Ikoku Nikki • Journal with Witch - Episode 1 discussion

*Ikoku Nikki*, episode 1

**Reminder:** Please do not discuss plot points not yet seen or skipped in the show. Failing to follow the rules may result in a ban.

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**Show information**

* [MyAnimeList](https://myanimelist.net/anime/58788/)
* [AniList](https://anilist.co/anime/177385)
* [AniDB](https://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=18610)
* [Kitsu](https://kitsu.app/anime/48830)
* [Anime-Planet](https://www.anime-planet.com/anime/ikoku-nikki)
* [Official Website](https://ikoku-anime.com/)

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**All discussions**

Episode|Link
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1|[Link](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/1q3symw)

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AnimeMod2026-01-04 16:38

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szalhi2026-01-04 16:46

When I first saw the title, I was like 'what?' But it didn't take me long to figure it out. I'm looking forward to this melancholic ride.

Imagine meeting your aunt for the 'first time' and getting 'therapy' straight away. Well, I already know it will work both ways.

Mami-kouga2026-01-04 16:57

Lol at the sharp cut away from "Baby". Ikoku Nikki is a story filled with musings, quiet comfort and quiet melancholy. It's a story I never expected to get an anime adaptation but fills me with so many emotions. I'm happy it exists and looks so nice too.

I read the manga of this around the same time I got into skip and loafer and I was pretty amazed how despite how different they seem Mitsumi and Makio were some of the characters I most strongly identified with as an adult.

KumaKumaGambler2026-01-04 17:04

I, too, was reminded of Skip and Loafer.

Surely there are some awards out there for "Best Aunts".

Time_Fracture2026-01-04 17:28

It's funny this reminds you of Skip and Loafer since this OP of Ikoku Nikki is storyboarded and directed by the director of Skip and Loafer (Kotomi Deai).

Mami-kouga2026-01-04 18:00

Talk about worlds colliding~~

CatgirlYamada2026-01-04 18:38

Ikoku Nikki's director, Miyuki Ooshiro, along with Kotomi Deai, were both heavily involved in Natsume Yuujinchou, which was supervised by Takahiro Oomori, who also acted as sound director in this series. So they do have pretty good relationship with each other, and you might expect more similarities direction wise with Skip and Loafer and Natsume Yuujinchou in future episodes.

KumaKumaGambler2026-01-04 17:02

Makio is direct and does not mince her words, but her protectiveness towards Asa, who is lost in the desert after the death of the latter's parents, will keep me watching this title.

Nachtwandler_FS2026-01-04 18:28

And she is voiced by Miyuki Sawashiro. Cheers for best aunt.

mekerpan2026-01-04 23:59

An aunt and niece familial love story. Very lovely. I wonder how many of thiose there are?

TermEnvironmental8122026-01-04 17:02

Nothing can beat Kensuke Ushio when he starts playing piano isn't it?

PowerSamurai2026-01-04 17:23

I was already looking forwards to watching this since I have read some of the Manga, but seeing kensuke is also involved means I am watching ASAP.

TermEnvironmental8122026-01-04 17:50

I didn't even read the manga but I remember the poster caught my attention one and half years ago.

I said to myself "Adult mc? Okay, let's checking in"

Then I read the synopsis though it was interesting, then in the staff I saw Ushio's name, "All right, that's it. When the release?"

PowerSamurai2026-01-04 17:54

Just finished the episode and can confirm that Kensuke is doing a great job as usual. His music just really fits this kind of storytelling as well and reminded me a lot of when I watched boogie pop with how it immerses you.

Great use of metaphors, strong characterization and good direction makes this a very impressive first episode when all of it is combined with this music.

Doomed-here49092026-01-04 18:11

Agree! Watching the Reze movie on the huge screen & that sound system with Ushio's piano was just pure music to my ears

WhichCombination56372026-01-04 19:27

He's doing the music?

Shit dude, that's all you had to say.

seninn2026-01-04 20:27

Damn, I am going to have to watch this one then.

Syokhan2026-01-04 21:50

I started tearing up at one point, thought "this music is doing things to me", then recognized his piano and it made sense why I was getting so emotional.

Well, the story itself helped, but still.

HowToVenusaur2026-01-05 04:15

He's got such a distinct touch to his music, you can almost instantly tell it's him even on simple piano tracks. He has a tonal range he likes to keep his notes in and he loves do that little cut off every few notes mid note thing, almost like someone abruptly stopped pressing the key or the key was only pressed partially and accidentally to begin with.

