What Is Weathering with You About?
The premise of Weathering with You in 313 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a perpetually drizzling Tokyo where the sky seems to mirror the uncertainty of its inhabitants, a teenage boy leaves the quiet shore of his hometown in search of independence. Hodaka arrives in the bustling metropolis with only a suitcase and a yearning for a fresh start, only to find the city’s relentless rain echoing the challenges he faces in a world that feels both alien and overwhelming. The film paints the capital as a character in its own right—glossy neon lights juxtaposed with endless clouds, creating a mood that is simultaneously dreamy and somber.
Amidst this wet tapestry, he encounters a spirited young woman working a humble job at a fast‑food restaurant. Hina possesses a rare, almost mythical ability to coax the sun back into the sky, a talent whispered about in local folklore and hinted at in the rustle of wind‑chimes on a rooftop shrine. Their meeting is serendipitous, a flicker of hope that promises to brighten the dim streets. Together they begin to explore the delicate balance between ordinary life and extraordinary power, their budding partnership rooted in youthful optimism and a shared desire to rewrite the narrative of a city trapped in rain.
Guiding them from the periphery is a charismatic, older figure who runs a small occult magazine, offering them both a glimpse into the mysteries that linger beneath the everyday. Suga serves as a mentor of sorts, his curiosity about legends and the unseen world providing a subtle backdrop for the protagonists’ journey. The story unfolds with a lyrical, almost poetic tone, leaning on atmospheric visuals and a gentle soundtrack that underscores the quiet yearning of its characters. As Hodaka and Hina navigate the streets and skies of Tokyo, the film invites viewers to wonder what might happen when ordinary lives intersect with the uncanny, leaving a lingering sense of wonder long after the rain finally eases.
What Happens in Weathering with You?
The complete story of Weathering with You, from the first scene to the last, in 892 words (about 4 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In June 2021, a young high school student named Hodaka Morishima finds himself running away from home, seeking a fresh start in Tokyo. His journey begins with a perilous encounter during a heavy rainstorm when his ferry is caught in a torrential downpour, almost sweeping him away. Fortunately, he is saved by Keisuke Suga, who provides him with a business card and advises him to call if he needs work. Despite this, Hodaka struggles to find stable employment in the busy city, but his situation takes an unexpected turn when he discovers an abandoned Makarov PM handgun—an illegal weapon that he keeps for protection, even though guns are outlawed.
During his search for help, Hodaka crosses paths with Hina Amano, a compassionate young woman working at a McDonald’s. She quickly shows empathy for his situation and offers him free food, which becomes a small act of kindness amid his struggles. Soon after, Suga hires Hodaka to assist him in putting together a small occult magazine that investigates strange phenomena, including the unpredictable weather patterns plaguing Tokyo. As they dig into local legends, they come across the story of “sunshine girls” who have the mysterious power to clear the skies and bring sunshine on demand.
Hodaka witnesses a distressing scene where Hina is being coerced into working at a club. In a panic, he fires his gun at the club owner, narrowly missing him, which leaves Hodaka shaken and frightened. To protect himself, Hodaka throws the gun away. Hina then takes Hodaka to an abandoned building called Yoyogi Kaikan, where they find a shrine on the roof. To his amazement, she demonstrates her unusual ability by praying and clearing the sky of clouds, revealing her remarkable power to control the weather through prayer.
Hina, an orphan living alone with her younger brother Nagi, has been trying to keep their lives afloat amid their financial struggles. Observing her hardships, Hodaka proposes a bold idea: they could start a business offering to clear the weather for social events, weddings, and outdoor gatherings. Their venture quickly becomes popular, bringing in more requests than they can handle. However, as Hina’s fame grows, she is filmed for television, which results in their website being flooded with requests. Recognizing her need for rest, they decide to temporarily pause their operation.
Meanwhile, Suga and Natsumi are investigating the phenomena further. They interview an old shrine priest who shares the legend of “Weather Maidens”—women who possess the extraordinary ability to manipulate rain. The priest warns that such powers come with a heavy toll, hinting at the potential sacrifice involved.
Amid their crises, police begin to search for Hodaka, who has been reported missing by his family. Law enforcement officials track him via security footage of him using the illegal gun. They eventually locate Hina’s apartment and interrogate her, realizing that without a legal guardian, she and Nagi could be taken away by social services. Suga, who is also visited by the police, makes the difficult decision to fire Hodaka, explaining that the authorities suspect him of kidnapping. He gives Hodaka a sum of severance pay before he leaves.
