by The winter 2026 TV anime Kirei ni Shite Shitara wo (internationally known as Could You Make Me Beautiful?) has officially revealed the synopsis and preview cuts for Episode 1. The series will begin airing in January 2026, with online streaming starting from midnight on January 8 across multiple platforms.
Set in the scenic hot-spring city of Atami, this gentle slice-of-life anime has already drawn attention for its rare production model, in which local TV stations and regional partners actively participate in funding and promotion. This collaboration highlights Atami not just as a backdrop, but as a living, breathing part of the story.
A Heartwarming Story Set in the Real City of Atami
Could You Make Me Beautiful? is based on the manga by Mitsuru Hattori, originally serialized in Young Gangan (Square Enix). Known for his delicate storytelling and realistic emotional portrayals, Hattori brings a calm yet deeply human narrative to life through animation.
The story centers on Kaname Watanaka, the owner of a small dry-cleaning shop called Kinme Cleaning. While her job is to wash clothes, Kaname also gently “cleans” the emotional burdens of the people she meets, one garment—and one conversation—at a time.
Episode 1 Preview: “Leave It to the Laundry”
Episode 1 Title: Leave It to the Laundry
Synopsis:
Kinme Cleaning is a well-loved shop in Atami, famous for the meticulous work of its owner, Kaname Watanaka. Kaname truly loves laundry and treats every stain with sincerity, confidently saying, “Leave it to me.”
One day, her curiosity is piqued by a pair of worn leather shoes belonging to Marisho Ishimochi, a high school student who regularly brings in his mother’s clothes. As Kaname carefully examines the shoes, she begins to sense the quiet worries and unspoken feelings carried along with them. This small encounter becomes the starting point of a gentle story about connection, care, and understanding
Why This Anime Feels Different (Beginner-Friendly Point)
Unlike action-heavy or fantasy-driven anime, Could You Make Me Beautiful? focuses on:
- Everyday life and small human interactions
- Emotional healing through routine work
- A realistic Japanese town portrayed with great care
This makes it especially welcoming for anime beginners or viewers looking for a calm, emotionally grounded series.
Special Atami Collaboration Projects Announced
To celebrate the broadcast, several local tie-in projects have been announced:
● Real-World Cleaning Shop Collaboration
A collaboration campaign with the real dry-cleaning shop Shiroyose in Atami is planned. Viewers who use the service during the campaign period will be entered into a lottery to win special prizes. Full details will be revealed soon.
● Travel Program with the Lead Voice Actress
A special video series titled
“Tour with Suzushiro Sayumi! A Beautiful Atami Trip to Be Careful”
will be released in stages.
In this program, Sayumi Suzushiro, who voices Kaname Watanaka, visits real-life locations featured in the anime, introducing:
- Local scenery
- Famous Atami spots
- Places connected to the story
These videos will be published gradually alongside the anime’s broadcast schedule
Broadcast & Streaming Information
TV Broadcast
- TOKYO MX: Mondays from 24:00 (from Jan 5)
- ABC TV: Wednesdays from 26:15 (from Jan 7)
- SBS: Saturdays from 26:08 (from Jan 10)
- BS Asahi: Fridays from 23:30 (from Jan 9)
- AT-X: Mondays from 22:00 (repeat known)
Streaming
- d Anime Store: Mondays from 22:30 (from Jan 5)
- Other platforms begin streaming from midnight on January 8
Note: Broadcast times may vary by region.
Staff & Cast Highlights
Staff
- Original Work: Mitsuru Hattori
- Director: Kenta Onishi
- Series Composition / Script: Doko Machida
- Character Design: Azuma Tozawa
- Music: Eri Chichibu
- Opening Theme: “Beautiful.” by Yuu.
- Ending Theme: “When the Leaves Are Young” by Natsumi Kiyoura
- Animation Production: Okuruto Noboru
Main Cast
- Kaname Watanaka: Sayumi Suzushiro
- Marisho Ishimochi: Shuichiro Umeda
- Nairo Katakuchi: Yoshiaki Inagaki
- Kuriru: Yoshino Aoyama
- Arami Yagara: Ami Koshimizu
- Yasuji: Wasabi Mizuta
Why “Could You Make Me Beautiful?” Is Worth Watching in Winter 2026
- Beautifully animated real-life Japanese scenery
- Unique theme centered on laundry and daily work
- Quiet, emotional storytelling that resonates deeply
- Strong regional collaboration with Atami City
As winter anime seasons often lean toward action and fantasy, Could You Make Me Beautiful? stands out as a gentle, healing alternative—perfect for viewers seeking warmth and comfort.
This Atami-set story invites you to slow down, look closely, and rediscover the beauty hidden in everyday life.
