2026 starts strong with a great lineup of new and returning anime shows. Popular series like Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Jujutsu Kaisen, Hell’s Paradise, Fire Force, and My Hero Academia: Vigilantes are continuing with new seasons. Alongside these favorites, fresh anime like Sentenced to Be a Hero and You and I Are Polar Opposites are already generating buzz. And in addition to the usual action-packed Shōnen titles, Crunchyroll has also released Journal the Witch, a quiet and engaging Josei drama.
This anime is adapted from a popular manga by Tomoko Yamashita, the creator of The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window. Journal of the Witch is a feel-good series, perfect for when you need a break from fast-paced, action-packed shows. The original manga ran from 2017 to 2023 and became popular in Japan for its focus on personal development and the unique relationship between an aunt and her niece. Despite the title, it’s not a typical fantasy; the ‘witch’ represents how the characters feel different from others, rather than actual magical abilities.
What Is The Plot of Journal the Witch?
The novel centers on Makio Kodai, a 35-year-old writer who had a strained relationship with her older sister, Minori, because they were very different people. Minori often criticized Makio for not fitting in, so Makio wasn’t deeply saddened when Minori and her husband died in a car accident. Years later, Makio unexpectedly reconnects with her 15-year-old niece, Asa, and feels sympathy for the loss she’s experiencing. Seeing Asa struggle with grief, Makio suggests she try journaling as a way to cope with her feelings.
Asa is left without anyone to care for her when her relatives all decline to take her in. Makio, a woman who has always kept to herself and focused solely on her work, surprisingly decides to bring Asa home. An unlikely connection forms between them as they adjust to living together and navigate their futures. The story feels authentic because it honestly depicts the challenges people face, making it easy to connect with the characters. Currently, two episodes are available on Crunchyroll, with new episodes released every Sunday at 7:30 a.m. PT.
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2026-01-16 05:40