The official website for the upcoming TV anime adaptation of Tomoko Yamashita’s manga, Ikoku Nikki (also known as Journal with Witch), has released its second promotional video, unveiling four new cast members and confirming its premiere in January 2026. The new video also offered a preview of the opening theme song.
Expanded Voice Cast Brings Key Characters to Life
The latest announcement introduces a quartet of talented voice actors joining the previously revealed main cast. These additions are set to portray pivotal characters in the narrative, further enriching the anime’s depiction of the poignant relationship between the novelist Makio Kōdai and her niece Asa Takumi.
New Cast Members and Their Roles
The newly announced cast members include:
- Junichi Suwabe as Shingo Kasamachi. Suwabe is known for his roles such as Sukuna in JUJUTSU KAISEN.
- Sumire Morohoshi as Emiri Nara. Morohoshi’s previous work includes voicing Emma in The Promised Neverland.
- Eriko Matsui as Nana Daigo. Matsui has previously voiced Shiro in I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince.
- Takashi Kondō as Kazunari Tono. Kondō’s credits include Kauss Laforg in Pass the Monster Meat, Milady!.
These voice actors join Miyuki Sawashiro as Makio Kōdai and Fuko Mori as Asa Takumi, who were previously announced as the main leads. Furthermore, Sayaka Ohara has been announced as the voice of Munori.
January 2026 Premiere and Theme Song Details
The Ikoku Nikki TV anime is officially slated to begin airing in January 2026. Specific channels for broadcast include ABC TV, TOKYO MX, and BS Asahi. An advance screening of the first two episodes is scheduled for December 2 at Grand Cinema Sunshine Ikebukuro in Tokyo.
The second promotional video not only showcased the new cast but also provided the first listen to the opening theme song, titled “Sonare,” performed by singer-songwriter TOMOO. The ending theme, “Kotozute” (Hearsay), will be performed by the pop duo Bialystocks.
Production Team and Manga Background
Miyuki Ooshiro (assistant director for Durarara!!x2 Shou) is directing the anime at animation studio Shuka. Kohei Kiyasu (My Home Hero) is responsible for the series composition and scriptwriting. Kenji Hayama (Tiger & Bunny) is handling the character designs, and Kensuke Ushio (Chainsaw Man, A Silent Voice) is composing the music.
The anime is based on Tomoko Yamashita’s josei manga, Ikoku Nikki, which was serialized in Shodensha’s Feel Young magazine from June 2017 to June 2023. The series concluded with 11 collected volumes and has a cumulative circulation of 1.7 million copies. The story centers on the unexpected cohabitation of 35-year-old novelist Makio Kōdai, a shy and socially awkward individual, and her 15-year-old niece Asa Takumi, whom Makio takes in after Asa’s parents tragically pass away. The manga has received critical acclaim, including placing fourth in the 2019 Manga Taisho and fifth in the female readers’ category of Kono Manga ga Sugoi! 2024.
