Two celebrated manga artists, Robico, known for the hit romance series My Little Monster, and Tomoko Yamashita, creator of the critically acclaimed Ikoku Nikki (Journal with Witch), have expanded their portfolios with new manga releases. Additionally, Yamashita’s popular series Ikoku Nikki is launching its anticipated anime adaptation today, January 4, 2026.
Robico Debuts New Vampire & Hitman Manga, Expands One-Shot Collection
Robico, the mangaka behind the beloved My Little Monster (Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun), which ran from 2008 to 2013 and inspired an anime and live-action film, has introduced a compelling new series titled To Dusk and Twilight.
“To Dusk and Twilight”: A Tale of Assassins and Vampires
Announced around August 2025, To Dusk and Twilight marks a stylistic shift for Robico, venturing into the action and supernatural genres. The new manga, published in Young Magazine, features an unusual duo: a suicidal hitman and a vampire girl who struggles to feed on strangers. The plot unfolds as the hitman provides the vampire with sustenance, while she, in turn, gives him a reason to continue living. This unique dynamic, blending elements of hitman narratives with classic vampire lore, aims to captivate fans of series like Sakamoto Days and Spy x Family.
“Wash Me Hug Me!”: A Laundromat Romance One-Shot
In a return to her romantic roots, Robico also released a 47-page one-shot manga tentatively titled “Wash me Hug me!” in Kodansha’s Dessert magazine in September 2020. This “romance that begins at a laundromat” centers on Mikage, a 19-year-old student preparing for art college, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters a sullen boy at the laundromat. The one-shot featured a color opening page and appeared on the magazine’s front cover. Robico’s previous work, Our Precious Conversations (Boku to Kimi no Taisetsu na Hanashi), also a romantic comedy, concluded in December 2019 after launching in August 2015.
Tomoko Yamashita’s New One-Shot and Ikoku Nikki Adaptations
Tomoko Yamashita, renowned for her nuanced storytelling in works like Ikoku Nikki (Journal with Witch / Diary of a Strange Land), has also added a new one-shot to her repertoire. Beyond new manga, her celebrated series Ikoku Nikki is experiencing significant adaptations.
Upcoming One-Shot on OUR FEEL WEB
A new one-shot manga by Tomoko Yamashita was slated for publication on OUR FEEL WEB on June 5, 2025. While the specific title of this work has not been widely publicized, its announcement indicates Yamashita’s continued activity in the manga scene following the conclusion of Ikoku Nikki‘s serialization.
Ikoku Nikki Anime Series Premieres
Fans eagerly awaiting new content from Yamashita can also celebrate the premiere of the Ikoku Nikki television anime series, which begins airing today, January 4, 2026, on channels such as BS Asahi, Tokyo MX, and ABC TV. Produced by Shuka and directed by Miyuki Oshiro, the anime adapts Yamashita’s critically acclaimed manga, which was serialized in Shodensha’s josei manga magazine Feel Young from June 2017 to June 2023. The story focuses on 35-year-old novelist Makio Kōdai and her 15-year-old niece Asa Takumi, who begin an awkward cohabitation after Asa’s parents pass away.
The manga received nominations for the Manga Taishō in 2019 and 2020, and the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2024, consistently ranking high on Kono Manga ga Sugoi! lists for female readers. Crunchyroll will stream the series, making it accessible to international audiences.
Live-Action Film Adaptation of Ikoku Nikki
Adding to the excitement surrounding Ikoku Nikki, a live-action film adaptation premiered in Japan in June 2024. Directed and written by Natsuki Seta, the film stars Yui Aragaki as the protagonist Makio Kōdai, further expanding the reach and impact of Yamashita’s compelling narrative. This string of adaptations highlights the enduring popularity and thematic depth of Yamashita’s storytelling.
