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Jan 4, 4:08 PM

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Jul 2021
11616
The character design is so plain.
*:・゚✧*:・゚✧May the winds of change transform you entirely.*:・゚✧*:・゚✧
Jan 4, 4:24 PM

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Apr 2016
138
I think they depicted the loss of another close one perfectly. You just feel fucking empty. Looking forward to see this whole series animated.
Jan 4, 4:45 PM
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Dec 2021
9
AtkinsSJ said:
StephieRose2003 said:
Where are you guys watching this on? Crunchyroll, HiDive, or what streaming platform?

Crunchyroll for me. It's sub only currently at least.

I have Crunchyroll & I watch in both sub & dub but I can’t find it on Crunchyroll…😭
Jan 4, 5:06 PM
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Sep 2024
190
StephieRose2003 said:
AtkinsSJ said:

Crunchyroll for me. It's sub only currently at least.

I have Crunchyroll & I watch in both sub & dub but I can’t find it on Crunchyroll…😭

It's possible it might not be available for streaming in your area for some reason?
Jan 4, 5:39 PM

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Nov 2010
2045
  • This show seems a variation of Usagi Drop for now. Though I don't think the show has yuri ending.
  • The part I like most is the transition from lines on a notebook to a desert.
  • 盥:tarai, tub. Of course, the girl reminded the word from the situation "tarai mawashi (rounds)" that she was put. 盥 consists of image "水/water between 𦥑/hands over a 皿/dish" according to the Net. This is just my guess, the word also described the situation: "I will be the tub to receive your tears dropping between your fingers".
kuroneko99Jan 4, 7:08 PM
Jan 4, 5:53 PM
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Jul 2024
5754
Reply to StephieRose2003
Where are you guys watching this on? Crunchyroll, HiDive, or what streaming platform?
@StephieRose2003 I watched it on Crunchy, however, it took looking at their Release Calendar to find it.
Jan 4, 6:03 PM
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Dec 2021
9
amentet said:
StephieRose2003 said:

I have Crunchyroll & I watch in both sub & dub but I can’t find it on Crunchyroll…😭

It's possible it might not be available for streaming in your area for some reason?

Where are you watching it from? I’m in NC.
Jan 4, 6:36 PM
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Dec 2017
28
Everything about this anime pleased me - I identified with both characters and their relationship with society. The artwork was outstanding and the story is something I'll become invested in. Really good stuff this, I hope the rest of the story is as good as ep.1.
Jan 4, 6:36 PM
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Feb 2020
3
Reply to HD600-Enjoyer
What is the song being sang in the first couple minutes ? I must know
@HD600-Enjoyer it was The opening song...
Jan 4, 7:24 PM
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Dec 2022
2777
a JOSEI anime that tackles grief, loneliness, healing, and bonding between a woman and her niece? now that's not something you see every day. and I'm all for it. good grief. they really should adapt more josei into anime.
this is what I love.
I like the animation and I'm already loving Asa and Makio.
definitely up my alley.
looking forward to more.
Jan 4, 7:37 PM

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May 2020
155
This might be a hit? Idek but I will be on a look out for more episodes. Not new to the josei demographic animes, so this should be fun.

10/10 opening, and 10/10 episode with great character introduction. Not much of a deep thinker, so I am not gonna say much until I rewatch with full attention.

TOP SHOWS THIS WINTER SEASON
HIGH HOPES BEFORE THEY START
1. Frieren Season 2
2. Oshi no Ko Season 3
3. JJK season 3?
4. Medalist 2nd Season 2

Jan 4, 7:40 PM
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Feb 2024
1041
That was a really powerful first episode, I love how it's exploring grief through the journal and the visualization of the desert and the paper people as Asa disassociates. At the same time the show isn't too heavy on the angst which makes it fairly easy to get through. This might be the stand out of the season.
Jan 4, 8:14 PM

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Apr 2012
446
I can already tell this show is going to make me cry, and I am so here for it.

BRING IT ON, JOURNAL WITH WITCH!!!
Jan 4, 8:30 PM

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Feb 2021
65
This show will either be an absolute banger or some contrived bullshit and there’s no in-between.
Jan 4, 8:32 PM
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Feb 2023
237
Heavy start with operasoap story
Jan 4, 9:39 PM
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Feb 2020
1
its very early on so we'll see where it goes, but it feels like the industries actaully trying to write good stories again, after a few years of just mid, hoping for the best here
Jan 4, 10:01 PM
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Oct 2010
413
This was just absolutely lovely from beginning to end.

Some pretty heavy subject matter but also got a few chuckles at things like Asa's nonsense filter so she didn't have to listen to the horrible family drama, her reaction to the sheer disaster area Maki lives in, or the entire breakfast scene.

