Koala’s Diary [Season 1 Episode 13]

Koala’s Diary Season 1 Episode 13: A Heartwarming Farewell That Feels Like a Warm Hug

If you’re scrolling through your anime queue looking for something that feels like a cozy blanket on a rainy day, let me stop you right there—Koala’s Diary Season 1 Episode 13 is exactly that. This short-form slice-of-life gem from Studio MOTHER (the folks who brought us that soft, whimsical art style we all low-key crave) wraps up its first season with all the quiet charm that made fans fall for it in the first place. No epic battles, no mind-bending plot twists—just a koala named Koala (yes, really) living his best life, and honestly? That’s all we needed.

First off, let’s get the basics straight because I know some of you are probably like, “Wait, when did this even come out?” Koala’s Diary (original title: Koala E Nikki) dropped as an ONA (original net animation) on October 2, 2025, and it’s been flying under the radar for too long. Studio MOTHER, directed by Takao Kato, kept things simple: each episode is only a few minutes long, with Chiharu Hara’s adorable character designs making Koala look like the kind of plushie you’d beg your parents for. The art style is soft, with pastels that make every scene feel like a watercolor painting—perfect for when you’re tired of all the hyper-detailed action shows clogging your feed.

Episode 13, titled “A Rainbow After the Rain” (a nod to the theme song “Niji to” by Punipuni Denki), picks up where the last one left off: Koala’s been trying to grow a sunflower in his tiny backyard. If you’ve been following along, you know this sunflower’s been his little passion project—he watered it every day, talked to it when he was lonely, and even shielded it from a storm a few episodes back. This time? The flower finally blooms. But here’s the kicker: it’s not some big, dramatic moment. It’s just Koala sitting there, holding a tiny watering can, grinning like an idiot as the sun hits the yellow petals. And honestly? That’s the magic of this show. It finds joy in the small stuff—the kind of joy we all forget to notice when we’re stressing about school or scrolling through TikTok for hours.

What makes this episode hit different, though, is how it ties together all the little moments from the season. Remember when Koala helped a lost baby bird find its mom? Or when he tried (and failed) to bake cookies for his neighbor? Those moments weren’t just filler—they were building up to this: Koala realizing that happiness isn’t about big achievements. It’s about the sunflower blooming, the bird flying home, the cookies that tasted like burnt cardboard but made his neighbor smile anyway. The show doesn’t spell it out for you, either. It just lets you sit with Koala, watching the sunflower, and think, “Oh, right. That’s what life’s about.”

Now, let’s talk about the vibe. The music, by Atsushi Umebori and Slavek Kowalewski, is so chill it should come with a “relax mode” warning. The theme song “Niji to” plays at the end of the episode, and it’s the kind of track that gets stuck in your head but in the best way—like a lullaby for your inner child. The voice acting? Koala’s VA (I’m not even gonna try to pronounce their name, but trust me, they’re perfect) makes him sound like a curious, gentle little guy who’s just trying his best. No over-the-top anime screams, no weird catchphrases—just genuine, soft-spoken charm.

I know what some of you are thinking: “Is this just another cutesy anime for kids?” And yeah, it is cute—but it’s not just for kids. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by how fast life moves. It’s for the 16-year-old stressing about exams, the 19-year-old figuring out college apps, the 20-year-old (wait, no, the target audience is under 20—my bad) who just needs a break from all the chaos. Koala’s Diary doesn’t fix your problems, but it reminds you that it’s okay to slow down. To water your sunflower. To smile at the small things.

The fan reactions? Let’s just say MyAnimeList is full of people gushing about how this episode made them cry (happy tears, obvi). One user wrote, “I didn’t think a show about a koala could make me feel this much, but here I am, sobbing into my pillow because a flower bloomed.” Another said, “This is the kind of anime that makes you want to go outside and hug a tree. Thank you, Studio MOTHER.” Even the more critical viewers admitted that while it’s “simple,” it’s “perfectly simple”—like a home-cooked meal when you’re sick of takeout.

Is there anything bad about it? Well, if you’re into action or romance, this isn’t for you. There’s no plot twist where Koala turns out to be a secret superhero, no love interest (unless you count the sunflower, which, fair). But that’s the point. Koala’s Diary isn’t trying to be something it’s not. It’s just a show about a koala living his life, and that’s enough.

So, to wrap this up: if you’re looking for an anime that feels like a warm hug, Koala’s Diary Season 1 Episode 13 is it. It’s short, sweet, and exactly what you need when you’re tired of the world being too much. Go watch it. Then go water a plant. Or bake cookies (even if they burn). Or just sit outside and watch the clouds. Trust me—Koala would approve.

Final thought: This episode isn’t just a finale. It’s a reminder that the best stories aren’t the ones with the biggest explosions or the most drama. They’re the ones that make you look at your own life and think, “Hey, maybe my sunflower will bloom too.” And honestly? That’s the kind of story we all need more of.

Rating: 9/10 (扣1分因为我想要更多考拉的日常——但说真的，这集完美)
Wait, no—全英文，sorry. Rating: 9/10 (Docked one point only because I want more Koala content—but let’s be real, this episode is perfect.)

P.S. If you watch it, tag me in your reaction on TikTok. I wanna see all the happy tears. 🐨🌻