The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Kenta Shinohara’s Witch Watch manga is set to bewitch audiences with a special theatrical release in North America on March 16, ahead of its April streaming debut on Crunchyroll and Netflix. This early premiere, courtesy of GKIDS, will showcase the first three episodes of the series, offering fans a sneak peek into the magical world of Witch Watch. The theatrical event, titled “Witch Watch: Watch Party,” will also feature exclusive interviews with the creators and cast, providing an in-depth look into the anime’s production and characters.
Early Theatrical Release and Streaming Platforms
The Witch Watch anime, produced by Bibury Animation Studios, is slated to begin streaming in April 2025. Both Crunchyroll and Netflix have secured streaming rights and will air the episodes as they are released in Japan. For fans in the US, the theatrical screening on March 16 offers an exciting opportunity to experience the first three episodes on the big screen before their streaming release. This theatrical release is not limited to North America, with GKIDS also planning screenings in Europe and Asia, with ADN and Aniplus hosting screenings as well.
Streaming Details
- Crunchyroll: Will stream the series in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, and CIS.
- Netflix: Will also stream the series, making it widely accessible to fans globally.
- Hulu: Will also stream the series in the US.
Storyline and Characters
Witch Watch is a fantasy romantic comedy manga series created by Kenta Shinohara, known for his previous works such as SKET Dance and Astra Lost in Space. The series, which began serialization in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump in February 2021, follows the story of Nico Wakatsuki, a teenage witch, and Morihito Otogi, her childhood friend who is secretly an ogre.
Plot Summary
After completing her magical training, Nico moves in with Morihito. Due to their families’ ancestral history, Morihito is destined to become Nico’s familiar, protecting her from harm. Nico, who harbors a long-time crush on Morihito, hopes that living together will help them become a couple. However, their daily lives are filled with unpredictable chaos caused by Nico’s magic and the various supernatural beings they encounter. The series is a blend of comedy, romance, and fantasy, promising a charming and entertaining experience.
Main Characters
- Nico Wakatsuki: A teenage witch voiced by Rina Kawaguchi. After completing her training, she moves back to her hometown, hoping to deepen her relationship with her childhood friend.
- Morihito Otogi: A human-looking ogre voiced by Ryota Suzuki, with superhuman strength. He is destined to become Nico’s familiar and protect her.
- Kanshi Kazamatsuri: Voiced by Kohei Amasaki
- Keigo Magami: Voiced by Kaito Ishikawa
- Nemu Miyao: Voiced by Tomori Kusunoki
- Yuri Makuwa: Voiced by Mikako Komatsu
- Kara Minami: Voiced by Rie Takahashi
- Kukumi Ureshino: Voiced by Konomi Kohara
- Tenryū Kiyomiya: Voiced by Yoshitsugu Matsuoka
Production Team
The Witch Watch anime boasts a talented production team.
- Director: Hiroshi Ikehata, known for his work on TONIKAWA: Over The Moon For You and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, is directing the series.
- Assistant Director: Masao Kawase.
- Series Composition: Deko Akao, who has worked on The Case Study of Vanitas and Komi Can’t Communicate, is in charge of the series scripts.
- Character Design: Haruko Iizuka, from Horimiya and Ensemble Stars! is responsible for the character designs.
- Music: Yukari Hashimoto (A Sign of Affection) is composing the music.
- Animation Studio: Bibury Animation Studios, known for their work on Magical Destroyers, is handling the animation.
- Art Direction: Ping Xue (Kusanagi)
- Sound Director: Fumiyuki Go
- Director of Photography: Hisashi Yonezawa
Manga Information
The Witch Watch manga has been serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump since February 8, 2021. As of January 2025, the manga has been compiled into twenty tankōbon volumes. It has gained a significant following, with over 1.1 million copies in circulation by November 2022.
Publication
- Japanese Publisher: Shueisha
- English Publisher: Viz Media
- Simulpub: Shueisha also simulpublishes the series in English for free on the Manga Plus app and website.
Synopsis from Viz Media
“Morihito Otogi’s family is descended from a long line of ogre familiars, and he has the inhuman strength to prove it. One day, his father comes to him with the life-changing news that he is to become the familiar of his childhood friend, the teenage witch Nico. He is to live under the same roof with her and protect her from anything and anyone that may attempt to harm her. Meanwhile, Nico is excited to get to live with the love of her life, even if her crush is one-sided—Morihito is so serious about his duties to protect her that any romance is going to be an uphill battle. But he has every reason to be serious, as Nico has a prophecy of doom hanging over her head!”
Additional Information
- The Witch Watch anime will run for two consecutive cours (quarters of a year) starting in April 2025.
- The anime will air on Sundays at 17:00 JST.
- The series is a blend of comedy, fantasy, and romance, with a focus on the interactions between Nico and Morihito.
- The manga was nominated for the seventh Next Manga Award and placed 10th out of 50.
The Witch Watch anime promises to be a delightful and entertaining addition to the Spring 2025 anime season, with its unique blend of magic, comedy, and romance. The early theatrical release and availability on major streaming platforms should ensure that it reaches a wide audience.
