Series based on voiced manga with Japanese, English tracks

North American anime distributor Funimation Entertainment announced on Wednesday that it will stream the anime Rainy Cocoa (Ameiro Cocoa) as it airs in Japan. It is streaming the first three episodes of the anime now, and subsequent episodes will debut on Sundays at 11:30 a.m.

The first episode premiered in Japan on April 5.

Tomomi Mochizuki (House of Five Leaves, Princess Nine) is directing the anime with character designs by Atsuko Takahashi (Magical Moe) and music by Kaoru Kondou (The Prince of Tennis: The National Tournament ending theme song composition).

The story of the manga revolves around Aoi Tokura, a college freshman who ends up working part-time at the cafe "Rainy Color." There, the barista, owner, and other customers come together and make the cafe lively.

The creators describe Rainy Cocoa as one of the world's first digital manga which allows readers to toggle between Japanese and English text and audio. The manga features two voice casts, although only the Japanese cast has been confirmed for the anime. The Japanese cast includes Hiro Shimono, Daisuke Hirakawa, Hikaru Midorikawa, Mamoru Miyano, and Ryo Horikawa. The English cast includes Joel McDonald, Ian Sinclair, Todd Haberkorn, Christopher R. Sabat, and Vic Mignogna.

The manga is available as apps in Google's Android store and Apple's iTunes Store. The staff says that the apps have been downloaded in over 50 countries worldwide.