The highly anticipated TV anime adaptation of Tomoko Yamashita’s popular manga, Ikoku Nikki (also known as Journal with Witch or Diary of a Strange Land), has officially unveiled its main cast, additional production staff, and a January 2026 premiere window in its first promotional video. The series is set to broadcast on ABC TV, Tokyo MX, and BS Asahi.
Star-Studded Cast Brings Characters to Life
Leading the cast are two prominent voice actors who will portray the central duo of the story. Miyuki Sawashiro (known for roles such as Kurapika in Hunter × Hunter and Celty Sturluson in Durarara!!) will voice Makio Kōdai, the introverted 35-year-old novelist. Fuko Mori takes on the role of Asa Takumi, Makio’s 15-year-old niece who comes to live with her after a tragic accident.
Sawashiro expressed her dedication to capturing the essence of Makio from the original work, stating, “I concentrated on somehow conveying the fragrance of Makio from the original work as closely as possible through my voice.” Mori shared her personal connection to the role, noting that Ikoku Nikki was her first anime role after auditioning and expressing her desire for the work to be “an oasis for those who have a desert in their hearts.”
Key Production Staff Unveiled
The production of the Ikoku Nikki anime is handled by Studio Shuka. The creative team bringing Yamashita’s poignant story to the screen includes:
- Director: Miyuki Oshiro (known for her work as an assistant director on Durarara!!x2 Shou and Durarara Season 2)
- Series Composition and Script: Kohei Kiyasu (who worked on Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru and My Home Hero)
- Character Design: Kenji Hayama (whose credits include Kuragehime and co-character designer for Tiger & Bunny)
- Music: Kensuke Ushio (renowned for his compositions in Chainsaw Man, Tengoku-Daimakyo, and A Silent Voice) Ushio’s involvement has generated excitement among fans.
Director Miyuki Oshiro commented on her long-standing desire to adapt the beloved manga, stating, “It’s been quite a while since I voiced my desire to turn this work into an anime because I love it, but it looks like I’m finally going to be able to make it happen. While respecting the feeling you get after reading the original…”
A Look into the Story of Ikoku Nikki
The Ikoku Nikki manga, written and illustrated by Tomoko Yamashita, was serialized in Shodensha’s Feel Young magazine from June 2017 to June 2023, concluding with 11 tankōbon volumes. The series has garnered critical acclaim, ranking highly in various manga awards, including 4th in the “Manga Taisho 2019” awards and 1st in the comic rankings of “Da Vinci BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023.”
The story centers on Makio Kōdai, a 35-year-old novelist who prefers to avoid social interaction. Her life takes an unexpected turn when her estranged older sister and brother-in-law die in a car crash. Makio is tasked with identifying their bodies and subsequently encounters her 15-year-old niece, Asa Takumi, whom she hasn’t seen in years. Despite her initial reluctance and lack of experience, Makio decides to take in Asa as her guardian. The narrative explores the complexities of their evolving relationship as the reserved novelist and the friendly teenager learn to live together and navigate their individual struggles and the process of grief.
The manga also inspired a live-action film adaptation which premiered in June 2024.
With its compelling narrative and talented team, the Ikoku Nikki TV anime is poised to be a significant release in the January 2026 anime season.