Feeling cornered, Hodaka, Hina, and Nagi decide to run away together, as relentless, unnatural weather—ranging from continuous rain to snow—closes in on Tokyo. The city declares a state of emergency due to the severe and abnormal climate chaos. Hodaka is eventually caught by the police, but Hina intervenes, unintentionally using her powers to destroy a police van with lightning to save him. They find shelter in a hotel using the cash Hodaka has received from Suga, where Hina confesses that her body is gradually turning transparent with each use of her power—a sacrifice she makes to bring normal weather back to the city.
The next morning, Hina has disappeared, and the relentless rain has stopped. The police catch up with Hodaka at the hotel, and he is taken into custody. Nagi is placed into a children’s counseling center as Hina’s presence becomes a distant memory. Overcome with the realization that he loves Hina, Hodaka escapes from custody with help from Natsumi, Suga’s niece. In a daring rescue, he is saved from apprehension by Suga himself, who, inspired by Hodaka’s determination, helps him break free.
Hodaka then ventures to the rooftop shrine where he finds Hina praying. He begs her to return with him, urging her to let go of her worries about the weather and start living for herself. As Hodaka pleads, Hina joins him, and together they step through the torii gate into the sky, symbolizing hope and possibility. However, their reunion is short-lived—once back at the shrine, all five are arrested, and the heavy rains resume, flooding much of Tokyo.
Hodaka is sentenced to a three-year probation and sent back to his home on Kōzu-shima. Years pass, and Tokyo continues to be submerged under endless rains, with much of the city beneath water. It’s now spring 2024, and Hodaka, having completed his probation, graduates from high school and returns to Tokyo to attend college. He reconnects with Suga, who has now expanded his weather-related business, and is encouraged to find Hina once again. Eventually, Hodaka spots her praying on a street overlooking the drowned city. They reunite, and Hodaka promises her that everything will be alright, rekindling hope for their future together amid the flooded landscape that once kept them apart.
Weathering with You Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “Hodaka runs away from home” to “Years later and reunion”. 12 events name a place, across 6 locations.
- 1
Hodaka runs away from home
In June 2021, high schooler Hodaka Morishima leaves his home and heads to Tokyo, seeking a new life. His journey begins with a dangerous storm that almost washes him away, but he is saved by Keisuke Suga who offers him help and a potential job. This marks the start of his attempt to adapt to life in the city and find stability.
When:June 2021 Where:Tokyo
- 2
Hodaka finds an illegal gun
While searching for work, Hodaka discovers an abandoned Makarov PM handgun and keeps it despite its illegality. This act introduces a dangerous element into his life, foreshadowing potential trouble. He also struggles with homelessness and financial difficulties while trying to survive in Tokyo.
When:June 2021 Where:Tokyo
- 3
Meeting Hina
Hodaka encounters Hina Amano, a McDonald's employee who shows kindness by offering him free food. Their friendship deepens as Hina demonstrates her ability to clear the weather by praying, revealing her supernatural power. They form a bond rooted in mutual understanding and hardship.
When:Soon after June 2021 Where:Yoyogi Kaikan
- 4
Hina and Nagi's background
Hina reveals she is an orphan living alone with her younger brother Nagi. Seeing their financial struggles, Hodaka suggests they start a business using Hina's weather-changing powers to clear the sky for events. Their efforts quickly lead to success, but also attract attention.
When:Shortly after meeting Hina Where:Tokyo
- 5
Legend of the Weather Maidens
Suga and Natsumi interview an old priest who shares the legend of Weather Maidens, women who can control the rain at a great personal cost. This legends highlights the dangerous and sacrificial nature of Hina's powers and deepens their understanding of her abilities.
When:During the early success of the weather business Where:Shrine
- 6
Police investigation and separation threat
Police begin investigating Hodaka’s disappearance, suspecting kidnapping due to his use of a gun. They arrive at Hina's apartment, threatening to separate her and Nagi because they have no legal guardians. The tension escalates as authorities close in on them.
When:Shortly after the weather business gains popularity Where:Hina's apartment
- 7
Hodaka and Hina run away
Fearing separation and police detention, Hodaka, Hina, and Nagi decide to escape together. Hodaka is fired from Suga's job amidst the chaos, receiving severance pay, and they flee with the intention of evading authorities and finding safety.
When:Following police threats Where:Tokyo
- 8
Severe weather and state of emergency
Tokyo experiences relentless heavy rain, cold, and even snow—an unnatural weather catastrophe. A state of emergency is declared as the city is overwhelmed by the severe and abnormal weather, which is connected to Hina’s powers. The weather creates chaos and endangers everyone.
