Insights into the opening and ending sequences of the anime adaptation of Ikoku Nikki

For the current television series adaptation of the manga Journal with Witch (original title: Ikoku Nikki), the opening and ending sequences have been released without any overlays. The series is based on the work of manga artist Tomoko Yamashita.

The story is about the shy and reclusive novelist Makio Kōdai, who takes in her 15-year-old niece Asa Takumi after the sudden accidental death of her sister. The mismatched personalities – the withdrawn adult and the warm-hearted teenager – must learn to navigate their shared life. The original manga was nominated for the Manga Taishō Award in 2019 and 2020 and achieved high rankings in specialist magazines. In addition to the anime series, a live-action film adaptation was already released in June 2024.

Two artists have been secured for the musical accompaniment of the animated version:

- The opening is accompanied by the new song "Sonare" by the artist TOMOO.

- The ending features scenes set to the title "Kotozute" (approximately: "Hearsay") by the group Bialystocks. According to an announcement, the song was specifically composed to reflect the quiet, emotional moments of everyday life in the series.

The anime adaptation is being produced at Studio Shuka under the direction of Miyuki Oshiro. The main characters are voiced by the voice actresses Miyuki Sawashiro (as Makio Kōdai) and Fuko Mori (as Asa Takumi). Other well-known voices, such as Junichi Suwabe and Sayaka Ōhara, are also part of the cast. The series began its broadcast in January 2026 and is being offered internationally by the streaming service Crunchyroll.

With the release of the opening and ending sequences without disruptive elements, interested parties can now get a visual and musical impression of the atmosphere of this dramatic slice-of-life story.