by The television anime Kirei ni Tete Kurai wo Katamari (internationally translated as Could You Make Me Clean?), set in the scenic hot spring town of Atami, officially began broadcasting on January 5, 2026. Alongside its TV debut, the series is also rolling out on multiple online streaming platforms, making it easily accessible for viewers across Japan and overseas.
Originally reported by Atami Keizai Shimbun, the anime is already drawing attention as a gentle, emotionally resonant slice-of-life series that highlights everyday connections between people—while also serving as a heartfelt love letter to Atami itself.
What Is “Kirei ni Tete Kurai wo Katamari”?
The anime is based on the manga of the same name by Mitsuru Hattori, which was serialized in Square Enix’s seinen magazine Young Gangan. The original manga earned praise for its calm storytelling, emotional subtlety, and realistic portrayal of human relationships.
Unlike high-action or fantasy-heavy anime, this series focuses on small moments, quiet conversations, and the healing power of everyday kindness.
Story Overview (Beginner-Friendly)
The story follows Kaname Watanaka, a gentle and thoughtful young woman who runs a small dry cleaning shop called Kinme Cleaning in Atami.
Every day, Kaname carefully washes and restores her customers’ clothes. But what she truly “cleans” are the unspoken feelings and emotional burdens carried by the people of the town.
Through her interactions with:
- Local residents
- Tourists visiting Atami’s hot springs
- People carrying memories, regrets, and hopes
Kaname gradually becomes a quiet pillar of support for the community.
The anime portrays:
- The warmth of human connections
- The idea that caring for objects can also mean caring for people
- Healing that happens slowly, one conversation at a time
Atami as a Living Character
One of the biggest highlights of the anime is its faithful and loving depiction of Atami.
Viewers will see:
- Famous hot spring resorts
- Sunlit beaches along Sagami Bay
- Narrow hillside streets and everyday shopping areas
Rather than serving as a simple background, Atami is treated as an essential part of the story’s emotional atmosphere. The calm pace of the town mirrors the series’ themes of reflection, recovery, and quiet hope.
This makes the anime especially appealing for:
- Fans of travel-inspired anime
- Viewers who enjoy realistic Japanese settings
- Those interested in regional revitalization through animation
Broadcast & Streaming Information
TV Broadcast
The anime is airing on multiple networks, including:
- TOKYO MX
- ABC TV
- SBS
- BS Asahi
- AT-X
- Other regional stations
Online Streaming
Streaming distribution begins January 8, 2026, with availability expanding across major platforms throughout the month.
This wide release ensures that both casual viewers and dedicated anime fans can easily follow the series.
Special Programs & Local Collaborations
To celebrate the anime’s broadcast launch, several special projects have been announced:
YouTube Travel Program
A special video series is now streaming on YouTube, featuring:
- Sayumi Suzushiro, the voice actress for Kaname Watanaka
- Visits to real-life Atami locations featured in the anime
- Behind-the-scenes insights into how the town inspired the story
Local Business Collaboration
A collaboration campaign has also launched with Shirayose Dry Cleaning, a real dry cleaning shop in Atami. This local tie-in reflects the anime’s core theme: supporting communities through everyday work.
These initiatives highlight how the anime goes beyond entertainment, helping promote Atami as a travel destination and strengthening connections between fiction and reality.
Why This Anime Stands Out in 2026
In a season filled with action-heavy sequels and fantasy epics, Kirei ni Tete Kurai wo Katamari offers something refreshingly different:
- ✔ Calm, healing storytelling
- ✔ Relatable, everyday characters
- ✔ Beautifully drawn real-world scenery
- ✔ Beginner-friendly with no complex lore
- ✔ Perfect for relaxing evening viewing
It fits well alongside other “iyashikei” (healing) anime, making it ideal for viewers who want to unwind rather than feel overwhelmed.
Final Thoughts
“Kirei ni Tete Kurai wo Katamari (Could You Make Me Clean?)” is a gentle yet emotionally rich anime that quietly asks an important question:
Can small acts of care help heal people’s hearts?
By blending heartfelt storytelling with the natural beauty of Atami, the series offers a soothing experience that resonates long after each episode ends. Whether you’re new to anime or a longtime fan looking for something calming and meaningful, this Atami-set slice-of-life drama is well worth adding to your Winter
