On Wednesday, the team behind the TV anime version of Tomoko Yamashita's Ikoku Nikki manga shared the first key visual, promotional video, main cast, additional crew, and January 2026 release date on ABC TV, Tokyo MX, and BS Asahi channels.
The story revolves around 35-year-old author Makio Kōdai and his 15-year-old niece Asa, who share a home. After losing their parents, including Makio's older sister, Asa was taken in by her aunt on a whim. The next day, Makio realizes she struggles with social interactions and begins their new life together. Asa must adjust to living with an adult who doesn't act like one, while Makio tries to adapt to having a roommate.
Yamashita's manga titled "The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window" was launched in Shodensha's "Feel Young" magazine in June 2017. It ended in June 2023 with its 11th and final compiled book volume shipping in August 2023. This manga was nominated for the 28th Annual Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize earlier this year. It also ranked at #5 on the women's list of the 2024 edition of "Kono Manga ga Sugoi!" and was the top manga on Da Vinci's 23rd annual "Book of the Year" list for manga in December. Additionally, it was nominated for the 13th Manga Taisho awards in 2020.
In June 2024, a live-action movie version of the manga was released in Japan.