"Diary of a Strange Country" is a TV anime based on the mega-popular manga by Tomoko Yamashita that has surpassed 1.8 million copies.
It follows 35-year-old shy novelist Makio Kodai and her 15-year-old niece Asa Takumi, who was taken in by Makio after losing her parents in a car accident.
A cohabitation tale of two people with blood ties but like "residents of different countries," groping their way through living together.
A talked-about work that won 4th place in "Manga Taisho 2019," 4th in "Kono Manga ga Sugoi! 2019" Women's Edition, and 1st in Da Vinci's "BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023" Comics Ranking.
A live-action film starring Yui Aragaki and Kei Hayase was released in June 2024, and the TV anime finally starts in January 2026 📚
① Delicate Psychological Portrayal and the Power of Words
This work's greatest charm is the delicate portrayal of the characters' emotional subtleties.
A casual word can hurt or save someone... such weight of words is carefully expressed.
The deep theme of "everyone is a resident of a different country" quietly resonates in your heart 📖
② Relationship Between an Awkward Adult and an Honest Girl
Makio, extremely shy and bad at interacting with others, and the bright and honest Asa.
The charming way these seemingly opposite two gradually close the distance while acknowledging each other's "differences."
The message that you can stay close without forcing understanding stays in your heart 💕
③ Visualization by Luxurious Production Team
Animation production by Shuka, known for the "Natsume's Book of Friends" series.
Music is handled by Kensuke Ushio of "Chainsaw Man" and "Liar."
The best staff team will visualize the delicate atmosphere of the original ✨
④ Competition of Skilled Voice Actors
Protagonist Makio is voiced by Miyuki Sawashiro (Fujiko Mine in "Lupin III," Daki in "Demon Slayer").
Newcomer Fuko Mori is cast as Asa, with fresh acting expected.
Luxurious supporting cast includes Junichi Suwabe, Sumire Morohoshi, Eriko Matsui, Sayaka Ohara, and more 🎤
⑤ Theme of Diversity and Respecting Individuals
As the coined word "Ikoku" (different country) symbolizes, everyone is a different being.
The attitude of respecting others' boundaries without easily saying "I understand your feelings" or "I can relate" is depicted.
A work packed with messages that resonate with modern society 🌍
① Makio's Relationship with Her Sister Minori
Asa's deceased mother Minori (Makio's older sister) often treated Makio overbearingly.
The complex emotions between sisters and how they affect the relationship with Asa becomes the story's axis.
The "diary" Minori left behind is also an important key point 📔
② Asa's Growth and Independence
Asa's story starting at 15 eventually depicts her journey until she turns 20.
Pay attention to Asa growing through various experiences—high school life, friendships, career choices.
Her relationship with Makio also gradually changes 🌱
③ The Presence of Nana Daigo
Nana Daigo, Makio's best friend since middle school, serves as the story's lubricant.
She creates opportunities for shy Makio and honest Asa to open up.
Her brightness and kindness become a bridge connecting the two 🌈
④ Friendship with Kasamachi
Makio's ex-boyfriend Shingo Kasamachi continues a friendship after they broke up.
The subtle distance between him—a large dog type with a gentle personality—and Makio is also a highlight.
Looking forward to hearing Junichi Suwabe's sweet voice 💫
⑤ Anticipation for Kensuke Ushio's Score
Kensuke Ushio, who has worked on numerous talked-about works like "Chainsaw Man," "A Silent Voice," and "Liar."
Music that accompanies delicate psychological portrayals will make the story even deeper.
Anticipation rises for a quiet and beautiful soundtrack 🎹
① Meeting at the Funeral and the Decision
Her sister and brother-in-law died in an accident when a truck rear-ended them at a parking area.
At the funeral, seeing orphaned Asa being passed around among relatives, Makio impulsively offered "Want to come to my place?"
However, by the next day she came to her senses, realizing living with someone was impossible for her shy self 😰
② Beginning of Awkward Cohabitation
Makio tells Asa "I can't be a substitute parent" and "You don't have to force interaction."
Meanwhile, Asa finds Makio, an "un-adult-like adult," puzzling but honestly accepts her new life.
The two begin exploring their respective distances as "residents of different countries" 🏠
③ Gradually Closing Distance
Makio's best friend Nana Daigo comes between them, and changes begin in their relationship.
Through interactions with Asa's friend Emiri and events in high school life, both Makio and Asa gradually change.
By knowing each other's "vulnerability," they learn to treat each other gently 💕
④ Mother Minori's Diary
Minori left behind a diary she intended to give Asa when she turned 20.
Written there was the meaning behind the name "Asa" (morning)—"something new and beautiful that surely comes."
An important item glimpsing a mother's love and the complex sisterly relationship with Makio 📔
⑤ A 5-Year Story
The story depicts 5 years from when Asa is 15 until she turns 20.
Through various experiences—high school life, career choices, romance, friendship—Asa grows into an adult.
Makio also changes by living with Asa, and their relationship becomes "irreplaceable" 🌸
📺 TV Broadcast
Premiere Date: From January 4, 2026 (Sun)
Broadcasting Stations:
• TOKYO MX
• ABC TV
• BS Asahi
• AT-X (from January 5)
A notable work of Winter 2026 anime 📺
🌐 Streaming Services
Fastest Unlimited Streaming: Prime Video
Sequential streaming also planned on other services:
• Amazon Prime Video (fastest)
• Other streaming services sequentially
Check the official site for details 📱
🎵 Theme Song Information
Opening Theme:
TOMOO "Sonare"
Ending Theme:
Bialystocks "Kotozute"
Both are masterpieces perfectly matching the work's worldview 🎶
📱 Official Information
Check the official site (ikoku-anime.com) and official X (Twitter) for the latest broadcast and streaming information!
Official X: @ikoku_anime
Makio Kodai (CV: Miyuki Sawashiro)
A 35-year-old young adult novelist with extreme shyness.
At her sister's funeral, seeing orphaned Asa being passed around among relatives, she impulsively decided to take her in.
Her personality is unsuited for living with someone, but she gradually changes while spending time with Asa.
🔥Trivia: Makio's pen name is "Makio Kodai." She serializes young adult novels, surprisingly with a romantic style 📝