Last Friday, the anime adaptation of the manga “Ikoku Nikki” (“Journal with Witch“) was officially announced, accompanied by a first teaser and a promotional image of the project. This only increases the anticipation surrounding the live-action film of this manga by Tomoko Yamashita, which will premiere in Japanese cinemas on July 7th (Summer season), directed by Natsuki Seta and featuring Yui Aragaki in the role of Makio Kōdai.
Miyuki Ooshiro, who has directed episodes of “Durarara!!×2” and “Natsume Yūjin-Chō,” is in charge of directing this anime for Shuka Studio, marking her first project as the director of a complete animated series. The script is handled by Kohei Kiyasu, while Kenji Hayama (Princess Jellyfish, Tiger & Bunny) is responsible for character design. The musical composition is by Kensuke Ushio (Space Dandy, Dangers in My Heart, Dan Da Dan).
This original manga written by Tomoko Yamashita is a drama featuring a thirty-something novelist who takes in her orphaned teenage niece following the death of her parents. It was serialized in Shodensha‘s Feel Young magazine from June 2017 to June 2018 and was compiled into 11 volumes. It was nominated for the Manga Taisho Award in 2019 and 2020, and also for the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2024. It was also listed as “Book of the Year” by Da Vinci magazine in 2023.
Synopsis
“Ikoku Nikki” follows the story of Makio Kōdai, a 35-year-old novelist who is thrust into the responsibility of caring for his niece Asa after the tragic death of her parents. Makio, who has led a solitary, work-focused life, is suddenly confronted with the challenges of parenthood overnight. As he adapts to his new role, Makio begins to discover the joy and hardships of raising a child while facing his own insecurities and internal struggles.
The relationship between Makio and Asa becomes the heart of the story as they both try to overcome their loss and find comfort and mutual support in their new makeshift family. Throughout the series, themes such as the importance of family, parenting, unconditional love, and personal growth are explored. Through their daily interactions and shared experiences, Makio and Asa learn to face life’s challenges together and find happiness in life’s small moments.
“Ikoku Nikki” offers an intimate and touching look at the life of an unconventional family, showing how love and dedication can transform people’s lives and provide them with a new sense of purpose and connection with others. The series highlights the importance of empathy, understanding, and mutual support in difficult times, and celebrates the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
Sometimes, among so many different nuances that we receive through anime, which evoke universes of fantasy and epic stories starring fantastic heroes, perhaps we could use a bit of reality, through the eyes of tangible characters that we could be, dealing with real-life concerns, right? “Ikoku Nikki” promises to be just what we need at times to contrast with everything we usually see. Now, be good and stop by the comments to leave your opinion on this proposal. As you know, we’ll be reading! 🙂
Images Source: Anime PONYCANYON Official YouTube Channel, Reddit
