The Moon on a Rainy Night

The Moon on a Rainy Night
An illustration showing a dark-haired girl on the left holding an umbrella over a brown-haired girl on the right on a rainy night.
First tankōbon volume cover, featuring Kanon (left) and Saki (right)
雨夜の月
(Amayo no Tsuki)
Genre
Manga
Written byKuzushiro
Published byKodansha
English publisher
ImprintYoung Magazine KC Special
MagazineComic Days
Original runJune 12, 2021 – present
Volumes12
Anime television series
Directed byTomoe Makino
Written byShōgo Yasukawa
StudioCompTown
Licensed byRemow
Original run 2027 – scheduled

The Moon on a Rainy Night (Japanese: 雨夜の月, Hepburn: Amayo no Tsuki) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kuzushiro. It began serialization on Kodansha's Comic Days manga website in June 2021 and has been collected in twelve tankōbon volumes. The series follows Saki, a cheerful first-year high school student, as she gradually bonds with Kanon, a classmate who has hearing loss and is reluctant to approach others. An anime television series adaptation produced by CompTown is set to premiere in 2027.

Kuzushiro created the story around the theme of things that could not be seen, which is reflected in both Kanon's disability and the work's title. As she wrote the series, she consulted reference works about hearing disabilities and sought to avoid defining Kanon's identity through her condition, instead portraying her as a fully realized character. Meanwhile, Saki's character and personality were chosen after Kuzushiro and her editor decided that portraying a relationship between girls would support the story's emotional themes.

The series has been well received. It was nominated twice for the Next Manga Awards and selected by the American Library Association for its 2025 Rainbow Book List. Critics have praised the series' story, characters, and artwork, with its disability representation and approach to real-world issues garnering particular approval.

Synopsis

While walking to a piano lesson on a rainy night, Saki Kindaichi falls and scrapes her hand after bumping into a girl her age. The girl picks up Saki's sheet music, gives her a bandage, and then silently leaves despite Saki's attempts to make conversation. The following day, as Saki begins attending high school, she reunites with the girl, Kanon Oikawa, and learns that she is hard of hearing.

Initially, Kanon distances herself from her classmates because she does not want to be treated differently for her disability. She rebuffs Saki when she tries reaching out, but after school, Saki runs through the rain to grab an umbrella for Kanon, leading Kanon to slowly start accepting her. As the two grow closer, Saki helps Kanon open up to others while wrestling with romantic feelings for her new friend.

Characters

Saki Kindaichi (金田一 咲希, Kindaichi Saki)
A first-year high school student who has been playing the piano since she was a child. She is struck by Kanon's beauty the first time they meet, and resolves to approach her despite Kanon's taciturnity. While she wants to understand Kanon better, she tends not to share much about herself and is afraid of Kanon finding out she has feelings for her.
Kanon Oikawa (及川 奏音, Oikawa Kanon)
A first-year high school student who sits next to Saki in class. She has sensorineural hearing loss and wears a hearing aid. She grew up loving music and playing the piano, but gave up playing when her hearing loss started in fifth grade. She prefers to keep her distance from others because she fears that they will judge or abandon her, but gradually comes to accept Saki.
Rinne Oikawa (及川 凛音, Oikawa Rinne)
Kanon's younger sister. She is initially suspicious of Saki's motives for befriending Kanon due to bad experiences that her sister has suffered in the past. After seeing how much Saki genuinely cares for Kanon, she becomes warmer towards her.
Erika Tomita (富田 瑛里華, Tomita Erika)
A classmate of Saki. Although she and Kanon were on bad terms in the past, they reconcile when Tomita reaches out after experiencing sudden hearing loss and the two are able to sympathize with each other.
Ayano Izumi (泉 綾乃, Izumi Ayano)
A childhood friend of Kanon. She ended their friendship on bad terms when pressures from her own home life caused her to resent the attention and aid Kanon received. After talking with Kanon years later and explaining her circumstances, the two return to being on good terms again.
Takashi Tanabe (田辺 尚, Tanabe Takashi)
An energetic member of the literature club. She is initially intimidated by the idea of speaking with Kanon due to her beauty and for fear of saying something insensitive, but is encouraged by Saki to reach out anyway. She enjoys reading light novels and posts her own writing online.
Sōma Miura (三浦 壮真, Miura Sōma)
The Japanese literature teacher and advisor to the literature club. He is a recent widower, who is raising his young daughter as a single parent, and often offers advice to Saki and Kanon.

