Details
- Episodes:12
- Format:TV
- Status:Finished Airing
- Season:Fall 2024
- Duration:23m minutes
- Genre:Slice of Life, Supernatural
Description
Grief-stricken over the death of his last family member, his dog Hanako, picture book writer Hotaru Yuuyami suffers from writer's block for nearly two months. Despite his childhood friend and editor Tsubaki Uehara's best efforts, nothing seems to alleviate his pain. But all of this changes one day with the sudden apparition of Kinoko Inu, a mysterious mushroom from his garden that turns into a dog-shaped animal. Much to the great dismay of Tsubaki, Hotaru hastily invites the creature into his abode. Days after Hotaru and Kinoko Inu start living together, the strange mushroom-dog decides to burn the last of Hanako's personal belongings in order to alleviate Hotaru's depression. However, the cohabitation between the overworked writer and his mischievous guest proves more difficult than expected, and Hotaru must let go of his grief if he wants to properly take care of Kinoko Inu.
Episodes
1. Kinokoinu Is Born
Storybook author Hotaru is depressed, unable to focus on work after losing his beloved dog, Hanako. A strange creature shows up in his yard that looks like a mushroom but also a dog. Komako, his childhood friend and editor, is baffled by the situation.
2. Kinokoinu and Hanako
Itsuki is a superfan of Hotaru and falls in love with him at first sight. Hotaru is tricked by Komako to accepting an interview and photoshoot for a dog magazine. Hotaru is struck with an intense realization after taking Kinokoinu on a walk.
3. Where Are You Going, Oh, Kinokoinu?
"Hotaru gets frustrated at Kinokoinu for disrupting his work. Kinokoinu gets upset and runs away after Hotaru compares it to Hanako."
4. Kinokoinu, It`s Time to Party
"Hotaru catches Kinokoinu releasing spores in the morning. Komako hosts a Halloween takoyaki party for Kinokoinu. Kinokoinu releases white spores after the party at night, which is a spectacular sight."
5. Kinokoinu and Hiragana
Hotaru leaves Kinokoinu at home with Itsuki for a night to attend an author signing event with Komako. Kinokoinu learns hiragana with Itsuki while Hotaru is away.
6. Kinokoinu and the Visitor
"Anzu bumps into Hotaru at the bookstore and ends up coming over to visit Kinokoinu. Anzu ""kidnaps"" Kinokoinu so it can meet Plum."
7. Kinokoinu`s Sibling
Turns out Plums is Kinokoinu's sibling formed from its spores. Plum lives with Anzu and her mom, Tsubaki. Tsubaki used to tease Hotaru in elementary school and is also a picture book author. Hotaru decides to get a cell phone after years of refusing.
8. Kinokoinu Goes Shopping
Tsubaki drops Plum off at Hotaru's after her ex-husband calls to meet up. Komako and Kinokoinu go shopping after the takoyaki pan breaks.
9. Kinokoinu and the Smail
Kinokoinu meets Komako's brother Ayumi, who is the creator of "Snail-Senpai." It also meets Hino-san, the neighbor across the street. Both Ayumi and Hino-san are not startled by Kinokoinu's existence.
10. Kinokoinu Is Very Popular
Kinokoinu meets Hino-kun and his son, Toshi, at the park. Toshi is a huge fan of Kinokoinu and asks for its autograph. Hotaru decides to join Ayumi to visit his family's grave, where Hanako is buried.
11. Kinokoinu Goes to the Beach
Hotaru visits his family's grave with Ayumi and Kinokoinu by the beach. Hotaru remembers that Grandma was the one who found Kinokoinu and brought it to the yard.
12. The Mystery of Kinokoinu
Hotaru finds Grandma's diary and reads about her first encounter with Kinokoinu. The diary gets damaged in the rain so not much is revealed. Kinokoinu remembers Grandma asking it to help Hotaru when he feels sad and lonely.