Anime First Impression: Journal with Witch

It’s not often I’m at a loss for words after one episode but Journal with Witch managed to do just that. It tugged on my heartstrings in a painful way I wasn’t expecting, and yet still left me with an upbeat message. 

Official Summary

Reclusive novelist Makio Koudai has always preferred the company of books—but when her sister and brother-in-law pass away, Makio unexpectedly becomes the guardian of her 15-year-old niece, Asa Takumi. As they navigate grief, clashing personalities, and the challenges of living together, the two slowly open their hearts to each other, discovering warmth, understanding, and the meaning of family.

Quick Information

Release Date: January 5, 2026
Number of Episodes: 13
Genre: Drama, Slice of Life
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll

First Impression

After the unexpected death of her estranged sister and brother-in-law, Makio takes in her 15-year-old niece, Asa. Two almost strangers navigate the challenges of suddenly living together. 

Grief, loneliness, and words left unsaid are core themes throughout the first episode. Makio tells Asa at the funeral that her niece is allowed to experience her emotions at her own pace; Asa’s not “wrong” or “weird” to not know how to feel in the wake of her parents deaths. How we deal with tragedy and adversity is something uniquely ours. Two people experience the same situation but will be impacted in two different ways. Someone can’t ever fully know how you are feeling and what you are going through, but that doesn’t mean someone can’t empathize or comfort you in their own way.

The dialogue is where this show stands head and shoulders above others. The writer clearly knows in intricate detail about their subject and how to handle each of their characters. The characters feel real and vulnerable, like people you know or even the one staring back at you in the mirror.

Journal with Witch features beautiful animation which employs a metaphor and symbolism heavy style of story telling. There was a scene in the first episode where Asa is trying to write in her journal. She wants to write down her inner thoughts but she's struggling against the blank page. Instead the lines on the page transform into sand dunes before her. Overwhelmed by her loneliness, confusion, and emptiness, she’s unable to write anything. 

To top it all off, the anime’s soundtrack by Kensuke Ushio is moving and has such a melancholic weight to each score. This music compliments the story, amplifying the emotions depicted on screen. I’ve even started listening to the soundtrack after watching the episode since I enjoyed it that much.

Even though I’m only one episode in, I have a feeling Journal with Witch will become one of my favorite anime of all time. This show is cathartic and will tug at your heartstrings. While not all anime will be relatable to everyone, this story has something that anyone should be able to resonate with. So curl up with a soft blanket and don’t be afraid to bring a box of tissues with you when you watch Journal with Witch.