Production

Kuzushiro became interested in finding out more about hearing loss after seeing an announcement that Hinata Kashiwagi, her favorite member of an idol group that she liked, had developed sudden hearing loss and needed to take a break from activities.[2][3] She researched the condition and realized that it was more complex than she had thought, which influenced her decision to address it in her story.[3] Years later, Kuzushiro and her editor decided to create a work with the theme of things that could not be seen; this led them to focus on a protagonist with a hearing disability, a condition they felt would be difficult for others to perceive or understand.[4] The title of The Moon on a Rainy Night was chosen to reflect this idea of what remained invisible, as was the first volume's narrative, which Kuzushiro structured so that certain aspects of the plot would only become apparent upon rereading the story.[3]

The series underwent significant changes during development. Kuzushiro initially considered making the story a heterosexual romance between two childhood friends. However, as she and her editor discussed the premise, they felt that just as Kanon's hearing loss was not immediately obvious to others, the person romantically interested in Kanon should have motivations to protect her that were also not clearly apparent. As such, they decided that a relationship between girls would better convey the story's emotional themes. From there, the story's focus shifted to one where Kanon and Saki would meet each other as high schoolers and gradually bond.[3]

As Kuzushiro created the series, she consulted specialist reference works about hearing disabilities. She sought to avoid portraying Kanon's identity as defined solely by her condition, instead depicting her as an ordinary girl who acts her age and shows corresponding excitement and immaturity at times. Similarly, Kuzushiro's editor described the story as being about coming-of-age and youth, citing a particular scene where Kanon tells her teacher that she would rather sit with the girl that she likes than where her hearing difficulties would least affect her.[3] However, despite the protagonists' youth, Kuzushiro aimed for the story to explore issues that people face throughout their lives.[5]

Media

Manga

Written and illustrated by Kuzushiro, The Moon on a Rainy Night has been serialized on Kodansha's Comic Days manga website since June 12, 2021.[6] Kodansha published the first tankōbon volume of the series' collected chapters on October 20, 2021.[7] As of July 2026, twelve tankōbon volumes have been released.[8]

During its Anime NYC 2022 panel, Kodansha USA announced that it had licensed the manga for release in the third quarter of 2023.[1] The first English-language volume was published on September 5, 2023.[9] As of July 2026, eight English-language volumes have been released.[10]

Volumes

No. Original release date Original ISBN English release date English ISBN
1October 20, 2021[7]978-4-06-525089-1September 5, 2023[9]978-1-64-651941-5
  1. "Kanon & Saki" (奏音と咲希, Kanon to saki)
  2. "Key" (鍵, Kagi)
  1. "Refuge" (聖域, Seiiki)
  2. "Wish" (願い, Negai)
2March 18, 2022[11]978-4-06-527114-8November 7, 2023[12]978-1-64-651942-2
  1. "An Understanding" (領会, Ryōkai)
  2. "'Getting' It" (理解者, Rikaisha)
  1. "Interloper" (邪魔者, Jamasha)
  2. "Inequality" (不平等, Fubyōdō)
3September 20, 2022[13]978-4-06-529121-4February 6, 2024[14]978-1-64-651943-9
  1. "Too Much to Ask" (贅沢, Zeitaku)
  2. "Hurdle" (ハードル, Hādoru)
  1. "Future" (将来, Shōrai)
  2. "Remorse" (悔悟, Kaigo)
4March 20, 2023[15]978-4-06-531077-9March 26, 2024[16]979-8-88-877071-9
  1. "Burst" (決壊, Kekkai)
  2. "Challenge" (挑戦, Chōsen)
  1. "Striking a Chord" (共鳴, Kyōmei)
  2. "In Step" (絶対, Zettai)
5August 18, 2023[17]978-4-06-532694-7June 11, 2024[18]979-8-88-877235-5
  1. "Yearning" (憧憬, Dōkei)
  2. "Sentiment" (気色, Kishoku)
  1. "Heart to Heart" (相見, Aimi)
  2. "Admission" (告白, Kokuhaku)
6January 18, 2024[19]978-4-06-534312-8December 17, 2024[20]979-8-88-877311-6
  1. "Promise" (約束, Yakusoku)
  2. "Doubt" (疑問, Gimon)
  3. "Transformation" (変化, Henka)
  1. "Touch" (接触, Sesshoku)
  • Tidbits: "Daily Life" (日常, Nichijou)
7June 19, 2024[21]978-4-06-535922-8October 21, 2025[22]979-8-88-877460-1
  1. "Ripples" (波及, Hakyū)
  2. "Anxiety" (不安, Fuan)
  1. "Confusion" (戸惑, Tomadoi)
  2. "Harmony" (調和, Chōwa)
8November 20, 2024[23]978-4-06-537613-3December 23, 2025[10]979-8-88-877582-0
  1. "Honest" (素直, Sunao)
  2. "Important" (大事, Daiji)
  3. "Introspection" (内省, Naisei)
  1. "Unknown" (未知, Michi)
  • Tidbits: "Daily Life" (茶飯事, Sahanji)
9April 18, 2025[24]978-4-06-539241-6December 8, 2026[25]979-8-88-877683-4
  1. 緊張 (Kinchō)
  2. 気合 (Kiai)
  1. 相性 (Aishō)
  2. 不思議 (Fushigi)
10September 19, 2025[26]978-4-06-540969-5——
  1. 相応 (Sōō)
  2. 向後 (Kōgo)
  1. 右隣 (Migidonari)
  2. 真剣 (Shinken)
11January 20, 2026[27]978-4-06-542154-3——
  1. 勇気 (Yuki)
  2. 自問 (Jimon)
  1. 再逢 (Saihō)
  2. 不図 (Futsuto)
12June 19, 2026[8]978-4-06-543853-4——
  1. 意識 (Ishiki)
  2. 対話 (Taiwa)
  1. 覗光 (Nozokikō)
  2. 溢出 (Mida)

