Ikoku Nikki Anime Announces January 2026 Premiere, Unveils First Trailer Featuring Miyuki Sawashiro & Fuko Mori

The TV anime series based on Tomoko Yamashita's manga, Ikoku Nikki (JP: 違国日記), will start airing in January 2026 on ABC TV, TOKYO MX, and BS Asahi. The main cast was also revealed, with Miyuki Sawashiro voicing Makio Kodai and Fuko Mori voicing Asa Takumi. The first visual and promotional video have been released.

The original work is a popular manga that was serialized in FEEL YOUNG (Shodensha) from 2017 to 2023. The story is about Makio Kodai, a shy novelist in her 30s, and her niece, Asa Takumi, who lost her parents in a car accident. The series has won many awards, including fourth place in the 2019 Manga Taisho and fifth place in the female readers' category of Kono Manga ga Sugoi! 2024.

The first key visual, which was just released, shows a scene from the daily lives of Makio and Asa. They are so different that it seems like they live in "different countries." The characters look just like the original manga, which makes people even more excited for the series.

The first promotional video, which was released at the same time, features beautiful, clear animation by Shuka (who is known for the Natsume's Book of Friends series). The video also includes dialogue from the two main characters. Sawashiro gives a moving performance as Makio, a shy but strong-willed girl. Mori, in her first major role, plays Asa, a delicate girl who has lost her parents.

Teaser Trailer

Cast Comment

■Miyuki Sawashiro (voice of Makio Kodai)
My name is Miyuki Sawashiro, and I will be voicing Makio Kodai. I tried to use Makio's voice from the original work as closely as possible in my own version. I remember the recording sessions for Ikoku Nikki and "Asa" like they were my own life. It's like I remember living with a middle school girl. I wonder if I was truly able to speak Makio's words, as she is another person. Was I able to stand tall in her desert? I'm waiting in anticipation and with some anxiety for the day when we can meet all of you, hand in hand with the animation and music.

■Fuko Mori (voice of Asa Takumi)
On a personal note, Ikoku Nikki is the work that gave me my very first role through an anime audition. After reading the original manga, I immediately wanted to meet Makio-chan! Being involved in this work as Asa has allowed me to indirectly fulfill that wish, and I am very happy about it. I am very thankful to everyone who supported me, even though I was new to the job. Ikoku Nikki shows how important it is for people to take care of each other. I performed with the hope that what touched me so deeply will be conveyed to everyone, even if just a little. I hope this work brings comfort to those who are struggling. I hope you enjoy the Ikoku Nikki anime.