First show of the season that is going on my definitely watching list.
Jan 4, 10:17 PM

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Feb 2023
202
Pretty interesting beginning, I'm looking forward to the season. The aunt seems cold and asocial, yet she is a novelist. Ive always thought that great writers should have a deeper understanding of humanity, but maybe that's possible while still having a difficult personality.
Jan 4, 10:25 PM
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Apr 2023
252
i don't think I've ever been as impressed by an SoL from the first second.
The whole episode was a masterpiece in sound, voice acting, direction, animation, etc and also layed the foundation for a possibly very interesting story.

After "Sentenced to be a Hero's" bombastic first episode and all the sequels and hyped up new anime yet to come, this season is looking to be epic.


wish they relied more on the visuals telling the story rather than narrating over them though.
Suprgamr123Jan 4, 10:29 PM
Jan 4, 10:37 PM
Offline
Apr 2023
252
Marinate1016 said:
Peak Josei is back on the menu boys, wow. I am just absolutely blown away by this one. This is the EXACT sort of A24-esque style of anime that I love. These understated, melancholic stories with realistic characters and seiyuu performances that just take you on a journey with the characters as they grow. There’s something so genuine and fragile here with Makio and Asa that you don’t get in many anime and I will cherish it every single week.

There’s just something so beautiful about these two broken, socially awkward, likely autistic characters coming together and helping one another heal from their trauma and grief. Makio might say she hated her sister, but clearly there was more at play there that I’m excited to learn about. On the other hand, I love how they portrayed Asa’s existence as being lost in a desert without water now that both her parents have been taken from her. Imagine just waking up one day and your entire world is gone and flipped upside down, being lost in a desert is a perfect description for that. Despite all of that, Asa has stayed respectful and tries to support her aunt. I’m sure there’ll be many bumps on this road because both our leads have so much pain.. but I’m ready to cry along with them as they work through them.

The premiere’s full of amazing moments, but none better than Makio pledging her unyielding support and care for her niece in the faces of all the family members talking shit about her. I KNEW I recognized my goat Ushio Kensuke from the start of the episode but holy shit the OST during that scene is immaculate. It seems like he’s going back to his Koe no Katachi sound here which I’m really excited for because that’s his peak to me. That scene really struck a chord with me because Japanese people tend to be extremely passive and hide how they’re feeling, but Makio says fuck that and straight up tells everyone they can go to hell. No wonder she hated her family if they’re like that.

Really good start, I’m extremely excited about this one!!

"likely autistic" feels like jumping the gun. But still probably some kind neurodivergent.
Jan 4, 10:38 PM
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Sep 2024
190
StephieRose2003 said:
amentet said:

It's possible it might not be available for streaming in your area for some reason?

Where are you watching it from? I’m in NC.

Also the US east coast, so it seems like the issue isn't location-based availability.

Does a direct link help?
https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GT00365571/journal-with-witch?utm_medium=android&utm_source=share
Jan 4, 10:44 PM

Offline
Feb 2019
12348
Suprgamr123 said:
Marinate1016 said:
Peak Josei is back on the menu boys, wow. I am just absolutely blown away by this one. This is the EXACT sort of A24-esque style of anime that I love. These understated, melancholic stories with realistic characters and seiyuu performances that just take you on a journey with the characters as they grow. There’s something so genuine and fragile here with Makio and Asa that you don’t get in many anime and I will cherish it every single week.

There’s just something so beautiful about these two broken, socially awkward, likely autistic characters coming together and helping one another heal from their trauma and grief. Makio might say she hated her sister, but clearly there was more at play there that I’m excited to learn about. On the other hand, I love how they portrayed Asa’s existence as being lost in a desert without water now that both her parents have been taken from her. Imagine just waking up one day and your entire world is gone and flipped upside down, being lost in a desert is a perfect description for that. Despite all of that, Asa has stayed respectful and tries to support her aunt. I’m sure there’ll be many bumps on this road because both our leads have so much pain.. but I’m ready to cry along with them as they work through them.

The premiere’s full of amazing moments, but none better than Makio pledging her unyielding support and care for her niece in the faces of all the family members talking shit about her. I KNEW I recognized my goat Ushio Kensuke from the start of the episode but holy shit the OST during that scene is immaculate. It seems like he’s going back to his Koe no Katachi sound here which I’m really excited for because that’s his peak to me. That scene really struck a chord with me because Japanese people tend to be extremely passive and hide how they’re feeling, but Makio says fuck that and straight up tells everyone they can go to hell. No wonder she hated her family if they’re like that.

Really good start, I’m extremely excited about this one!!

"likely autistic" feels like jumping the gun. But still probably some kind neurodivergent.

