Winter Anime “Ikokunikki” Drops Episode 1 Details and Sneak Peeks!
The winter anime “Ikokunikki” has just released the synopsis and a bunch of advance scene cuts for its very first episode, titled “Afureru” (Overflowing). Mark your calendars, because this heartwarming story begins its broadcast journey on January 4, 2026 (Sunday).
Advance scene cut from “Ikokunikki” episode 1.
The second key visual for “Ikokunikki”.
What’s “Ikokunikki” All About?
“Ikokunikki” (which can be translated as “Different Country Diary”) is a TV anime adaptation of the critically acclaimed manga by Yamashita Tomoko. The original series ran in Shodensha’s FEEL YOUNG magazine from 2017 to 2023, amassing over 1.8 million copies in sales. It tells the gently unfolding story of two very different people forced together by circumstance.
At its heart are Takashiro Makio, a shy, solitude-loving novelist, and her niece Takumi Asa, a straightforward 15-year-old girl who has just lost her parents. The anime will explore their tentative, awkward, but ultimately heartfelt cohabitation as they slowly bridge the gap between their isolated worlds.
Directed by Ooshiro Miyuki and animated by the studio Shuka, this series boasts a stellar voice cast. The award-winning source material—snagging spots like 4th in the Manga Taisho 2019 and 1st in da Vinci magazine’s 2023 comic rankings—has a dedicated fanbase, making this one of the season’s most anticipated adaptations.
Episode 1 Synopsis: “Afureru” (Overflowing)
A moment from the first episode.
The story begins with tragedy. After losing her parents in an accident, 15-year-old Takumi Asa finds herself at a funeral, where she is taken in by her aunt, Takashiro Makio.
Asa and Makio in their new living situation.
Makio is a recluse who cherishes her loneliness, while Asa is an honest girl wearing her heart on her sleeve. Thrown into an unexpected and clumsy living arrangement, these two opposites start navigating shared space. Despite their clashing personalities, they begin to touch each other’s hidden loneliness, slowly inching closer together.
Another glimpse into the start of their life together.
Episode 1 “Afureru” of the winter anime “Ikokunikki” will air starting January 4 (Sunday) on ABC Television, TOKYO MX, BS Asahi, and AT-X.
Meet the Creative Team and Voices
Here’s the talented group bringing “Ikokunikki” to life.
Staff
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Original Work | Yamashita Tomoko “Ikokunikki” (Shodensha FEEL COMICS) |
| Director | Ooshiro Miyuki |
| Composition / Script | Kiyasu Kouhei |
| Character Design / Animation Director | Hayama Kenji |
| Sub Character Design | Kawamura Toshie |
| Prop Design | Kano Miyako |
| Costume Design | Aizawa Kaede |
| Art | Takahashi Eriko |
| Color Design | Tanaka Miho |
| Photography | Namiki Tomo |
| Editing | Seki Kazuhiko |
| Sound Director | Omori Takahiro |
| Music | Ushio Kensuke |
| Animation Production | Shuka |
Cast
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Takashiro Makio | Sawashiro Miyuki |
| Takumi Asa | Mori Fuko |
| Kasamachi Shingo | Suwabe Junichi |
| Nara Emiri | Moroboshi Sumire |
| Daigo Nana | Matsui Eriko |
| Tonoo Kazunari | Kondo Takashi |
| Minori | Ohara Sayaka |
How and Where to Watch
Broadcast Info (Starting January 4, 2026):
- TOKYO MX: Every Sunday at 24:00 (Monday midnight)
- ABC Television: Every Sunday at 24:40 (Monday early morning)
- BS Asahi: Every Sunday at 23:00
- AT-X: Every Monday at 22:30 (with repeats on Wednesdays at 10:30 and Fridays at 16:30)
Streaming Info:
Fastest Simulcast: Episodes will be available for unlimited streaming on Prime Video every Sunday at 25:00 (Monday 1:00 AM), starting January 4.
Other Platforms (from January 9, every Friday at 25:00):
Unlimited Streaming Services: ABEMA, AnimeFesta, Bandai Channel, d Anime Store, DMM TV, FOD, Hulu, Lemino, J:COM STREAM, milplus, Ponta Pass, TELASA, U-NEXT.
Rental Services: Bandai Channel, Niconico Channel, Prime Video, Video Market, J:COM STREAM, milplus, TELASA.
Latest Episode Limited-Time Free Streams: ABEMA, R Channel, U-NEXT, Niconico Live.
Additional images from the advance cuts:
(C) Yamashita Tomoko, Shodensha / Anime “Ikokunikki” Production Committee
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