Anime

An anime television series adaptation was announced on November 16, 2024.[28] It will be produced by CompTown and directed by Tomoe Makino, with series composition and screenplays by Shōgo Yasukawa and characters designed by Ayumi Nishibata.[5] It is set to premiere in 2027.[29] Remow has licensed the series.[5]

Reception

Accolades

The manga series was nominated for the Next Manga Awards in the digital category in 2022 and 2023.[30][31] Okazu named it as one of the top ten yuri series of 2022,[32] top three of 2023,[33] and among the best of 2024[34] and 2025.[35] The manga series was included by the New York Public Library in its 2023 Best Books for Teens list,[36] and by the American Library Association in its 2025 Rainbow Book List.[37] The series was selected as a recommended work in features from Book Asahi,[38] Da Vinci,[39] and School Library Journal.[40][41]

Critical reception

The series' premise was well received.[39][40][42] Erica Friedman of Okazu named the series as a "masterwork"[43] and "incredibly multilayered",[44] rating the first volume an eight out of ten[43] and the second volume a nine out of ten.[44] Anime UK News called the first volume "beautiful for its art style and storytelling" and commended its depiction of romantic feelings, giving it a final score of nine out of ten.[45] Christopher Farris and Rebecca Silverman of Anime News Network both gave the debut volume four and a half stars, with Farris opining that it "excel[s] at expressing itself" and Silverman praising it as "subtle in all the right ways".[46]

The story was met with positive reactions.[42][47][48] Anime UK News described the setting as realistic and complex for its exploration of a character's background,[49] while Farris was impressed with the series for "how it can say so much with so little."[46] Friedman called it a "sensitive and affirming" story of coming out[34] that was "touching and so sincere".[35] In a review of the eighth volume, she praised how it "never once retreats from the complexity of human lives".[50]

Several critics commented favorably on the series' characters.[38][39][48] Farris opined that the story's "true strength" is in how it lets its protagonists "speak for themselves."[46] Koiwai of Manga News named Saki's kind personality as one of the story's strong points,[42] while Anime UK News described Kanon as feeling real through the story's depiction of details in her everyday life.[49] The relationship between the pair was also praised, with Léonard Fougère of IGN France calling it superb[47] and Friedman naming it as the reason that she continued returning to the series.[51]

The work's approach to disability representation was widely praised.[40][45][46] Mai Yanagase of Real Sound commended the story for portraying Kanon as a complex rather than simplistically inspirational character.[48] Fougère appreciated the series for treating disability as a social concern instead of an individual one, as well as the author's seriousness in addressing real-world issues.[47] Friedman approved of the story for supporting greater disability representation in manga[33] and for being "an outstanding example of how good storytelling can help us to be better."[52]

