Ikoku Nikki

Thirty-five-year-old novelist Makio Koudai never had a good relationship with her older sister Minori, who always berated her for being different. Due to this, Makio is not stricken with grief upon hearing the news that Minori and her husband died in a car crash. But when Makio is asked to identify their bodies, she runs into her 15-year-old niece, Asa Takumi, whom she has not seen in years.

As Asa struggles to process her parents' death, Makio reassures her that her complicated feelings are valid and suggests that the teenager start writing in a diary as a way to cope with the loss. Upon learning that no other relatives wanted to take in Asa, Makio decides to become her guardian despite her lack of experience. In a world full of uncertainty, the novelist and teenager must learn to live with each other while figuring themselves out.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Koudai, Makio Main

Sawashiro, Miyuki Japanese

Takumi, Asa Main

Mori, Fuuko Japanese

Kasamachi, Shingo Supporting

Suwabe, Junichi Japanese

Nara, Emiri Supporting

Morohoshi, Sumire Japanese

Daigo, Nana Supporting

Matsui, Eriko Japanese

Sone, Asuka Supporting

Kamijou, Chihiro Japanese

Morimoto, Chiyo Supporting

Aoki, Ruriko Japanese

Touno, Kazunari Supporting

Kondou, Takashi Japanese

Oogaki Supporting

Ueda, Kaya Japanese

Takumi, Hajime Supporting

Yoshino, Takahiro Japanese

Matsui, Yuuko Producer

Kaneko, Hirotaka Producer

Miura, Fumito Producer

Cai, Ailian Producer

Reviews

Jan 18, 2026

Who8MahPudden

Recommended

Preliminary (3/13 eps)

Journal with Witch is paradoxically an anti-drama drama. This touching, sensitive, and subtle show fits into the drama category, but the tone and characters are all anti-nonsense and care not one wit for fake interpersonal spectacles. This is a mature show fit for those who feel likewise and those who have had enough life experiences to lose much of their youthful naivete.

This show is filled with paradoxes; it's a slow burn in terms of tension and plot, while also being a slow heal when it comes to the grief of the main two characters. The show emphasizes emotional validation and progress at one's own ... pace, which is very refreshing. Each episode is so well paced and packed with thought and nuance that after the mid-show point I expect the credits to run. The side characters are all a bit more expressive in a fiery way that complements the two measured leads.

I would call this show a palate cleanser, all the bad tastes from undercooked Shonen wash away after an episode of Journal with Witch. Do not watch Vigilantes after this, it will taste like a thin broth. While the show won't be to everyone's liking, if you can summon a bit of patience, Journal with Witch will bewitch you into a heart-warming and heart-wrenching 23 mins that feels like an hour.

Reviewer’s Rating: 9

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Jan 18, 2026

tripleaamin

Recommended

Preliminary (3/13 eps)

It is not too often we get adaptations of Josei manga, let alone one that is getting a great adaptation. With Ikoku Nikki, it stresses the points of how humans are not simple regarding their feelings. After Makio Koudai's sister Minori passes away, she takes her niece Asa Takumi in. Makio has clearly been through a lot in her life, and Asa is just recovering from the passing of her mother.

Where this show really stands out is how it illustrates human feelings as it focuses on the interactions of this aunt and niece. For them, trying to understand the other in a way allows the ... other to find themselves in a way. If you enjoy character-driven series, 3 episodes in, it has been a standout so far, and I would argue it is a must-watch. The animation and visuals are solid, and the voice acting and music noticeably elevate the scenes perfectly.

Ikoku Nikki is no doubt one of the hidden gems of this season, and please, I urge you to give it a shot.

Reviewer’s Rating: 9

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Jan 21, 2026

Ellenwitch

Recommended

Preliminary (3/13 eps)

The first thing I will say regarding this show, is it's beauty. As truly. Wow.

Animes and Mangas and such will always touch on certain subject matters, and in most cases, it'll take you out of the mundane world. Where it be a cute slice of life, full of happiness and fun. Or an Isekai going on a grand adventure, full of twists and turns. No matter light at heart, or something more provoking. But Ikoku Nikki takes a subject matter that can really strike at our hearts, something we all have problems with dealing with. But not only take it, but ... write it in such a deep, well thought way, that could super seem realistic to you or I. Treating it with a level of maturity, and wisdom behind it, that keeps it well respected.

Story and characters: 8
In these types of shows. The type of characters can really hold together the story that it's presenting. As if each character carries weight, and emotion of everything. No matter whats involved, sometimes we need a rock to our side, to help deal with dealing with grief. No matter the issues at hand. Which for me, through the characters this show throws at us. Really showcases such in more ways than one. But the build up, and emotions, really hit it home personally. People have ways of dealing with grief. Where it be your family, your friends, teachers.It'll always be a touchy subject. No matter the thought, or intent behind such, it's very hard to deal with. Which is what this anime does showcase so well through it's characters and story. Truly well done.

Art and Sound: 9
I give this high marks but of how it's presented. Like you watch the first episode, compared to the 2nd, and you'll notice it right away. How there is barely any music, barely much sound. Treating the atmosphere with respect, care, and thought. Then in episode 2, when Nana comes into the fold, you'll notice that up turn, as with her personality, it feels a bit more upbeat, as if the thought of it, can make one look up and laugh and smile after everything. Only to pull it back down during episode 3, really showing that you will have good days, and bad days. Really well presented on both fronts.

This show will hit hard. Real hard. As someone who's lost quite a lot of family over the years, it really struck with me. Great show.

Reviewer’s Rating: 9

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	Poll: Ikoku Nikki Episode 1 Discussion ( 1 2 3 4 ) Stark700 - Jan 4	177 replies	by Ray__05 »» 1 hour ago
	Poll: Ikoku Nikki Episode 12 Discussion ( 1 2 ) Stark700 - Mar 22	57 replies	by SouthRzVa »» 6 hours ago
	Poll: Ikoku Nikki Episode 8 Discussion ( 1 2 3 ) Stark700 - Feb 22	109 replies	by rekillanga »» Mar 25, 7:09 PM
	Poll: Ikoku Nikki Episode 11 Discussion ( 1 2 ) Stark700 - Mar 15	53 replies	by WMR »» Mar 24, 8:16 PM
	Poll: Ikoku Nikki Episode 4 Discussion ( 1 2 ) Stark700 - Jan 25	73 replies	by Gentropy »» Mar 24, 1:16 AM