People like to talk up Kevin Penkin, but in terms of modern anime composers I don't know who touches Kensuke Ushio.

BosuW2026-01-05 06:46

Kensuke Ushio apparently also likes to record his piano with a mic inside the case which is why it has a lot of texture as it catches many sounds that are not the note itself.

ObvsThrowaway51202026-01-04 17:09

I think I’m gonna like this one. Makio’s a prickly peculiar sort. I find myself drawn to her for some reason. Her and Asa living together will be interesting. I look forward to seeing their dynamic evolve and change as they get to know one another better.

thisisdropd2026-01-04 17:11

I didn't expect a Justin Bieber name drop within the first minute of the show, especially for a non-comedy one.

Interesting that Makio didn't hide the fact that she didn't consider Asa to be any different from a stray on the street, yet vowed to keep her for the long term. Both seemed to be the solitary type so I'm interested to see how they would learn to enjoy each other's company. Perhaps being stranded in a desert might not be too bad if there's someone with you?

Love that smooth transition between the notebook pages and the desert. I only realised it all too late.

WednesdaysFoole2026-01-04 17:42

You can already see some of the adjustments from the opening scene, like how clean the kitchen and living room are versus how it was when it was Makio alone. I also like the bits and pieces you get about Asa's mom, not only from Makio's memories but the little things you can pick up from Asa's own reactions to how Makio does things.

The notebook becoming the desert was a nice touch.

mekerpan2026-01-04 23:58

Was Asa's mom just the stereotypically over-bossy big sister? Or was something darker involved?

eatyrheart2026-01-05 02:39

[removed]

froggyc192026-01-05 19:23

The way that the lines on the page began to warp, implying she was starting to cry, then seamlessly transitioned into the desert of loneliness was so simple and beautiful. I have a feeling I'm going to need my box of tissues when I watch this show.

strawhat_chowder2026-01-06 04:23

I have seen some comments saying that Asa seems weirdly fine for someone that just lost her parents. But the girl literally stared at a blank journal page from breakfast till dinner. She zones out to avoid having to confront reality

froggyc192026-01-06 08:31

Oh she's definitely experiencing shock and her grief will hit her like a truck once she stops disassociating from it.

Earlier-Today2026-01-06 12:29

The big thing I noticed from the look ahead at the beginning was how comfortable they were with each other. It's not flashy or up front about it, but that's the look of a loving household.

People don't get that relaxed and unguarded - especially kids in a bad emotional state - unless there's a very firm feeling of love and acceptance.

And it also acts as a reassurance to us, the audience, that whatever challenges and hardships are still to come, we know that they will reach that peaceful, calm, and loving home.

Ok_Law2192026-01-04 19:18

and the cut off at "baby" to keep the copyright is great!

IXajll2026-01-04 17:20

What an amazing premiere. Loved it from start to finish and can’t wait to find out how the relationship of Asa and Makio will develop. Kensule Ushio adding great music as usual as well. Also the OP was fantastic too, already OP of the season contender.

Magnafeana2026-01-04 17:20

**Pause**

*Justin Bieber?*

😭

Makio is a bifauxnen, I’m in love. She is a bijin! She is a queen! She’s giving me some gender envy, honestly. Giving GNC.

The OP is so pretty. And the song itself goes straight into my healing playlist.

I feel for you, Asa. Unless I batter my sandwiches with tooth picks, I will end up biting into the bread and completely missing my main protein.

I’m not sure if Makio is ever confirmed as neurodivergent, but I can relate to her as someone diagnosed with a few ND diagnoses.

Asa deserves the world and beautiful things.

The ED is beautiful too. Looks like a storybook.

***

Was this the first josei of the season? I have a strong feeling I will probably cry by the finale.

Those people at the funeral are so bizarre. What a nightmare. I’m kinda surprised how many series will have funerals where people are straight up rude. What baffling behavior.

The now departed mother/sister, I was surprised she looked and sounded very mean. I guess I was used to the departed often being this nice and kind being that it took me aback.

Also Makio is an Auntie™.

This looks so soft and beautiful and delicate, in a way. Something to watch while cuddling with my cats or holding my granddady’s shirt-teddy (a teddy bear made from his old shirts).

