It has been announced that the TV anime "Ikoku Nikki," based on the popular manga by Tomoko Yamashita, will be broadcast on ABC TV, TOKYO MX, and other channels from January 4, 2026. It has also been announced that Sayaka Ohara will be joining the cast as Minori.
Ohara commented, "I really wanted to be in this production. I will never forget the quiet joy I felt the day my wish came true after the audition. I love the warmth of this production, where behind the monotonous daily events there is always something stinging, and at times you cry and suffer together, and before you know it you're getting a low-temperature burn. I even felt it was precious to be able to witness in real time how Makio and Asa's feelings were expressed in front of the microphone as heartfelt lines. Playing Minori was difficult, but it was a memorable recording that I learned a lot from. I am happy to have been able to be a part of this production."
The second key visual has been released, showing Takashiro Makio and Tagumi Asa standing in front of a desk and bookshelf in the desert. The second promotional video has also been released on YouTube, featuring Kasamachi Shingo, Nara Emiri, Daigo Nana, and Tono Kazunari. A snippet of the opening theme "Sonare" by singer-songwriter TOMOO can also be heard.
The original soundtrack, featuring music by Kensuke Ushio, will be released on January 21, 2026. The LP version will also be released on April 22, 2026.
"Ikoku Nikki" is a manga serialized in "FEEL YOUNG" (Shodensha) from 2017 to 2023. It depicts the life of a shy novelist, Takashiro Makio, and his niece, Tagumi Asa, a girl who lost both her parents in an accident. It was ranked 4th in the "Manga Taisho 2019" awards, 5th in the women's edition of "This Kono Manga ga Sugoi! 2024," and 1st in the comic rankings of "Da Vinci BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023." It was also made into a live-action movie starring actors Yui Aragaki and Hayase Iku, which became a hot topic.
The anime will be directed by Miyuki Oshiro, with music by Ushio, and produced by Shuka.
*Cast (titles omitted)
Takashiro Makio: Miyuki Sawashiro ▽Takumi Asa: Mori Fuko▽Kasamachi Shingo: Junichi Suwabe Junichi▽Nara Emiri: Morohoshi Sumire▽Daigo Nana: Matsui Eriko▽Tono Kazunari: Kondo Takashi▽Miri: Ohara Sayaka
