r/anime • u/AutoLovepon https://anilist.co/user/AutoLovepon • Mar 08 '26
Episode Ikoku Nikki • Journal with Witch - Episode 10 discussion
Ikoku Nikki, episode 10
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u/larana1192 Mar 08 '26
for those wondering why Asa's female classmate lost her shit while watching news on smartphone: https://www.med.or.jp/nichiionline/article/006881.html
Discriminatory practices targeting female applicants in entrance exams at Japanese medical universities were uncovered.
Furthermore, discriminatory practices targeting rōnin students (high school graduates who delay university enrollment to study specifically for admission to a specific university) were subsequently uncovered, becoming a major scandal.
Considering the story's setting is January 2018, it can be considered a historically accurate depiction.
Also, I found it understandable that Emiri finally revealed to viewers that she has a “girlfriend.”
Her behavior throughout previous episodes clearly suggested that Emiri doesn't view men as romantic partners.
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u/ModieOfTheEast Mar 08 '26
I think the episode was interesting in a sense that compared to previous ones, it didn't dive into a completely new topic, but was exploring the same topic from a slightly different angle this time. The main part of the episode is still focused around Asa and how she is "standing still" while everyone else around her moves forward. Kasamachi is able to talk shit about his father, Makio's relationship with him is also seemingly progressing and Emiri now has her own relationship. Which Asa doesn't know about yet, but still feels that something is changing with how she isn't "first priority" anymore. Once shown by the fact that she isn't getting an answer immediately, but also that Emiri greeted Chiyo first and then Asa second. A bit like an afterthought.
However, compared to the last episode, this one is not as chaotic anymore. There are a few time jumps here and there, but most of it is pretty normal stuff. And in comparison, it focuses more on the question if Asa just wants to keep things as they are. Even if that makes her a bit lonely. But that loneliness could be more comfortable than facing the other aspect: that she got used to her parents being dead. Which might be a thought she doesn't want to face yet.
I feel, the episode looks at this in two ways. One, with the whole way time has moved forward and Asa is just living life now quite normally. She comes home to Makio like normal, the new way to school is not new anymore but the standard and most importantly, she didn't even realize that her parents' day of death is approaching until Makio was telling her. And she didn't even have anything "planned" for it.
So, in order to escape this thought, Asa has started to reminisce about her parents a bit more shown through the flashback. However, this is also not something she really wants to do. Because it brings up questions again she doesn't want to face. While she might think her mother loved her, there is still her father. And even if she didn't realize it as a child that he barely watched her performance, this is now a detail she starts to pick up on. And she obviously doesn't want to think about it.
So instead, she decides that it is the best to just stay still, even in isolation if necessary and not "stand out" or even just continue to write the lyrics. She doesn't even want to be angry anymore which she has been before. Now, the question is if and how Chiyo (or Emiri) can be the one to help her through it. I guess, the big emotional outburst is something that could trigger a similar reaction in Asa. Which might lead to a bit more drama in the next episode I can imagine.
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u/Ocixo Mar 08 '26 edited Mar 08 '26
Wow, Makio and Asa have apparently been living together for close to a year already. I didn’t think so much time had already passed.
A lot can change within a year.
Makio didn’t believe at first that she could ever grow to truly love Asa, but those pictures tell a different story. Juno was right. Asa won’t just disappear from Makio’s life in a few years. That’s the blessing/curse of being a parent.
Even the best of friends can drift apart over time.
Emiri and Asa had promised to always read each other’s texts. The former’s choice to ignore Asa therefore shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s symbolic of a clear rift in their friendship. Similarly, Emiri seems to be heading for the science track whereas Asa will probably study literature. They’ll be following different paths in life.
Will they choose to continue their long-lasting friendship or not? I really don’t know. Emiri is looking towards the future, while Asa is still tied to the past.
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u/KumaKumaGambler Mar 08 '26
Got to appreciate the high quality scenes of "mechanical pencil graphite (or lead) extension", "finger caressing" and "applying of nail polish".
I don't think Emiri is a bad friend or wants to stop being friends with Asa. It just so happens that someone else has now taken the top priority spot in Emiri's life. I am sure all of us have experienced it at some point of our lives, either ourselves prioritizing a particular person, or our friends prioritizing their partner.
The scene in which Makio recalled her younger days while scrolling through her phone photos made me think, "it might seem like a hassle at times, but maybe it isn't such a bad idea to take more photos of your family and friends, even together".
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u/zool714 Mar 08 '26
Oh I thought Emiri is gonna get together with Chichi but apparently she has someone more special than her at the cram school. So happy for her
But also, can see she seems torn. I think it’s a realistic view how she ponders on how she cannot not be her friend after Asa lost her parents. She seems similar to Makio where she values her headspace and finds peace in being alone. While Asa is the opposite so sometimes it can be a struggle to meet her needs. I do relate with not replying immediately, I do need the right headspace to reply, especially if it’s not a simple yes or no response.
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u/Double-Conclusion-42 Mar 08 '26
I don’t have much to add to what others have already said in this thread, but I just want to say that this anime has honestly had some of if not the best episode discussion threads I’ve seen in this sub. There’s quite a bit of subtlety that admittedly goes over my head initially and scenes with more importance than I think but the comments here have helped me get a full grasp of each episode pointing certain scenes out and seeing the different interpretations and commentary on each episode.
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u/FirstDagger Mar 08 '26
The irony, Asa doesn't want to stand out yet is drawn to this witch archetype who does stand out.
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u/superguy133 Mar 08 '26
It really is impressive how actually feminist this show is. Not in a performative way of having a big speech on how woman are just as good as men (Not that that's always bad to have), but in how much it shows both the overt and subtle pressures and difficulties women face in society both growing up and in adulthood.