Ok_Law2192026-01-04 19:22

I think they weren't intended to be rude so much as practical... excluding madam witch. She was intending to be a witch because she was showing her sister the last word.

shad792026-01-04 17:23

[A very strong premiere episode!](https://imgchest.com/p/lqyel5de34d) I've been waiting for it since it was announced, and this first episode didn't disappoint. I can't wait to see how [Makio](https://imgchest.com/p/qe4gq6mnr7j) and [Asa](https://imgchest.com/p/9249kb2r2yn)'s lives unfold in the coming episodes.

The episode also had great music! From the very first notes, I knew Kensuke Ushio was responsible for the soundtrack, and I was right. I'm definitely looking forward to the full OST release in the future.

A very nice [OP](https://imgchest.com/p/6eyrnwaoe7p), although I liked the ED's song even more! So I'm glad [the full song is already available on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwWJ76pZ9us).

Here my screenshot albums from the episode:

* [OP](https://imgchest.com/p/6eyrnwaoe7p)
* [Group scenes](https://imgchest.com/p/lqyel5de34d)
* [Asa](https://imgchest.com/p/9249kb2r2yn)
* [Makio](https://imgchest.com/p/qe4gq6mnr7j)

*EDIT. I added my screenshot albums.*

SA0902026-01-04 17:26

This was my most anticipated new anime of the season and I’m so glad that it ended up having a phenomenal start. Can’t wait to see this healing journey till the end.

normalMonsterChika2026-01-04 17:28

Really impressed with how they're handling this series so far. It's not the type to get flashy animation cuts, but so far the character acting, transitions, and shot choices have been really good. This is one of my all-time favorite manga and I'm so thrilled to see such a strong start. It's such a rich, emotional ride.

mekerpan2026-01-04 23:56

Sometimes the editing reminded me of Shoshimin (albeit more restrained).

bloquer2026-01-04 17:31

Yay, I am very happy for this adaption!
So as an explanation for the whole "basin" kanji question:
There is a Japanese idiom about someone being reached around from person to person which uses said kanji. I think they did a very good job implying the meaning, but it is cases like these when I miss TNs.

StepujacyBrat2026-01-04 17:38

Hey, thanks for mentioning this. It completely went over my head when I was watching the episode

WednesdaysFoole2026-01-04 17:51

Yeah I only listened for it since I'd seen the TL note.

たらい回し (taraimawashi) - it's about something being passed off from person to person and can also mean that people are passing off responsibility to others.

Basin being 盥 (tarai).

karer3is2026-01-04 21:40

That's interesting to know; it's sort of like how in English when someone says they're "washing their hands" of a situation

RimeSkeem2026-01-04 22:22

Or "passing the buck"

NoPriorThreat2026-01-05 00:07

"washing their hands" comes from bible so almost all western languages have the same idiom

Nachtwandler_FS2026-01-05 00:12

Yep, same idiom in a bunch of Slavic languages, for example.

mekerpan2026-01-04 23:54

Another linguistic note -- and question

Why on earth "Journal with Witch" as the English name? The title actually translate as "Foreign Land Journal".

Atario2026-01-05 00:57

A lot of Japanese works do this — separate Japanese and English titles that are not direct translations of one another. Example: [_ERASED_ (sometimes including the all-caps) in English, but _僕だけがいない街_ (= Boku Dake Ga Inai Machi, "The Town Where Only I Am Missing") in Japanese.](https://myanimelist.net/anime/31043/Boku_dake_ga_Inai_Machi) I imagine there are different reasons for doing this, but probably not just one. Could be author thinks a different English formulation seems better in some way, could be some kind of connotational thing, maybe marketing considerations.

mekerpan2026-01-05 01:06

But THIS one seems to make no real sense

heimdal772026-01-05 02:20

Apothecary Diaries isn't a correct name either. It felt almost like they went with what it was first called in english possibly even before it was licensed.

In the case of licensed manga and light novels the publishers at times change names so they aren't showing up along fan translations of manga and web novels. I think J novel is particularly bad at doing this if I remember right.

Rouk_Hein2026-01-05 01:44

Well, "Journal with Witch" appears on the Japanese covers of the manga since volume 1. So it comes from the Japanese side of things (either the author herself or the publisher).

mekerpan2026-01-05 02:02

It certainly is "authorized" -- but it also still both (pretty much) ungrammatical and seemingly irrelevant to the actual story content. The "English" secondary titles on Japanese editions rarely seem to be appropriate English titles (it seems to me).

Golden_Phi2026-01-05 04:28

Makes me think on Attack on Titan's title. IIRC, many languages translates it to something like "Advancing Titans" or "Attacking Titans". A literal English title would be one of those two. An English title that would convey the meaning however would be "Attack Titan".

rockseiaxii2026-01-05 04:32

The title isn’t precisely “Foreign Land Journal” since the 違国 in the original Japanese title 違国日記 is a word that makes sense because of the kanji but is never used in daily life.

