Koudai Makio (35), a novelist for young girls, is reunited at her sister's funeral with her niece, Takumi Asa (15), who has suddenly been left all alone in the world. Seeing Asa about to be shuffled around between relatives, Makio decides on impulse to take her in. However, the next day, she must face the consequences of that impulse: her own shy nature and preference for solitude. Her life, which never anticipated living with another person, begins to quietly but surely shift through living with Asa. Meanwhile, while bewildered by the sudden death of her parents, Asa begins to feel a sense of freshness in her life with Makio, a ”mysterious adult.” A shy writer and an innocent middle school student. Although the distance between them doesn't close easily, as they exchange words and share their daily lives, things change bit by bit—this is a gentle and powerful story that explores a form of ”family” unbound by blood ties or common sense.

”Journal with witch” does not depict the typical ”family restoration” or ”bonds through blood ties.” Rather, at the core of this story is the trust born out of ”mutual incomprehension” and an attitude of respecting others. Makio is by no means the type suited for child-rearing. Instead, her self-expression was limited to writing, and she thought minimal human relationships were sufficient. However, Asa's presence exceeds those boundaries. Direct questions, sometimes sharp observations, and pure curiosity. When touched by these, Makio realizes that she is not standing before Asa as an ”adult,” but facing her as ”one human being.” As a reader, this sense of distance is both frustrating and endearing. The stance of not forcing emotions but accepting each other's existence is what makes this work special.

As the story progresses, Asa becomes a high school student and gradually expands her world. While her realistic growth as a teenager—including adolescent struggles and relationships at school—is depicted, Makio also changes through her life with Asa. This is not simply a story of a ”caregiver/care receiver” duo with an age gap. Rather, the sight of both being imperfect and learning from each other leaves a strong impression. The way the emotional distance slowly closes through the changing seasons leaves a deep resonance with the reader.

”Journal with witch” is a quiet and plain story. There are no flashy developments or dramatic theater. However, that is exactly why it resonates. In our daily lives, we ponder the meaning of casual words or silences and encounter the difficulties of living with someone else. Makio and Asa's life stays close to that ”reality.” That is why there are emotions there that anyone can relate to. Building a relationship that can certainly be called ”family” without relying on blood ties, this work provides a perspective that is precisely what is needed for the times ahead.

”Journal with witch” is a work that gently, deeply, and quietly shakes the heart. Many readers have sympathized, cried, and been encouraged by the writing style that depicts ”what family is” and ”what it means to live with others” through the accumulation of daily life rather than flashy direction. You, too, will surely be reminded of a relationship with someone who is clumsy yet straightforward, just like Makio and Asa.