I’m confused. Did I make a definitive statement or did I not say likely?
Jan 4, 10:59 PM
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Jan 2017
640
Put the kids to bed, it's time for some adult anime.
There are no saturated colors and cliche' high school dialog. No fights starting with powerful energy blasts colliding with magic symbols.
Just a teenage girl who seems to be nearly mute. Has she always been this way? Or is it the shock of her parents being killed in an accident? And an aunt who doesn't give a f*&k about anything but writing and staying away from the platitudes and hypocrisies of "normal" people.
This story is water in the desert after seeing a few other "new" anime for 2026.
Dreadogastus_FJan 4, 11:07 PM
Jan 4, 11:09 PM
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Apr 2023
252
Marinate1016 said:
Suprgamr123 said:

"likely autistic" feels like jumping the gun. But still probably some kind neurodivergent.

I’m confused. Did I make a definitive statement or did I not say likely?

"likely" implies a very high chance.
Jan 4, 11:43 PM

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Oct 2011
262
Oh, I'm gonna love this one. Fantastic first episode.
I've heard a lot of positive things about manga, and I read a few chapters back in the day.
It seems to be mainly concerned with emotions and relationships between people, both of the characters are portrayed so realistically! I can't wait to be destroyed and cry a river.
The visual aspects are also phenomenal, the lines of journal turning into sand, the characters becoming just shapes, and, although not a visual, how the family started speaking gibberish because Asa tuned out of reality!
There seemed to be a lot of easy to spot symbolism, like the desert or wolf, I wonder if there is gonna be (or already is) some more complex symbols, that won't be so easy to notice.
Miyuki Sawashiro fits so perfectly as Makio.
Jan 5, 12:31 AM

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Sep 2018
5858
That journal to desert scene transition was absolutely amazing
Jan 5, 12:43 AM
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Oct 2012
160
That was absolutely wonderful. So much charm, character, and sincerity.
Jan 5, 12:53 AM

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Dec 2022
28
this anime is gonna make my cry isnt it
Jan 5, 1:58 AM
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Mar 2017
6
Amazing, this is the show after years apart I can tell is truly something different and unique. I'm already falling in love with that peculiar woman, she's true to herself, if im not mistaken this is based on a Light Novel as well, music is great, animation is great, but most importantly the delivery from the voice actors and how its portrayed most importantly awakes my soul.
Jan 5, 2:39 AM

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Mar 2021
254
It's a yes for me.

It's too early to call this the gem of the season, but.. I think this might end up being top 3 of the season for me (Non sequels)
Respectfully ofc

Jan 5, 3:13 AM

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Nov 2020
1235
Surprised to find that Asa was actually singing the op. The dynamics between Asa and Makio is so beautiful and profound. Makio just speaks her mind without caring about what others might think and she later regrets about half of what she said 'cause it might have been rude. She started to take care of her niece even when Makio hated her sister so much.

Asa is still unable to process her parents' dead and is stranded in a lonely desert. Makio looks like she has been in solitude and they both have each other now to navigate through this lonely desert that is their life.

Miyuki Sawashiro's voice is perfect for Makio and I can't believe that this is Asa's voice actor's first role. Her voice is so good.
Studio Shuka always delivers when it comes to these kind of silent yet profound shows.

This is gonna be the sleeper hit of this season.
Jan 5, 4:40 AM
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Jan 2023
114
love this already
Jan 5, 4:49 AM

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Nov 2013
7715
Sleeper of the season I suppose. NGL this hooked me more than the flashy "sentenced to be a hero" anime. I know, completely different genres and stuff, but that's how you know animation alone is not enough. Characters and their interactions feel so genuine. As I've checked manga for this is complete and not too many chapters, so I guess we get full adaptation? Having a complete story is already a huge + as well.
Jan 5, 5:08 AM

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Mar 2013
2158
Okay so maybe I'm too sensitive, but this made me tear up towards the end. Seeing a kid going through different stages of grief it's always going to be a tough watch.
Jan 5, 5:41 AM
Jan 5, 5:59 AM

Offline
May 2015
2720
Reply to Marinate1016
Peak Josei is back on the menu boys, wow. I am just absolutely blown away by this one. This is the EXACT sort of A24-esque style of anime that I love. These understated, melancholic stories with realistic characters and seiyuu performances that just take you on a journey with the characters as they grow. There’s something so genuine and fragile here with Makio and Asa that you don’t get in many anime and I will cherish it every single week.

