The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Tomato Soup’s acclaimed manga, “A Witch’s Life in Mongol,” officially titled “Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia,” is slated for a 2026 premiere on TV Asahi Network stations in Japan. The announcement was accompanied by the unveiling of a teaser visual and trailer, offering fans a first look at the historical court drama.
Science SARU at the Helm
The anime project is being produced by the renowned animation studio Science SARU, known for its distinctive visual style and works such as “Devilman Crybaby” and “Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!”. The studio’s involvement has generated significant excitement among anime enthusiasts, promising a visually engaging adaptation of the award-winning manga.
A Glimpse into 13th-Century Mongolia
“Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia” transports viewers to the 13th century, amidst the vast Yeke Mongol Ulus, the largest empire the world had ever known. The narrative centers on Sitara, also known as Fatima, a former slave girl of Persian origin. Fatima, possessing advanced medical and scientific knowledge from Persia, seeks a platform to utilize her skills within the Mongolian palace.
Her path intertwines with Töregene, the sixth wife of Ögedei, the second Great Khan. Töregene harbors complex sentiments regarding the direction of the Mongolian Empire, and together, these two formidable women begin to challenge and disrupt the very foundations of imperial rule. The manga, which began serialization in September 2021 on Akita Shoten’s Souffle website, has garnered critical acclaim, topping the Kono Manga ga Sugoi! 2023 rankings for female readers and receiving nominations for the Manga Taisho Awards in both 2023 and 2024.
Teaser Visual and Creator’s Enthusiasm
While specific details about the visual were not extensively described in the search results beyond its unveiling, the release of a teaser trailer and a commemorative illustration by original author Tomato Soup marked the announcement. Tomato Soup expressed long-held aspirations for an anime adaptation of the Mongolian Empire’s history, stating, “Over 10 years ago, long before I began drawing A Witch’s Life in Mongol, I was fascinated by the history of the Mongolian Empire. I often thought, ‘I wish there were an anime like this.'” This personal connection underscores the passion behind the source material and its transition to the animated screen.
