Journal with Witch Anime Review Detail 2026

In a landscape often dominated by high-stakes shonen battles and world-ending stakes, sometimes the soul just craves a quiet corner, a bubbling cauldron, and a story that feels like a warm cup of herbal tea. Enter Journal with Witch (or Majo no Nikki), the breakout “comfy” anime that has been casting a spell on fans of the iyashikei (healing) genre.

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If you’re looking for an anime that prioritizes atmosphere, character growth, and the quiet beauty of a magical everyday life, this might be your next obsession. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into why this series is trending, its unique take on magic systems, and whether it deserves a spot on your seasonal watchlist.

1. Is Journal with Witch Worth Watching?

Yes, it is absolutely worth watching, but only if you aren’t expecting a literal fantasy about witches. Despite the localized title, this is not a show about magic spells or cauldrons. It is a grounded, “healing” drama (iyashikei) that explores the “strange land” of living with a stranger. Here is the breakdown to help you decide:

What Makes it Special?

• The Emotional Weight: The story follows Asa, a 15-year-old who loses her parents in a car accident, and her estranged aunt Makio, a reclusive novelist who takes her in. It is widely praised for having the most realistic depiction of grief in years—showing it not as constant crying, but as a “murky, clumsy self-realization.”
• The “Anti-Melodrama” Approach: Unlike many dramas, it avoids forced “big” moments. It finds its power in the quiet, awkward tension of two people trying to share a kitchen, or the realization that you can love someone you didn’t actually like (as is the case with Makio and her late sister).
• Production Value: It features a score by Kensuke Ushio (Chainsaw Man, A Silent Voice), which uses minimalist, experimental sounds to capture the characters’ internal “desert” of loneliness. The animation by Studio Shuka is soft, utilizing watercolor-like palettes and cluttered, lived-in backgrounds.

You Will Love It If…

• You enjoy slow-burn character studies like March Comes in Like a Lion or Natsume’s Book of Friends.
• You appreciate mature, adult perspectives. Makio is a 30-something woman who acts like a real adult—she’s messy, easily flustered by authority, and has her own complex life outside of being a guardian.
• You want something meditative. It’s the kind of show you watch with a warm drink when you want to feel seen rather than just entertained.

You Might Skip It If…

• The Title Misled You: If you’re looking for Harry Potter or Witch Hat Atelier, you’ll be disappointed. The “Witch” in the title is more of a metaphor for Makio’s “otherness” and reclusive nature.
• You Hate Slow Pacing: Some episodes focus entirely on the mundane—like the rising cost of groceries or the difficulty of starting a journal entry.

2. Who is the Main Character in Journal with Witch?

Journal with Witch (also known as Ikoku Nikki) features two central main characters whose relationship anchors the story:

• Asa Takumi: A 15-year-old high school student who is taken in by her aunt after her parents pass away in a car accident. She is described as friendly, straightforward, and someone who thrives on social interaction, though she struggles with the deep loneliness and grief caused by her loss.
• Makio Kōdai: Asa’s 35-year-old aunt and a reclusive novelist. She is socially awkward, prefers solitude, and had a strained relationship with Asa’s mother. Despite her lack of experience and “unadult-like” lifestyle, she becomes Asa’s guardian and suggests she keep the journal that gives the series its name.

3. Journal with Witch Plot Summary

In short, Journal with Witch (Ikoku Nikki) is a masterclass in the “slice-of-life” genre that prioritizes emotional honesty over magical spectacle. By swapping wands for pens and spells for difficult conversations, it offers a refreshing, mature look at how two strangers—bound by blood but separated by personality—learn to build a home together. It is the perfect watch for anyone seeking a story that honors the complexities of grief and the quiet beauty of found family.