There’s just something so beautiful about these two broken, socially awkward, likely autistic characters coming together and helping one another heal from their trauma and grief. Makio might say she hated her sister, but clearly there was more at play there that I’m excited to learn about. On the other hand, I love how they portrayed Asa’s existence as being lost in a desert without water now that both her parents have been taken from her. Imagine just waking up one day and your entire world is gone and flipped upside down, being lost in a desert is a perfect description for that. Despite all of that, Asa has stayed respectful and tries to support her aunt. I’m sure there’ll be many bumps on this road because both our leads have so much pain.. but I’m ready to cry along with them as they work through them.

The premiere’s full of amazing moments, but none better than Makio pledging her unyielding support and care for her niece in the faces of all the family members talking shit about her. I KNEW I recognized my goat Ushio Kensuke from the start of the episode but holy shit the OST during that scene is immaculate. It seems like he’s going back to his Koe no Katachi sound here which I’m really excited for because that’s his peak to me. That scene really struck a chord with me because Japanese people tend to be extremely passive and hide how they’re feeling, but Makio says fuck that and straight up tells everyone they can go to hell. No wonder she hated her family if they’re like that.

Really good start, I’m extremely excited about this one!!
@Marinate1016 having read the manga, I can tell you nobody's autistic. Just stop
Jan 5, 6:23 AM
Offline
Sep 2019
105
Reply to billybub
I knew that Kensuke Ushio did the music for this before even looking it up,total Liz to Aoi Tori vibes. Been waiting for this one, now even more reason to watch.
@billybub
billybub said:
Kensuke Ushio


he is the goat actually
Jan 5, 6:25 AM

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Dec 2025
27
Loved every single second of this!
Hope there would be more animes like this. Not everything needs to be overly kawaii & unrealistic.
Can't wait for the next episode.
Jan 5, 6:46 AM
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Apr 2022
1710
not really into slice of life, hope it's good
Jan 5, 7:16 AM
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Feb 2016
5
This was beautiful, I hope the quality remains the same for the next episodes.
Jan 5, 7:54 AM

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Apr 2008
1408
Wow, this took me by surprise. Absolutely loved everything about this season premiere! Others have summed up better than I could, especially Shadow_Master_T and deltahalo241
nehnehnejiJan 5, 7:57 AM
Jan 5, 7:56 AM
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Aug 2019
6
I really love how this anime shows emotions! We humans are complicated beings with complicated feelings, and the show really shows that. I really look forward to seeing how the anime is going to develop!
Jan 5, 7:59 AM

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Jul 2021
489
I dig that opening and the ending is also quite good

I thought this would be a comedy but we going deep, I'm in the trenches on, there's no going back
“There are only two types of people in the world--those who became otaku and those who didn't--and the latter just can't understand what the former is so excited about."--Ono Norihiro



Jan 5, 8:01 AM

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Jul 2025
126
It feels like a melancholic show with mature approach to serious topics. And since the winter gloom is getting to me it feels like the perfect choice to watch this season.

I like the way they animate character expressions. Makio is quite aloof, while Asa is disconnected from the world as a result of her loss. Neither of them are particularly expressive, but subtle emotions do show in their eyes, which helps to connect with the characters.

The nonlinear storytelling in the episode was an interesting choice that helped portray the confusion Asa feels about the death of her parents.
Jan 5, 8:06 AM

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Oct 2023
2043
Definitely a series that will do well under studio Shuka. Expecting to catch similar vibe with Yuzuki Family's Four Sons, but nope, it's completely different.
Jan 5, 9:53 AM

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Dec 2024
152
First of all, “Damn, bitch, you live like this?” This anime looks so promising. I’ve seen a lot of people saying this was so peak. I like the concept of it. I kinda seem to relate with the situation. I’m sure I’ll enjoy this.
Jan 5, 10:26 AM
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Dec 2024
9
loved it.Took me be by total surprise this is first in a while when I watched the first episode of a anime and Iam like awsome wonderfull.I can't even remember when was the last time i felt like this.Also i think animation suits the vibe of anime really looking forward to next after episode
Jan 5, 10:52 AM

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Jan 2021
520
This was such a great first episode, and I’m really looking forward to seeing where it goes from here. The OP and ED both sounded really nice, and the character designs are gorgeous, especially with that watercolor style. I’m curious to see how Asa and Makio’s story develops.

Seeing Asa lose her mother was really sad, and Makio’s reaction—or lack of care, and even seeming dislike—made things feel really grounded. For me, they felt like real people, not your typical anime characters. It’s kind of hard to explain, but that’s the vibe I got from it.

A solid 8/10 first episode.
Jan 5, 11:22 AM

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May 2018
12658
Those characters are weird I like them.
Also Miyuki Sawashiro kills it.

The denial phase after a paradigm shift trauma is pretty accurately depicted.
Jan 5, 11:22 AM

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Jul 2011
406
It was ok so far. I'll wait for next episodes.
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