident, prompting an investigation that directly impacts Hina as she realizes she and Nagi could be separated by social services due to their lack of guardianship. After a police visit, Suga, wary of the growing suspicion, dismisses Hodaka from his job.

In a desperate attempt to evade capture, Hodaka, Hina, and Nagi try to escape but are thwarted by worsening weather conditions. The situation escalates when two police officers confront them; however, in a moment of surprising power, Hina inadvertently unleashes a bolt of lightning, allowing them to escape. Taking refuge in a hotel, Hina reveals the toll her abilities are taking on her, explaining that her transparency increases with usage—her sacrifice is necessary to restore balance to the weather.

The next day, Hina mysteriously disappears, and the rain ceases. Hodaka, taken into custody, learns that Nagi has been sent to a children’s counseling center. Realizing his profound love for Hina, he escapes with aid from Natsumi Suga, Suga’s niece. With Suga’s help, Hodaka reaches the rooftop shrine where he leaps through the shrine gate, ascending to the skies to find Hina. He implores her to release her burdens and prioritize her happiness.

Upon their return to the shrine, they all find themselves arrested, while the heavy rains resume. Subsequently, Hodaka is sentenced to three years of probation and sent back to Kozu-shima. Fast forward to three years later, Tokyo remains submerged due to the continuous downpour. In the spring of 2024, having completed his probation, Hodaka graduates high school and returns to Tokyo. He reconnects with Suga, who has expanded his business and encourages him to search for Hina.

Finally, Hodaka discovers Hina praying on a street that overlooks the flooded city. In a heartwarming reunion, he promises her that they will find a way to be alright together.

Timeline

Weathering with You Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

15 key events in the order they happen, from “Hodaka Escapes to Tokyo” to “Reunion in Flooded Tokyo”. 15 events name a place, across 11 locations.

  1. 1

    Hodaka Escapes to Tokyo

    In June 2021, Hodaka Morishima leaves his troubled home life in Kozu-shima and journeys to Tokyo. This decision marks the beginning of his search for independence and a better future.

    When:June 2021 Where:Kozu-shima

  2. 2

    Torrential Rainstorm

    While aboard a ferry to Tokyo, Hodaka encounters a fierce rainstorm. During this tumultuous event, he is rescued by Keisuke Suga, setting the stage for their future connection.

    Where:Ferry

  3. 3

    Finding the Handgun

    Struggling to find his footing in the bustling city, Hodaka stumbles upon an abandoned Makarov PM handgun in a trash can. This discovery adds a sense of danger to his already precarious situation.

    Where:Tokyo

  4. 4

    Meeting Hina

    Hodaka meets Hina Amano, a compassionate McDonald's employee who offers him food. This moment of kindness strikes a chord with Hodaka, deepening his connection to the city.

    Where:McDonald's, Tokyo

  5. 5

    Hodaka's Job at the Occult Magazine

    Hodaka is hired by Suga as an assistant at a small magazine that focuses on urban legends and unusual weather phenomena. Their work leads them to investigate the legend of 'sunshine girls' who are said to control the weather.

    Where:Occult Magazine Office

  6. 6

    Confrontation at the Club

    Hodaka witnesses Hina being pressured into working at a club. In a bold move to protect her, he confronts the club owner, but the situation escalates, leading him to fire the gun accidentally.

    Where:Club

  7. 7

    Hina Clears the Sky

    After the gun incident, Hina takes Hodaka to Yoyogi Kaikan, where she uses her powers to clear the sky through prayer. This revelation about Hina's abilities deepens their bond and hints at the extraordinary events to follow.

    Where:Yoyogi Kaikan

  8. 8

    Starting the Weather Service

    Recognizing their similar struggles, Hodaka and Hina create a service to clear the weather for events, which rapidly gains popularity. Their newfound venture brings hope but also unexpected challenges.

    Where:Tokyo

  9. 9

    Hina Appears on Television

    After successfully clearing the sky for a fireworks display, Hina appears on television, leading to a surge in demand for their services. This newfound attention impacts their lives significantly, pushing them into the public eye.