People would understand the meaning of the title (different country) but it's pretty much a made-up word. When you search this word, all the search results are about this work.

Asa describes Makio as a solitary queen in her own different country, and it's alluded that everybody in this world lives alone in a country of their own, being unable to fully understand each other (nevermind the fact that Makio is socially awkward).

NoblesSlayer2026-01-04 17:33

I know this is only the first episode and the adaptation could go to shit at any point but jesus christ, what a fcking great first episode! They switched some stuff around and it made the episode all the more impactful. Miyuki Ooshiro and her team have won me over.

Weak_Season_Of_Anime2026-01-04 17:37

Love the direction they're taking with this story.

DocMcCoy2026-01-04 17:50

Haven't watched it yet, but I have a language question.

Is "違国" a common term? Or is that 'just' a pun on "異国"?

I see that "異国日記" exists, which is apparently a collection of political correspondence from the Edo period. Is that a concidence or was that a deliberate allusion?

sportsbuffp2026-01-04 17:52

Only half way though but when Asa was talking about her secret power of making everyone talk gibberish then she says "but i cant journal doing that" (paraphrasing) I realized this show is gonna be incredible for me.

gc111172026-01-04 17:53

Ohhh this is a good one.

Lone_Gamesmaster2026-01-04 17:57

I had very high expectations for this one and I gotta say they have been met! I love how this first episode sets the tone that you are gonna be getting out of this series, the melancholy, the cosiness, the gentle and familiar experiences of this.

I especially love how Makio confronts Asa's grief with empathy instead of the mediocre sympathy the rest of the extended family has. She being the one willing to step up despite her personal flaws is one of my favourite aspects. This series has me excited for sunday afternoons!

Ocixo2026-01-04 19:46

This first episode left me with a feeling that I found somewhat difficult to put into words. I suppose that “melancholy” and “tenderness” fit the bill perhaps best.

I am curious how the series will progress from here on out. Will it keep hold of this feeling or evolve into something else?

mellieoni2026-01-04 18:01

There's a melancholic heaviness to this first episode that has me absolutely hooked. Makio learning to share her physical and mental space with Asa while taking on a new role as caretaker. Asa learning to deal with her emotions of losing her parents and living with a stranger. Both seem to have very different personalities and ways of living. I cannot wait to see how they learn to help each other and the emotional growth and understanding in both women.

BaytaCosmico2026-01-04 18:10

Wow, what a premiere! I can't quite put into words how this made me feel. It was surreal but also so real? I knew very little about this going in - just that it was about an author aunt taking in her bereaved niece. And that is true enough as it goes, but the treatment of this subject...I'm in awe.

You can't and won't always be able to match people's (or even your own) expectations of how you deal with bereavement, grief and loneliness, and that's perfectly fine. To hear this from an adult...no wonder Asa sees Makio as the queen of a strange land.

The music is so perfect too. I love this so much already.

mekerpan2026-01-04 23:49

Watching this hurt so much -- but it in a good way. I was on the verge (and occasionally past the verge) of tears for essentially the It is ear4ly whole episode. Quiet (mostly) but with such intense emotional weight. It is early on the season, but I find it almost impossible to believe that any forthcoming new show will have as much of an emotional punch, and such (sometimes harsh) beauty. {perspective of a 72 year old here}

BaytaCosmico2026-01-05 00:02

Yes, to everything you've said. My heart was so heavy but I was also feeling grateful.

normalMonsterChika2026-01-05 00:22

As a fan of the manga, I've always described it as 'cathartic' in the way theatre uses it. It's heavy subject matter, but presented in a way that lets the audience feel alongside the characters and hopefully come out feeling cleansed.

hikoboshi_sama2026-01-05 05:53

I think it feels cathartic because while it deals with a heavy topic, we actually follow the characters as they deal with and process their grief over said topic. In a way, we get to follow their journey towards healing.

musicproducer072026-01-04 18:11

Unrelated the food looks aesthetically pleasing

Ok_Law2192026-01-04 19:19

it looked pleasing and properly unappetizing at the same time.

cppn022026-01-04 18:20

Oh I'm gonna love this. Fantastic first episode.

itsconsolefreaked2026-01-04 18:24

I really tried to like it but I got bored three times, skip from me gang

ElKevixlevix12026-01-04 19:09

That's understandable, really.

itsconsolefreaked2026-01-04 20:26

And I usually give three episodes a try. That says a lot

NanDemoKnaives2026-01-04 18:27

I'm liking this one and Makio is such a cool aunt, the way she spoke her mind at the funeral. It's always a bother to hear those sort of scenes in shows where relatives don't take into consideration the direct family members left behind and act like they're such a bother in their most vulnerable and lost time.