The artwork was commended by multiple reviewers.[39][43] Fougère praised Kuzushiro's illustrations as capable of effectively conveying her characters' intense emotions,[47] a sentiment shared by Koiwai, who went on to also compliment the background illustrations.[42] Silverman described the series as "beautifully illustrated" overall,[46] while Anime UK News called the artwork "distinctive" with well-done shading, panels, and character designs.[45]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Fall 2023 New Print Licensing Announcement". Kodansha USA. November 23, 2022. Archived from the original on November 24, 2022. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  2. ↑ エビ中柏木ひなた, 左耳難聴で治療に専念 アルバム発売延期 [Shiritsu Ebisu Chukagu member Hinata Kashiwagi will focus on treatment for left ear hearing loss; album release delayed]. Oricon News (in Japanese). December 17, 2015. Archived from the original on April 29, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 【マンガ】他人との間に壁を作ってしまう...クラスで浮いた女子高生が"前に進めた"瞬間 [[Manga] "I end up building walls between myself and other people..."—the moment a high school girl who feels out of place in her class is able to "move forward"]. Gendai Media (in Japanese). March 17, 2022. Retrieved May 9, 2026.
  4. ↑ 気になるクラスメイトは「耳が不自由」だった...女子高生2人の繊細な物語が泣ける [The classmate she becomes interested in turned out to be "hard of hearing"... a delicate story of two high school girls that will move you to tears]. Gendai Media (in Japanese). October 19, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2026.
  5. 1 2 3 Hodgkins, Crystalyn (December 29, 2025). "The Moon on a Rainy Night TV Anime Reveals Visual, Main Staff". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on December 29, 2025. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  6. ↑ 雨夜の月(漫画) [The Moon on a Rainy Night (Manga)]. Mangapedia (in Japanese). Archived from the original on July 15, 2026. Retrieved July 28, 2026.
  7. 1 2 雨夜の月(1) [The Moon on a Rainy Night (1)] (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on June 26, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  8. 1 2 雨夜の月(12) [The Moon on a Rainy Night (12)] (in Japanese). Kodansha. Retrieved July 10, 2026.
  9. 1 2 "The Moon on a Rainy Night 1". Penguin Random House. Archived from the original on June 27, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  10. 1 2 "The Moon on a Rainy Night 8". Penguin Random House. Archived from the original on January 23, 2026. Retrieved July 10, 2026.
  11. ↑ 雨夜の月(2) [The Moon on a Rainy Night (2)] (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on March 21, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  12. ↑ "The Moon on a Rainy Night 2". Penguin Random House. Archived from the original on June 27, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  13. ↑ 雨夜の月(3) [The Moon on a Rainy Night (3)] (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on March 21, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  14. ↑ "The Moon on a Rainy Night 3". Penguin Random House. Archived from the original on June 27, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  15. ↑ 雨夜の月(4) [The Moon on a Rainy Night (4)] (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  16. ↑ "The Moon on a Rainy Night 4". Penguin Random House. Archived from the original on November 19, 2023. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  17. ↑ 雨夜の月(5) [The Moon on a Rainy Night (5)] (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on June 27, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  18. ↑ "The Moon on a Rainy Night 5". Penguin Random House. Archived from the original on November 19, 2023. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  19. ↑ 雨夜の月(6) [The Moon on a Rainy Night (6)] (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on December 23, 2023. Retrieved December 23, 2023.
  20. ↑ "The Moon on a Rainy Night 6". Penguin Random House. Archived from the original on June 3, 2024. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  21. ↑ 雨夜の月(7) [The Moon on a Rainy Night (7)] (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on June 3, 2024. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  22. ↑ "The Moon on a Rainy Night 7". Penguin Random House. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
  23. ↑ 雨夜の月(8) [The Moon on a Rainy Night (8)] (in Japanese). Kodansha. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  24. ↑ 雨夜の月(9) [The Moon on a Rainy Night (9)] (in Japanese). Kodansha. Retrieved April 2, 2025.
  25. ↑ "The Moon on a Rainy Night 9". Penguin Random House. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
  26. ↑ 雨夜の月(10) [The Moon on a Rainy Night (10)] (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on September 7, 2025. Retrieved August 29, 2025.
  27. ↑ 雨夜の月(11) [The Moon on a Rainy Night (11)] (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on December 31, 2025. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  28. ↑ Mateo, Alex (November 15, 2024). "The Moon on a Rainy Night Manga Gets TV Anime". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 15, 2024. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  29. ↑ Loo, Egan (August 23, 2026). "The Moon on the Rainy Night Anime Listed for 2027". Anime News Network. Retrieved August 23, 2026.