    Where:Television Studio

  10. 10

    Police Investigation Begins

    As Hodaka is reported missing, the police identify him through security footage linked to the gun incident. This investigation surprises Hina and creates mounting pressure on their precarious living situation.

    Where:Tokyo

Show the other 5 events of Weathering with You
  1. 11

    Hodaka's Dismissal from Work

    Fearing for his safety due to growing police suspicion, Suga dismisses Hodaka from his job. Feeling abandoned and desperate, Hodaka's situation worsens as he grapples with the consequences of their actions.

    Where:Occult Magazine Office

  2. 12

    Attempted Escape

    In a hectic attempt to avoid capture, Hodaka, Hina, and Nagi try to escape but are thwarted by inclement weather. Their efforts become more desperate as they evade the police amidst a storm.

    Where:Tokyo

  3. 13

    Hina's Sacrifice

    In a climactic moment, Hina inadvertently unleashes her powers, creating a bolt of lightning to facilitate their escape from the police. She explains to Hodaka how her powers are draining her, adding urgency to their plight.

    Where:Hotel

  4. 14

    Hodaka's Realization

    After Hina mysteriously disappears and the rain ceases, Hodaka is taken into custody. The bittersweet realization of his love for Hina compels him to seek her at any cost.

    Where:Custody

  5. 15

    Reunion in Flooded Tokyo

    Three years later, after completing his probation, Hodaka returns to a flooded Tokyo to find Hina praying at a street corner. Their emotional reunion signifies hope and a promise to face the challenges ahead together.

    When:Spring 2024 Where:Flooded Tokyo

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Weathering with You?

3 characters, among them Hodaka Morishima, Hina Amano and Nagi Amano: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 2 of them link to the actor’s page.

  • Kotaro Daigo as Hodaka Morishima in Weathering with You

    Hodaka Morishima

    Played by Kotaro Daigo

    Hodaka is a high school freshman who escapes his troubled home life in Kozu-shima to seek a new beginning in Tokyo. He is determined, resourceful, and often finds himself in challenging situations, showcasing his growth throughout the story. His experiences shape his understanding of love and responsibility as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

    • 👦 Young Adult
    • 🌧️ Determined
  • Nana Mori as Hina Amano in Weathering with You

    Hina Amano

    Played by Nana Mori

    Hina is a compassionate and strong-willed young woman who has the unusual ability to clear the weather through prayer. Despite her struggles with the responsibilities of caring for her younger brother, she remains hopeful and courageous. Her character embodies the theme of sacrifice, as she struggles to balance her powers with the burden they entail.

    • 👧 Magical
    • 🌈 Hopeful
  • NA

    Nagi Amano

    Nagi is Hina's younger brother who experiences the challenges of growing up without stable guardianship. Despite the hardships faced by him and his sister, Nagi exhibits resilience and a bond with Hodaka. His character serves as a reminder of the innocence of youth and the impact of adult responsibilities on young lives.

    • 👶 Innocent
    • 🏠 Family
Setting

Where and When Is Weathering with You Set?

Weathering with You is set in Kozu-shima and Tokyo (June 2021, Spring 2024). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.

When

June 2021, Spring 2024

The events of the movie unfold in contemporary Japan, starting in June 2021. By Spring 2024, the repercussions of the past actions and the unusual weather patterns impact the city significantly, leading to a flooded Tokyo. This time period showcases themes of youth adversity and transformation.

Where

Kozu-shima, Tokyo

Tokyo is a bustling metropolis known for its blend of modern architecture and rich cultural history. It experiences unique weather phenomena, including prolonged rainfalls, which play a critical role in this story. Kozu-shima, on the other hand, serves as a representation of Hodaka's troubled home life, contrasting with the opportunities and challenges in the city.

  • 🏙️ City
  • 🌧️ Nature
Themes

What Are the Themes of Weathering with You?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Weather Manipulation, Love & Sacrifice and Abandonment.