It was amusing to see the contrast of Makio's shyness and Asa figuring it out. I'm looking forward to seeing how the two grow to become a family.

Miss_Hugger2026-01-05 15:48

I attended two funerals last year and for some reason, you can really see people's true colors there. So watching what Asa experiences with her relatives in the anime really hits home to me.

Nachtwandler_FS2026-01-04 18:31

Damn, I miss this type of josei anime. They are extreamly rare nowadays (the best you get is occasional romance adaptation).

The cast is great and the studio knows how to handle this type of material. Will be definetely watching it.

eatyrheart2026-01-05 02:42

I think you’ll enjoy Yuria’s Red String if you like the tone of this one. Its serialisation is complete as of a couple years ago but the translation is still ongoing

tapdancinghellspawn2026-01-04 18:32

What an amazing first episode. I love how Makio tells Asa that she write what people say to her and what they don't say, what she feels and doesn't feel. I love the symbolism of Asa being in the desert, thinking she is alone, only to find Makio there, too, also alone.

Theleux2026-01-04 18:40

Incredibly impressive premiere - the visual strengths of this adaptation so far are genuinely so strong. So much of the show, even background elements are fully drawn, looks lovely.

Been waiting a bit to see how this would be handled and if this keeps up this will be an easy classic.

FirstDagger2026-01-04 18:47

Who the heck is cutting onions in a desert?

heimdal772026-01-04 18:49

What is this airing on?

Schizzovism2026-01-04 18:53

It's on Crunchyroll.

No-Physics-99032026-01-04 18:52

Didn't know anything about this, just started watching based on the thumbnail, and I can say I was pleasantly surprised. What an amazing first episode.

Loved the atmosphere, the quietness. They are setting up a metaphor with the desert to represent loneliness which I assume will end with both characters finding an "oasis" in each other.

I'm also reading some implications about Makio personality/situation with the metaphor and final dialogue. Asa seems to see her as a "queen of this strange land" which I read as both Asa commenting on the fact this is a new situation for her and telling us that Makio is used to it.

Don't know, not super used to analyzing stuff just "thinking out loud" (but in writing haha)

The OP and the ED were great!

Ocixo2026-01-04 19:55

I read a hint of loneliness in Asa’s description of Makio too. Like a queen presiding over a kingdom without inhabitants.

The two of them will hopefully find comfort in each other’s company.

zeltheturtl2026-01-04 18:56

Losing both of her parents, Asa finds herself stranded in a desert of many different faces.

From the obvious life-changing loss, through the relatives which seem to have disapproved of her late mother's and father's marriage, leading to their apparent disinterest in their passing; to the blank page of a journal, empty of any words to describe the events that happened.

Wandering around, lost in this empty space while looking for a basin to quench the thirst of this loneliness, Asa stumbles upon her aunt Makio.

Makio, the Queen of the lonely lands, takes her in on a whim, because she couldn't stand Asa being alone in the disinterested lands of her family, just like she herself seems to be.

Beautiful opening episode, Kensuke Ushio's beautifully somber soundtrack fits perfectly into the melancholic scenes. Can't wait for more episodes, to tear my heart apart and piece it back again as the characters are allowed to heal with time.

Drill_Dr_ill2026-01-04 19:03

I am so happy this got an adaptation. I only read the manga recently, but it immediately became one of my top 5 manga I've read. Makio is one of my favorite characters in any manga I've read.

Yesshua2026-01-04 19:04

This was really really good.

I bounced off of Usagi Drop because it felt overly saccharine. The little girl was super sweet, the new dad was super virtuous, and it felt like it mostly existed to make people feel warm and fuzzy. Which is fine, but it's not narratively interesting. It's like those indie games that aspire to be cozy and nothing but.

This feels better. Same premise. Parents die, family member dramatically steps up at the funeral, unprepared adult hits parenthood out of nowhere and has to do their best. But this time the girl isn't just sweet and cute, she's 15 years old. She has a personality and can read a room and is going through a lot. And the adult isn't just the standard good dude either. In this show the adult is borderline neurodivergent and frankly needs the kids help to make even a passable attempt at providing a decent living space.