When:During their escape Where:Tokyo
- 9
Hina's sacrifice and disappearance
Hina reveals her body is turning transparent the more she uses her powers, indicating her sacrifice to restore normal weather. The following day, she vanishes just as the rain stops, and police find Hodaka, leading to his arrest. Nagi is placed in a center, deepening their separation.
When:Next day after the storm Where:Hotel and police station
- 10
Hodaka escapes custody and reunites with Hina
Hodaka, in love with Hina, escapes from police custody with Natsumi’s help and a final act of desperation. He reaches the rooftop shrine where Hina is, jumps into the sky, and begs her to return, believing they can be together and find happiness beyond the weather's influence.
When:Shortly after Hodaka's arrest Where:Rooftop shrine
- 11
Final arrest and probation
Hodaka and Hina are ultimately arrested at the shrine, and the heavy rains resume. Hodaka is sentenced to three years probation and sent back to his home on Kōzu-shima island. Their emotional farewell underscores the price of Hina's powers and their love.
When:After the daring rescue Where:Tokyo
- 12
Years later and reunion
Three years after the events, Tokyo is still submerged under constant rain, and Hodaka has finished his probation. In 2024, he returns to Tokyo, finds Hina praying on a street overlooking the flood-ravaged city, and they finally reunite, promising to face their future together.
When:Spring 2024 Where:Tokyo
Who Are the Main Characters in Weathering with You?
3 characters, among them Hodaka Morishima, Hina Amano and Keisuke Suga: who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- HM
Hodaka Morishima
A resourceful high schooler who runs away from home, Hodaka is courageous yet impulsive. His discovery of Hina’s power and his determination to protect her reveal his caring nature and willingness to confront dangers for love.
- 🏃♂️ Brave
- 🎒 Young protagonist
- 💡 Determined
- HA
Hina Amano
A kind-hearted girl with the ability to stop rain, Hina is brave and selfless. Her physique gradually turns transparent as she uses her power, symbolizing sacrifice and vulnerability, yet she remains hopeful about her future.
- 🧚♀️ Empathetic
- 🌦️ Rain-controller
- 💖 Sacrificial
- KS
Keisuke Suga
A pragmatic mentor figure who offers Hodaka guidance and support. Suga’s involvement with supernatural phenomena and his efforts to help Hodaka underscore his role as an experienced and compassionate adult amidst chaos.
- 🤝 Mentor
- 📜 Investigator
- 🌟 Supportive
Where and When Is Weathering with You Set?
Weathering with You is set in Tokyo, Yoyogi Kaikan and Kōzu-shima (June 2021, spring 2024). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
June 2021, spring 2024
The events unfold over a period starting in June 2021, during a summer marked by an unusual rainy season, and extend into spring 2024 when the story concludes. The movie captures a contemporary setting with an extraordinary weather phenomenon affecting everyday life, blending present-day Japan with a near-future scenario influenced by climate anomalies.
Where
Tokyo, Yoyogi Kaikan, Kōzu-shima
The movie is set primarily in Tokyo, a bustling metropolis known for its modern skyscrapers and vibrant culture. Key scenes take place at Yoyogi Kaikan, an abandoned building with a shrine, highlighting Tokyo's mix of urban decay and spiritual sites. The story also references Kōzu-shima, an island in Japan, emphasizing the protagonist's rural origin and connection to nature amidst city life.
- 🏙️ Urban
- 🏞️ Tokyo landmarks
- 🏝️ Island setting
What Are the Themes of Weathering with You?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Weather Control, Love and Sacrifice and Urban Isolation.
-
01
Weather Control
The film explores the theme of weather manipulation through Hina's ability to clear the sky, symbolizing hope and sacrifice. It also reflects on humanity's reliance on and impact on nature, highlighting the power and consequences of controlling natural elements.
-
02
Love and Sacrifice
Hina and Hodaka's relationship is central, emphasizing love amid adversity. Their willingness to sacrifice personal happiness for the greater good underscores the film's focus on selflessness and the costs associated with their powers.
-
03
Urban Isolation
Set against Tokyo's expansive cityscape, the movie illustrates themes of loneliness and the desire for connection. The characters' navigation through social and legal challenges highlights the tension between individual needs and societal expectations.
What Kind of Film Is Weathering with You?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A dreamlike and melancholic anime romance set against a rain-drenched Tokyo, blending youthful hope with the heavy cost of sacrifice to create a beautifully bittersweet viewing experience.
- melancholic
- romantic
- hopeful
- yearning
- atmospheric
- dreamlike
- climate change
- coming of age
- sacrifice
- young love
Content notes: child endangerment, police pursuit, illegal weapon.
Quiz
How well do you remember Weathering with You? Test yourself on the story.