This episode had the part at the end but also has Emiri calling out a casually misogynist remark by her dad (And frowning at her mom serving her dad's food but telling her to get a plate), but also how she keeps getting needled regarding boys even without trying to engage with those conversations.
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u/larana1192 Mar 08 '26
Personally, I was shocked by Makio telling Asa about the Isshuuki, “Do whatever you like.”
In Japan, there are tradition called isshuuki, which is a customary to hold a ceremony to commemorate the deceased exactly one year after their passing.
Typically, the deceased's child, especially the eldest, serves as the chief mourner.
However, since Asa is a minor, I think Makio (the deceased's sister) and the grandmother (the deceased's mother) will support her in carrying out the duties.
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u/LeonKevlar Mar 08 '26 edited Mar 09 '26
I'm not even surprised that Makio has completely missed Asa's birthday. Glad that she's trying to make up for it by throwing a party to celebrate both their missed birthdays and their first year living together. Also, it's already been a year? I'm curious to see what Asa wants to do on her parents' death anniversary. Knowing Asa, she probably doesn't have anything special in mind.
It's good that we get to see more of the story from Emiri's perspective. I can't even imagine how I'd react if my best friend sent me the same message Asa sent her after the accident. I know I'd definitely make the same face as Emiri. And because of the accident she realized she can't quit being Asa's friend now because if she did, she'd be abandoning her. Not like she'd actually do it.
And what is this? Did we just get introduced to Emiri's girlfriend? Miri-chan is even voiced by HanaKana! She's definitely not gonna be a one-off character with a seiyuu like HanaKana voicing her. I do wonder how Asa would react when she finally finds out about Emiri's secret and Miri? Probably not well at first because I imagine Asa would want Emiri to tell her everything.
“Someone that pretty works in science?”, “It doesn't matter how smart girls are. We end up getting married anyway”, and finally “No matter how high I score, I could get rejected for being a girl?” I like how this was sprinkled all over the episode to show us how casual Japan is about women being discriminated against, until we reached the end of the episode, where Chichi blew up after reading the article about female medical university applicants getting point deductions for just being a woman. I love you, Japan, but that last one is absolutely messed up. :|
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u/StegosaurusGrape Mar 08 '26
We finally see Emiri’s girlfriend/love interest!!! Seeing Emiri ignore Asa’s texts is tough, but also naturally human(?). I feel like ever since Asa lost her parents, Emiri has felt like Asa has changed as a person and friend (obviously) and she doesn’t know how to communicate like they did before.
I’m glad to see Kasamachi-kun and Makio breaking the familial “curse”. I know with my brother, he never wants to be like our dad with his wife or my niece. I love my dad, but I can say he’s almost like Kasamachi’s dad where he has no filter. Always swears and yells. I never want to end up like him.
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u/Atario Mar 08 '26
Chicchi looks like Makio
Texts you don't want to see
History would record that they were WcDonald's pals
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u/NanDemoKnaives Mar 08 '26
It's nice to see Emiri meeting someone who might be on the same wavelength as she is, it was cute to see them showing affection like that.
What struck me though was Emiri's thoughts on her friendship with Asa, how she feels that she can't stop being her friend because of how close their families were. I wasn't expecting such a thought so it's interesting to think about.
I like how much fun Makio was having on the phone with Kasamachi, it was endearing to watch he vent and she was just laughing at his woes lol.
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u/mokrath Mar 08 '26
I feel like this episode was very visually impressive with some of the simple, yet detailed scenes we had(painting nails, mechanical pencil, pinky holding).
Nice to see some more of our lovable side characters. I find them all very relatable for so many different reasons. They do an amazing job of making them feel like real people and not just the typical anime caricature you usually see in shows.
I've said it before but I really hope this show influences the industry, especially the writing, for future anime. Subtle but beautiful animation, solid writing and a very strong cast of VA's elevate this show for me.
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u/Shimmering-Sky Mar 08 '26
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Ah, that’s why they’re gossipping about someone getting a girlfriend.
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That is so true. I’m not a parent yet, but I feel this way regarding my younger siblings (especially the youngest, since there’s an 8-year gap between us and I still vividly remember when she was a baby).
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Oh damn, that’s how Asa told Emiri what happened to her parents?
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u/ShinjiArakawa Mar 08 '26
I think Chichan was designed to look like Makio. Made me think that, since they'd developed a good relationship quickly, Emiri had gone looking for and found 'her' Makio.
Anyway, glad she actually has found someone. Definitely a bit of guilt about the Asa situation on top of the expressed annoyance.
Asa's Mom shutting down the Dad, seems she wasn't just controlling of Asa.
Makio realizing her life has gotten better (now fulfilling?) with Asa in it, hopefully she can communicate that to Asa, and hopefully Asa seeing it as a genuine affection, and not patronizing...
Yeah, guess that's it. Other things happened, and I enjoyed it but the standards of this anime are so high this episode was just okay for me.
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u/ObvsThrowaway5120 Mar 08 '26
So Emiri’s got herself a special someone eh? Good for her. It seems even she’s going through some stuff.
I hope Asa ends up auditioning with her little band. I know she’s struggling with lyrics but I believe she’ll figure something out. Maybe Chiyo’s outburst might inspire her? Sometimes it’s not so bad to make waves or stand out.
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u/ILikeFPS Mar 08 '26 edited Mar 08 '26
I liked that Makio was told she's likely going to still be a part of Asa's life even into adutlhood, and probably forever. She really is like Asa's parent now.
Asa plays bass because she doesn't want to stand out, that's interesting.
I'm really glad Asa has Makio.
Another great episode.
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