The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Tomoko Yamashita’s Ikoku Nikki (also known as Journal with Witch) has unveiled additional voice cast members and theme song artists, alongside confirming its January 2026 premiere. A special advance screening for the first two episodes is also slated for December 2.
New Additions to the Voice Cast
Four new voice actors have joined the cast of Ikoku Nikki, bringing more characters to life in the upcoming series. Junichi Suwabe, known for roles like Sukuna in JUJUTSU KAISEN, will voice Shingo Kasamachi. Sumire Morohoshi, who played Emma in The Promised Neverland, is cast as Emiri Nara. Eriko Matsui will portray Nana Daigo, while Takashi Kondo joins as Kazunari Tono.
Lead Roles Previously Announced
These new additions join the previously announced lead cast. Miyuki Sawashiro, celebrated for her work as Fujiko Mine in Lupin the 3rd, will star as Makio Kodai, the 35-year-old novelist at the heart of the story. Fuko Mori, in her first major anime role, is set to voice Asa Takumi, Makio’s 15-year-old niece.
Theme Songs Revealed
The musical landscape of Ikoku Nikki will be shaped by two distinct artists. Singer-songwriter TOMOO will perform the opening theme song, titled “Sonare.” The ending theme, “Kotozute,” will be provided by the pop duo Bialystocks.
January 2026 Premiere and Advance Screening
Fans can mark their calendars for January 2026, when Ikoku Nikki is scheduled to begin airing on ABC TV, TOKYO MX, and BS Asahi.
Exclusive Preview Event
Before its official broadcast, a special premiere screening of the first two episodes will take place on December 2 at Grand Cinema Sunshine Ikebukuro in Tokyo. This event will also feature a talk session with key cast members, including Miyuki Sawashiro, Fuko Mori, and Junichi Suwabe.
Production Details and Creative Team
The anime is being produced by animation studio Shuka, known for series such as Natsume’s Book of Friends. Miyuki Ooshiro is directing the TV anime, with Kohei Kiyasu handling the series composition and scripts. Kenji Hayama is responsible for the character designs, and Kensuke Ushio is composing the music.
The Story of Ikoku Nikki
The anime is based on Tomoko Yamashita’s acclaimed josei manga series. The original manga was serialized in Shodensha’s Feel Young magazine from June 2017 to June 2023 and compiled into 11 volumes.
The narrative centers on Makio Kodai, a shy and socially awkward 35-year-old novelist leading a solitary life. Her world takes an unexpected turn when her older sister and brother-in-law are tragically killed in a traffic accident. This prompts Makio to impulsively take in her 15-year-old niece, Asa Takumi. Despite Asa’s friendly and straightforward personality initially creating some friction, their relationship slowly blossoms into a unique and irreplaceable bond. The manga has garnered significant recognition, including ranking fourth in the 2019 Manga Taisho and fifth in the female readers’ category of Kono Manga ga Sugoi! 2024, as well as topping Da Vinci’s 23rd annual “Book of the Year” list for manga in 2023.