It's still cozy. But there's friction. There's flawed people and personalities that will inevitably clash. And that makes it feel real, instead of a cynical attempt to pander. I'm all in on this.

The other one of these that I thought was pretty good was Sweetness and Lightning. That's another single parent feel good found family type anime. One season. It's not super hard hitting, but it does set up each of the characters to have things they're struggling with and show how by coming together they form a community that's healthy for all of them.

Theeyeofthepotato2026-01-04 19:09

Fillings falling out of homemade low-effort sandwiches is so real, I feel seen

This anime is going to play catch with my heart isn't it?

ElliotAlderson20242026-01-04 19:22

My early pick for 2026 AOTY. Atmosphere-wise, it's like 'A Silent Voice' if a TV series was made.

Ok_Law2192026-01-04 19:22

I'm calling it right now: This is the anime of the season.

Smudy2026-01-04 19:29

Screams quality from everywhere, the source, the subtle yet effective direction, the music from Kensuke Ushio.

Sure gave me a lump in my throat for the whole runtime. This will be a healing process to watch.

coffeecakesupernova2026-01-04 19:29

Wow that hit home. This is a beautiful exploration of grief and moving on with life.

Ocixo2026-01-04 19:37

Makio is messy, sometimes grumpy and a bit awkward.

Yet she couldn’t leave Asa alone. Makio took it upon herself to become the guardian of this 15-year old girl who she barely knows.

In fact, Makio is actually very sweet. She was notably attentive of Asa’s needs.

Salty1452026-01-04 19:37

That cut on “Baby” had me dying

bloquer2026-01-04 19:58

licensing strikes again, I am happy they at least can mention the name instead of using a similar sounding name like Dustin Sleeper.

LeonKevlar2026-01-04 19:38

The first minute of this episode immediately sold me on this anime. Asa's beautiful singing voice, [Makio telling her to sing Justin Bieber instead](https://i.imgur.com/vOimvij.jpeg), and then [Asa trying to sing "Baby"](https://i.imgur.com/BvPnEPF.jpeg) before hard cutting to the next scene had me grinning from ear to ear. I knew this was going to be something special.

I just did not expect this [to start with the death of Asa's family.](https://i.imgur.com/j4azjqz.jpeg) I went in completely blind, so I thought this was going to be a lighthearted slice-of-life show, but it looks like this will be a lot more melancholic than I expected.

Man, I wish I had the same [IDGAF attitude as Makio.](https://i.imgur.com/irEuHWA.jpeg) She might look and act like a cold-hearted Ice Queen, [but her outburst during Asa's parents' funeral](https://i.imgur.com/efSXbKw.jpeg) shows she's the most caring person in that room. I don't know why, but that scene made me tear up. I also love how [Makio told Asa that she's taking her somewhere that serves real sushi.](https://i.imgur.com/dAMcjjU.jpeg) I absolutely love her already.

As for Asa, [she's still in the middle of processing everything that's happened](https://i.imgur.com/4mzf3TK.jpeg), but I hope Makio's idea of making her write a journal will help her overcome her grief. We surprisingly don't know much about her, despite this episode is about her parents' dying, so I'm looking forward to seeing her personality shine in future episodes.

eightcheesepizza2026-01-05 14:20

> I also love how [Makio told Asa that she's taking her somewhere that serves real sushi.](https://i.imgur.com/dAMcjjU.jpeg)

Not sure if I'm picking up on something or not, but I believe Makio shows her care with food first. When Makio first met Asa at the hospital, and when Asa wakes up at Makio's place for the first time, Makio's instinct is to ask herself what they should get to eat. So Makio rejecting the low-quality sushi is also her being appalled at the low-quality care from the other relatives, and resolving to provide genuine care.

bloquer2026-01-04 19:38

Going from a backside view of Makio writing to a cactus as the first image shown in the ED is sure a choice. Makio is very direct, to a degree that she may feel a bit thorny if you try to approach her. There is a reason Asa calls her the Queen of the Desert after all, the Queen of the loneliness. "I will not trample your feelings" is what Makio says. But going with "what people don't say", "please don't trample my own feelings in return" is perhaps what is not said by her.

