The upcoming TV anime adaptation of Ikoku Nikki will air in January 2026, with four additional cast members joining the lineup. Junichi Suwabe will voice Shingo Kasamachi, Sumire Morohoshi will play Emiri Nara, Eriko Matsui will portray Nana Daigo, and Takashi Kondo will voice Kazunari Tono. Alongside the new cast, details about the opening and ending theme songs have also been revealed.

Originally serialized in FEEL YOUNG (Shodensha) from 2017 to 2023, the manga by Tomoko Yamashita follows Makio Kodai, a reserved novelist, and her orphaned niece, Asa Takumi, as they navigate their uncertain yet heartfelt life together. The manga has received critical acclaim, ranking fourth in the Manga Taishō 2019, fifth in Kono Manga ga Sugoi! 2024 (Women’s Edition), and first in the Da Vinci BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023 comics category. The anime is produced by Shuka, known for the Natsume’s Book of Friends series. Miyuki Sawashiro stars as Makio Kodai, while Fuko Mori voices Asa Takumi.

Singer-songwriter TOMOO, who held her largest-ever solo concert at the Nippon Budokan this May, will perform the opening theme “Sonare.” The ending theme, “Kotozute,” will be performed by the two-member band Bialystocks, consisting of vocalist Sora Hokimoto and keyboardist Tsuyoshi Kikuchi. Both artists shared comments reflecting their connection to the story and its emotional depth.

A special premiere screening for Episodes 1 and 2 will take place on December 2 at Grand Cinema Sunshine Ikebukuro in Tokyo. After the screening, a talk session will be held featuring Miyuki Sawashiro (Makio Kōdai), Fuko Mori (Asa Takumi), and Junichi Suwabe (Shingo Kasamachi). Early ticket sales will begin on November 11 at 9:00 p.m. JST on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cast Comments

Junichi Suwabe (Shingo Kasamachi)
“Tomoko Yamashita’s works delicately depict the subtleties of human emotions, often leaving me struck by her lines. The characters are real people living ordinary lives without embellishment, which is not something I often get to portray, so it’s deeply rewarding. This is a high-quality drama I hope everyone will take the time to experience.”

Sumire Morohoshi (Emiri Nara)
“I love the gentle atmosphere and quiet sharpness that this story possesses. Every line feels vivid and beautiful, slowly soaking into you. The performances by all the cast members are wonderful—each session moves me deeply. After recording, I always feel fulfilled, as if I’ve just enjoyed a comforting meal or witnessed a soothing landscape. I’ve poured my heart into bringing Emiri to life in this world, and I hope everyone enjoys it.”

Eriko Matsui (Nana Daigo)
“Portraying Nana Daigo, I felt a sense of comfort in her conversations with Makio. Their natural interactions and the emotional distance between them are beautiful. This work is full of lines that linger in the heart, spoken by characters with distinct voices. I hope viewers will find resonance in the words of many characters—and that some of Nana’s will stay with them as well. Please look forward to the anime Ikoku Nikki.”

Takashi Kondo (Kazunari Tono)
“I’m Takashi Kondo, voicing Kazunari Tōno. Thank you for having me. Playing such an earnest man—perhaps too earnest—was quite a challenge, given my own less serious tendencies. I approached the role thoughtfully, exploring his character as best I could. My fellow cast members seemed to find some amusement in my efforts, so I think I managed to strike the right balance. Ikoku Nikki is a truly moving story that stays with you. Both the manga and live-action film are excellent, and I hope you’ll also enjoy the anime version this winter.”

Artist Comments

TOMOO (Performer of the Opening Theme “Sonare”)
“Since encountering Ikoku Nikki, I feel as though I’ve been viewing the world through the words and perspectives of its characters—just as we’re quietly influenced by those close to us, like family and friends. This work left a deep, gentle mark on me. The melody of ‘Sonare’ came to me like the sound of notebook pages fluttering in the wind, opening toward the past and future. I would be honored if this song resonates alongside the story.”

Bialystocks (Performers of the Ending Theme “Kotozute”)
“Every person is, in a way, a resident of a ‘different country,’ living amid unseen emotional divides. Using words—tools that can both connect and separate—we clumsily search for meaning through our relationships with others. We hope this song plays at the intersection where two souls meet, not affirming or denying anyone, but simply existing like one of the story’s characters.”

Source : ORICON NEWS