Inklore has probably brought the most shocking license announcement at Anime Expo 2026.
During their “What’s New From Inklore” panel at Anime Expo, the publishing imprint revealed that it had licensed Ikoku Nikki in English. This was one of many fans’ mostly highly anticipated announcement at the con ever since another publisher accidentally revealed in a now deleted reply that another publisher had already licensed the beloved manga.
Written and illustrated by Tomoko Yamashita, Ikoku Nikki follows a reclusive novelist named Makio Kodai who takes in her orphaned niece. Their personalities clash with Makio keeping to herself and Asa having an outgoing nature but as the days pass, they soon find ways to live together as Asa works through her grief and Makio tries to break out of her introverted shell.
“I am so happy to announce the English-language version of Ikoku Nikki!” Yamashita said in a statement at the panel. “I am delighted and excited that this story, which I poured my heart into creating, will now reach even more people.”
An anime adaptation, produced by Shuka with Miyuki Oshiro helming the series as the director, launched in January this year and contains 13 episodes. The anime received overwhelmingly positive reception with the story and writing praised for being heartbreakingly honest and human. The adaptation won the 63rd Galaxy Award Encouragement Prize and Galaxy Monthly Award – TV Category (March 2026) in the television category.
Ikoku Nikki will release in summer 2027.
Source: Inklore