Shimmering-Sky2026-01-04 19:39

- [“Bean bankrupt”, lol.](https://i.imgur.com/4dopwLJ.png) [](#kukuku2)

- [Boy isn’t *that* a mood.](https://i.imgur.com/5NZeuBS.png) [](#elves)

- The OP is nice! [](#listen)

- [Her sister wasn’t actually there, hm…](https://i.imgur.com/GavAsFY.png)

- [Oh… her sister’s one of the people who died in that accident…](https://i.imgur.com/srLyOZD.png)

- [Aha, that’s where the show title comes from!](https://i.imgur.com/wqSKKKE.png) [](#neat)

- [Okay that certainly explains where the “dry air advisory from Houston to tuna” came from](https://i.imgur.com/m7tppTz.png) because that threw me for a loop for a second. [](#hahahawhat)

- [Nice bedhead on Asa.](https://i.imgur.com/IJjkKz7.png) [](#kukuku2)

- [That *was* kinda funny ngl.](https://i.imgur.com/niPevVe.png) [](#kukuku)

- That transition from blank lines on a page into ripples of sand in the desert was *really* nice.

- [So *that’s* what Makio said that she apologized for earlier in the episode.](https://i.imgur.com/JFSn2HB.png) [](#emiliaohdear)

- Pretty chill ED, too. [](#kannathumbs)

ariane9132026-01-04 20:01

I'm glad someone else mentioned it. That transition from the lines to the sand was so smooth!

MrRoundDB2026-01-04 19:45

As a newcomer seiyuu, Fuko Mori's voice acting kind of gave me some Tomoyo Kurosawa vibes, especially with all the noises she was making in the episode.

Not bad.

joey_joestar12026-01-04 19:46

1 ep in and it's already my pick for non-sequel anime of the season

Queue_Jumping_Quack2026-01-04 19:48

A rare thing to see an adult drama anime with such good quality drawing and animation. I'm intrigued by the dynamic of Makio and Asa learning to live together as well, so definitely onboard with this.

ActsofMan2026-01-04 19:51

This was a great first episode! The art style fits the mood & theme so well, the music was beautiful, the animation was well done & the visual symbolism is on point.

Already got me teary eyed too. I loved when Makio had obviously had enough of the other family members at the funeral and put her foot down loudly and firmly to let Asa know she was the one who actually cared about her (in Makio's own way).

Also it had me smiling when Asa started drowning out the adults talking by inserting gibberish into the sentences.

Can't wait for next week's episode.

MayonakaMadaraka2026-01-04 20:02

Oiuchi.

superguy1332026-01-04 20:07

Production value is already way higher than I initially expected so I'm really optimistic about how good this will be.

pi8you2026-01-04 20:15

I expected this was gonna be good, but not that good, dang. Thoroughly impressed with it, and I can't wait for more.

Also, as an aside, Journal painting Asa's mental headspace as a desert following the death of her parents makes an interesting contrast to Hinako's ocean in This Monster Wants to Eat Me last season.

SYZekrom2026-01-04 20:21

This looks like it could be interesting.

zool7142026-01-04 20:22

Ngl I came for the human drama but the I’m hooked to the atmosphere that is like something from an iyashikei. Like there’s this soothing quiet despite the somber circumstance. Kinda like Days With My Stepsister

Also, the lined pages transition into the sands of the desert was genius

xhakami2026-01-04 20:39

woah this is good. not even just the story its trying to tell but more of how it's telling it. diving deep into the characters, akin to things like skip to loafer, also just a technically not really special story being good because of its characters.

Muffin-zetta2026-01-04 20:44

Finally some good fucking food

alpacamegafan2026-01-04 20:51

Beautiful opening. Makio has a strong introduction so far.

ExaminationNo91862026-01-04 21:20

In reading the blurbs on MAL, this is about one of the couple shows I am actually interested in, this winter season.

The pilot episode was really solid and looking forward to more.

Shadow_Ass2026-01-04 21:23

I loved how realistic this felt. Idk if it's the right description but for some reason their conversations felt so unscripted and realistic. And when the sausages slipped out of the bread was the most realistic moment lmao

djthomp2026-01-04 21:24

Incredible first episode. As packed was this season is this already feels like a strong AOTS contender.

I love how it started with Asa singing, that was such a nice touch. And Makio is perfect.

Fantastic soundtrack too, I didn't know ahead of time who it was but I instantly recognized it as the same person who did the music for Dangers.

karer3is2026-01-04 21:52

I'm looking forward to seeing how this series unfolds. I knew nothing about it before I watched it and it looks like it's going to be a good one.

