Hiroshi Ikehata directs the Jump manga adaptation at Bilbury Animation Studios
brand-new trailer for the upcoming WITCH WATCH anime was released at the Jump Festa 2025 stage event for the magical comedy series, revealing the anime will air on Sundays at 17:00 JST for two continuous cours starting in April 2025. Four more cast members were also confirmed.
WITCH WATCH Anime Trailer
The WITCH WATCH anime’s cast list is now as follows:
- Nico Wakatsuki voiced by Rina Kawaguchi (Quan in Kizuna no Allele)
- Morihito Otogi voiced by Ryota Suzuki (Ryusei in Dr. STONE)
- Kanshi Kazamatsuri voiced by Kohei Amasaki (Will in Wistoria: Wand and Sword)
- Keigo Magami voiced by Kaito Ishikawa (Naofumi in The Rising of the Shield Hero)
- Nemu Miyao voiced by Tomori Kusunoki (Shizuka in Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead)
- Yuri Makuwa voiced by Mikako Komatsu (Maki in JUJUTSU KAISEN)
- Kara Minami voiced by Rie Takahashi (Yuzuriha in Hell’s Paradise)
- Kukumi Ureshino voiced by Konomi Kohara (Chika in Kaguya-sama: Love is War)
- Tenryu Kiyomiya voiced by Yoshitsugu Matsuoka (Futaro in The Quintessential Quinuplets)
RELATED: WITCH WATCH Anime Adaptation Officially Announced for April 2025
Based on the manga by Kenta Shinohara (SKET Dance), Hiroshi Ikehata (TONIKAWA: Over The Moon For You) directs the WITCH WATCH anime at Bilbury Animation Studios, with series composition by Deko Akao (The Case Study of Vanitas), character designs by Haruko Iizuka (Horimiya) and music by Yukari Hashimoto (A Sign of Affection).
Story of Witch Watch Anime
Witch Watch is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kenta Shinohara, serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump since February 2021. While there is no official anime adaptation announced as of now, the manga’s popularity and unique premise make it a strong candidate for an eventual adaptation. Here’s an overview of the story:
Plot Overview
The story follows Morihito “Moi” Otogi, a stoic and strong teenager who is secretly an ogre, and his childhood friend, Nico Wakatsuki, an enthusiastic and somewhat clumsy witch. After training abroad, Nico returns home and informs Moi that she has been assigned a familiar—a magical servant—to protect her. That familiar is none other than Moi himself.
Together, they navigate the challenges of their unusual arrangement, dealing with Nico’s chaotic magic, Moi’s duty to protect her, and the various supernatural beings and threats that cross their path.
Main Characters
- Nico Wakatsuki:
- A bubbly, optimistic young witch whose spells often lead to hilarious or disastrous consequences.
- She harbors a crush on Moi and struggles to express her feelings while dealing with her clumsy magical mishaps.
- Morihito “Moi” Otogi:
- A serious and responsible ogre tasked with protecting Nico.
- Despite his stoic demeanor, he deeply cares for Nico and often acts as the straight man to her antics.
- Kanshi Kazamatsuri:
- A cheerful and mischievous tengu (a type of yokai) who befriends Nico and Moi.
- He adds comic relief and assists in various magical and supernatural situations.
- Other Supporting Characters:
- A colorful cast of supernatural beings, classmates, and rival witches who bring humor, drama, and action to the story.
Key Themes
- Friendship and Romance:
- The heart of the story is the evolving relationship between Nico and Moi, blending romantic tension with deep friendship.
- Their interactions are filled with comedic misunderstandings and heartfelt moments.
- Magic and Supernatural Adventures:
- Each chapter introduces new magical spells, supernatural beings, or humorous situations, keeping the narrative fresh and entertaining.
- The series combines episodic comedy with overarching plotlines involving witch lore and magical threats.
- Coming-of-Age:
- Both Nico and Moi grow as individuals, learning to navigate their responsibilities, emotions, and relationships.
- Comedy and Chaos:
- The series excels at lighthearted humor, often stemming from Nico’s magical blunders or the interactions between its quirky characters.
Why Fans Love It
- Lighthearted Tone:
- The blend of supernatural elements with slice-of-life comedy creates a fun and engaging experience.
- Relatable Characters:
- Despite their supernatural traits, the characters’ emotions, struggles, and relationships are relatable and endearing.
- Creative World-Building:
- The series incorporates a mix of traditional witchcraft and Japanese folklore, offering a unique take on the magical genre.
- Beautiful Artwork:
- Kenta Shinohara’s art brings the characters and their world to life with expressive designs and detailed settings.
Potential Anime Appeal
If adapted into an anime, Witch Watch could become a hit due to:
- Its mix of humor, action, and heartfelt moments.
- Its vibrant cast of characters and magical antics.
- Its episodic yet plot-driven structure, making it accessible for casual viewers while rewarding for dedicated fans.
Conclusion
Witch Watch is a charming blend of supernatural comedy, magic, and romance that has captured the hearts of manga readers. With its endearing characters, whimsical storytelling, and emotional depth, it’s a delightful series that would translate well into an anime format.