The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Tomoko Yamashita’s manga series Ikoku Nikki (also known as Journal with Witch) is set to premiere in January 2026. Crunchyroll has announced key details regarding the main cast and production staff, building excitement for fans awaiting the adaptation of the popular josei series.
While specific announcements for four additional cast members and theme song artists for the anime adaptation have not yet been detailed in recent reports, the production is steadily moving forward with its primary announcements.
Leading the Cast: Makio Kōdai and Asa Takumi
The anime’s central figures, novelist Makio Kōdai and her niece Asa Takumi, will be brought to life by acclaimed voice actors. Miyuki Sawashiro, known for roles such as Fujiko Mine in Lupin the 3rd, will portray the introverted 35-year-old novelist Makio Kōdai. Joining her is Fuko Mori, taking on her first major anime role as the 15-year-old niece, Asa Takumi. The narrative follows Makio’s solitary life changing when she unexpectedly takes in Asa after a family tragedy, exploring their evolving and unique relationship.
Key Production Team Behind the Ikoku Nikki Anime
Animation studio Shuka is producing the Ikoku Nikki TV anime. Guiding the project is Director Miyuki Ooshiro. The series composition and scripts are being handled by Kohei Kiyasu, while Kenji Hayama is responsible for the character designs, ensuring the visual fidelity to Yamashita’s original work. The musical score, a crucial element for setting the anime’s tone, will be composed by Kensuke Ushio.
The Story of Ikoku Nikki
Ikoku Nikki delves into the lives of Makio Kōdai, a novelist who prefers solitude, and her niece Asa Takumi. After Asa’s parents pass away in a traffic accident, Makio impulsively decides to take her in. Despite their contrasting personalities—Makio’s reserved nature clashing with Asa’s friendly disposition—their cohabitation gradually fosters an irreplaceable bond as they navigate life together. The manga, which concluded its serialization in June 2023, was published in 11 collected volumes.
Recent Developments for the Live-Action Film Adaptation
It is worth noting that a live-action film adaptation of Ikoku Nikki also received significant announcements. This film, which premiered in June 2024, unveiled four additional cast members and theme song artists separately from the anime production. For the live-action movie, Kōji Seto joined as Shingo Kasamachi, Kaho as Nana Daigo, Rina Komiyama as Emiri Nara, and Ikoi Hayase as Asa Takumi (a different actress from the anime’s voice actress for Asa). The film also featured “Asa no Uta” by Eriko Hashimoto and “Yoake no Anata e” by singer-songwriter Toaka as its songs. These details pertain specifically to the live-action movie and should be distinguished from the ongoing anime series production.
With the anime slated for a January 2026 release, further announcements regarding the full voice cast and opening and ending theme songs are highly anticipated as the premiere draws closer.