  30. ↑ Morrissy, Kim (June 23, 2022). "Voting Opens for Next Manga Awards 2022". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on September 22, 2022. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  31. ↑ Loveridge, Lynzee (June 25, 2023). "Voting Opens for Next Manga Awards 2023". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on June 26, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  32. ↑ "Okazu » Okazu Top Yuri of 2022". Okazu. December 31, 2022. Archived from the original on August 11, 2025. Retrieved May 15, 2026.
  33. 1 2 "Okazu » Okazu Top Yuri Series of 2023". Okazu. December 31, 2023. Retrieved May 15, 2026.
  34. 1 2 "Okazu » Okazu Top Yuri Series of 2024". Okazu. December 30, 2024. Archived from the original on August 11, 2025. Retrieved May 15, 2026.
  35. 1 2 "Okazu » Okazu's Top Yuri of 2025 Special Awards Winners!". Okazu. December 29, 2025. Archived from the original on February 18, 2026. Retrieved May 15, 2026.
  36. ↑ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (November 24, 2023). "Four Manga Make the NY Public Library's 2023 List of Best Books for Teens". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 24, 2023. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
  37. ↑ "The 2025 Rainbow Book List « Rainbow Book List". American Library Association. December 8, 2025. Archived from the original on April 27, 2026. Retrieved May 15, 2026.
  38. 1 2 Ito, Kazuhiro (February 25, 2022). 大切なことは目に見えない くずしろ「雨夜の月」(第130回)|好書好日 ["The important things are invisible to the eye"—The Moon on a Rainy Night by Kuzushiro (Number 130) | Good books, good days]. Book Asahi (in Japanese). Asahi Shimbun. Archived from the original on December 7, 2025. Retrieved May 15, 2026.
  39. 1 2 3 4 Igarashi, Dai (October 20, 2021). 聴覚障害のある少女と, "ある秘密"を抱える少女。目に見えないものを抱えるふたりは, 真の友達になれるのか [A girl with a hearing impairment and a girl who carries a "certain secret." Can two girls who each carry something invisible become true friends?]. Da Vinci Web (in Japanese). Retrieved May 15, 2026.
  40. 1 2 3 Scott, Renee (October 20, 2023). "The Moon on a Rainy Night, vol. 1 | Review". School Library Journal. Archived from the original on January 17, 2025. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  41. ↑ Scott, Renee (February 13, 2024). "The Moon on a Rainy Night, vol. 2 | Review". School Library Journal. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  42. 1 2 3 4 Koiwai (December 15, 2023). "Critique Vol.1 The Moon on a Rainy Night – Manga". Manga News (in French). Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  43. 1 2 3 Friedman, Erica (September 4, 2023). "Okazu » The Moon on a Rainy Night, Volume 1". Okazu. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  44. 1 2 Friedman, Erica (November 13, 2023). "Okazu » The Moon On A Rainy Night, Volume 2". Okazu. Archived from the original on December 18, 2024. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  45. 1 2 3 Darkstorm (October 20, 2023). "The Moon on a Rainy Night Volume 1 Review • Anime UK News". Anime UK News. Archived from the original on February 16, 2026. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  46. 1 2 3 4 5 Farris, Christopher; Silverman, Rebecca (September 28, 2023). "The Fall 2023 Manga Guide – The Moon on a Rainy Night". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on May 5, 2026. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  47. 1 2 3 4 Fougère, Léonard (June 5, 2024). "The Moon on a Rainy Night, pour réfléchir avec tendresse" [The Moon on a Rainy Night, a tender reflection]. IGN France (in French). Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  48. 1 2 3 Yanagase, Mai (January 22, 2023). 漫画「雨夜の月」が問う「常識」 作者·くずしろが対峙する「 目には見えないけど存在している偏見」 [The manga The Moon on a Rainy Night asks what we consider "common sense"—author Kuzushiro confronts "prejudices that can't be seen with the eyes, but nevertheless exist"]. Real Sound (in Japanese). Archived from the original on February 6, 2025. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  49. 1 2 Darkstorm (February 20, 2024). "The Moon on a Rainy Night Volumes 2 and 3 Review • Anime UK News". Anime UK News. Archived from the original on March 12, 2026. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  50. ↑ Friedman, Erica (December 19, 2024). "Okazu » Amayo no Tsuki, Volume 8 (雨夜の月)". Okazu. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  51. ↑ Friedman, Erica (May 7, 2023). "Okazu » Amayo no Tsuki, Volume 4 ( 雨夜の月)". Okazu. Archived from the original on January 6, 2026. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  52. ↑ Friedman, Erica (December 27, 2024). "Okazu » The Moon On A Rainy Night, Volume 6". Okazu. Archived from the original on February 13, 2025. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
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