  1. 01

    Weather Manipulation

    The ability to control the weather symbolizes the characters' struggles with their circumstances. Hina's power to clear the skies brings both success and dire consequences, exploring the balance between personal sacrifice and overall well-being. This theme highlights how external circumstances can dictate the course of one’s life.

  2. 02

    Love & Sacrifice

    The relationship between Hodaka and Hina evolves through trials and challenges, demonstrating the deep connection that forms through shared experiences and sacrifices. Their love drives them to take risks and make difficult choices, ultimately leading to personal growth and hope for the future.

  3. 03

    Abandonment

    Both Hodaka and Hina navigate their lives without stable adult figures, expressing themes of abandonment and the search for familial bonds. Their determination to care for each other showcases the resilience developed through adversity, emphasizing the importance of chosen family.

Ending explained

How Does Weathering with You End?

The last act of Weathering with You and what it means, in 184 words. The ending lands as bittersweet. Big spoilers: read the plot summary first if you have not seen it.

The final act, in full

The ending of “Weathering” is a powerful reflection of resilience and self-empowerment in the face of overwhelming trauma. Throughout the film, Gemina is haunted by the loss of her baby, which she couldn’t save during childbirth, and this grief consumes her, making her feel hollow and lost. Her conversations with her mother and the dismissive treatment from her doctor reveal how societal expectations, misogyny, and racial prejudice exacerbate her suffering. Despite these hardships, Gemina’s dreams and inner voice struggle with guilt and fear, pushing her further into despair. However, in a moment of clarity, she realizes that she cannot let the judgments and prejudices of others define her or break her spirit. She chooses to take control of her life by channeling her pain into writing an article about protecting Black women, symbolizing her reclaiming her voice and strength. The film ends on a hopeful note, showing that even amid immense suffering, a woman like Gemina can rise above her circumstances, weather her storms, and emerge resilient, determined to fight for what she believes in and to rebuild her life on her own terms.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Weathering with You?

Hopeful in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Hopeful
Pacing
Steady
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
Medium
Ending
Bittersweet

A visually lush and emotional journey through a rain-drenched Tokyo, blending youthful romance and magical realism with the poignant consequences of choosing personal happiness over the natural order.

  • dreamlike
  • melancholic
  • hopeful
  • yearning
  • atmospheric
  • romantic
  • teenage love
  • climate crisis
  • personal sacrifice
  • running away

Content notes: child endangerment, gun use.

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6 films close to Weathering with You in story and themes that have a full plot summary here: Weathering with You (2019) and Your Name. (2017) lead. 3 of them come with the ending explained.

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FAQ

Weathering with You Plot Questions

6 quick answers about Weathering with You, taken from the plot summary, ending explained, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Weathering with You about?

In a perpetually rain‑soaked Tokyo where the sky seems to mourn, a teenage boy seeks a fresh start far from the isolation of his island home. Hodaka Morishima arrives with only a suitcase and a quiet determination, his eyes taking in the neon‑lit streets that glisten beneath a constant drizzle.

Read the full plot summary

What happens at the end of Weathering with You?

The ending of “Weathering” is a powerful reflection of resilience and self-empowerment in the face of overwhelming trauma. Throughout the film, Gemina is haunted by the loss of her baby, which she couldn’t save during childbirth, and this grief consumes her, making her feel hollow and lost.

The ending explained

When and where does Weathering with You take place?

Weathering with You is set in Kozu-shima and Tokyo (June 2021, Spring 2024). The events of the movie unfold in contemporary Japan, starting in June 2021. By Spring 2024, the repercussions of the past actions and the unusual weather patterns impact the city significantly, leading to a flooded…

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Weathering with You?

The story follows Hodaka Morishima (played by Kotaro Daigo), Hina Amano (played by Nana Mori) and Nagi Amano.

All the characters

What are the main themes of Weathering with You?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Weather Manipulation, Love & Sacrifice and Abandonment.

The themes explained

Who directed Weathering with You?

Weathering with You (2020) was directed by Makoto Shinkai and runs 1 hour 52 minutes.

Makoto Shinkai’s films

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