Syokhan2026-01-04 21:56

I read the manga for this when the adaptation was announced but the good thing is I think I forgot pretty much everything about it, except that I really liked it. So watching this episode was kinda like discovering it anew, it was nice.

And I thought the transition from the empty lines in the diary to the desert was especially well done.

Forsaken-Life-67972026-01-04 22:02

Anyone know what the song in the first minute is called? I really liked it, but shazam cant seem to find.

bloquer2026-01-04 22:08

The song is the opening for this show, "Sonare (ソナーレ)" by TOMOO. I am not sure it is out yet.

Forsaken-Life-67972026-01-04 22:14

Thank you! Then i will have to wait.

Seeker40012026-01-04 22:04

I'm a big fan of the manga, one of my favorite literary works ever, and I couldn't be happier with this first episode.

Can anyone tell me the name of the song that Asa was singing? It sounds familiar...

bloquer2026-01-04 22:08

The song is the opening for this show, "Sonare (ソナーレ)" by TOMOO

Seeker40012026-01-04 22:10

Thanks, lol.

sbt42026-01-04 22:20

binged the manga after reading this anime's synopsis and loved it. first episode captures the feelings from the original just right

tripleaamin2026-01-04 22:33

This had me curious with Studio Shuka being behind it. Also, the director did notable work on "Natsume's Book of Friends Season 7".

I really loved how they structured the episode. So what we can gather is that Asa is the daughter of the sister that Maiko hated. I do love how Maiko says she can feel sad, but the contrast in her not feeling sad. It creates a stark feeling when Asa's aunt isn't sad. Though her recommendation of keeping a journal is sound because writing is a way to express yourself.

Though it is quite interesting how similar these two are. In fact, we see who Maiko's true self is when she is in her apartment. She isn't as composed as you would think an adult is. For Asa, she is shocked that her aunt can be hurt as well. More than likely she was brought up a certain way. It makes me wonder what exactly her relationship with her mother was. I don't think it was bad, but it has me curious.

One thing we can see is that Maiko will be honest with Asa. The funeral scene highlights that so well. Kind of the deal with family. Sure, the relationship between the two sisters is awful, but that doesn't have anything to do with Asa. Maiko's willingness to step up to take in Asa wins big points for me.

Though the final scene with the dessert was wonderful because it shows us that Asa is immensely lonely. Was her mother that important in her life, or was she always like this? But that loneliness is also what Maiko feels as well. It has me so intrigued what the impact of living together will have on these two.

SaltySpaniard2026-01-04 22:37

I was heavily anticipating this one and damn, it did deliver. I didn't expect it to be that soothing and gentle in its tone, since I expected more drama (more to some bits in March comes like a lion). Fortunately, I think it fits like a glove, with the events of the first episode fluttering forwards and backwards, and I expect the anime to continue delivering.

RehabCenterInc2026-01-04 22:57

That kensuke ushio piano hitting different these days

Dull_Spot_82132026-01-05 00:06

Yeah, this is going to be one of the best written shows this season. Josei adaptations never letting us down on that front. Thank you anime gods for delivering.

I like both leads and this is a fresh dynamic/relationship to explore. Already can tell we’re in good hands.

J_Linnea2026-01-05 00:19

Oh no, my tear ducts are going to be working hard! Reminds me of March Comes in Like a Lion.

CrimsonGear802026-01-05 00:33

"Fuck this dry-ass sushi, let's blow this joint!"

I'm in love

Psyduckisnotaduck2026-01-05 00:34

aaaagh, the onion ninjas came for me.

anyway, holy shit I could not have asked for a better adaptation of one of my favorite manga ever. The music, the voice acting, the direction & editing, the character design, the detailed and lived-in state of Makio's apartment...

The one thing I wondered about this adaptation is how it would justify itself, but now I have no worries because they have used the full capabilities of the medium to tell this story in an engaging and emotionally evocative way. Asa and Makio are vividly brought to life, and I couldn't be happier.

also gosh do I like the OP and ED a lot. visually the OP is mostly stills, but they're insanely gorgeous stills, edited together elegantly, and oh my gosh that song.

idk how it's possible for anything to top this for me this season.

yawnman2402026-01-05 02:37

Ahh, this was an interesting one. The slow panning sequence where the notepad lines became sand was incredibly creative. The score is sounding good so far. Looking forward to more, I hope we can see Makio's creative process as well.

A dose of melancholy like this every Sunday is soup for the soul, and the magic of seasonal anime is finding lighter gems alongside the moodier ones.

elite-alice12026-01-05 05:52

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