The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Kenta Shinohara’s manga series, ‘Witch Watch’, has cast a spell of excitement with the release of its first official trailers. Both Crunchyroll and Netflix have unveiled identical trailers, giving fans a taste of the magical rom-com that awaits. This simultaneous release across multiple platforms is a rare event, promising widespread access to the series when it premieres.
A Magical Mishap Awaits
The trailers offer a glimpse into the series’ plot, showcasing a blend of humor, romance, and a dash of supernatural action. The story revolves around Morihito Otogi, a high school student descended from a lineage of ogres, who leads a normal life until his childhood friend, Nico Wakatsuki, a witch-in-training, moves in with him. Nico chooses Morihito to be her familiar, a decision that leads to a series of comical and chaotic events.
While Nico is ecstatic to be reunited with her childhood crush, Morihito is tasked with the perilous job of protecting her from a looming calamity. This setup promises a blend of lighthearted moments and dramatic turns, true to the source material’s style. The trailers highlight the vibrant animation style of Bibury Animation Studios, known for their work on series like “Magical Destroyers” and “The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You.”
Synopsis
Crunchyroll provides a detailed synopsis in the description box of their YouTube trailer:
Morihito Otogi, a high school student with ogre lineage, enjoys a peaceful, ordinary life until his childhood friend, Nico, a witch-in-training, moves in and chooses him to be her familiar. While Nico is thrilled to be reunited with her old friend, who is also her crush, Morihito is tasked with protecting her from a foretold calamity. This sets the stage for a fantastical journey filled with magical mishaps and budding romance.
Release Details
The ‘Witch Watch’ anime is scheduled to premiere in April 2025 on both Crunchyroll and Netflix, marking a rare simulcast arrangement. However, North American fans will have an opportunity to watch the first three episodes ahead of the official release. GKIDS will screen the episodes in select North American theaters starting March 16, 2025. This theatrical premiere will include exclusive interviews with the creators and cast, offering a deeper insight into the anime’s magical world.
The series will air in Japan on Sundays at 17:00 JST for two consecutive cours, indicating a substantial run for the adaptation. This provides ample opportunity to explore the various facets of the narrative and delve deeper into the characters’ journeys.
Streaming & Theatrical Premiere
- Theatrical Premiere: First three episodes in select North American theaters on March 16, 2025 (GKIDS).
- Streaming Premiere: April 2025 on both Crunchyroll and Netflix.
- Japanese Broadcast: Sundays at 17:00 JST for two consecutive cours (starting April 2025).
Characters and Cast
The anime boasts a talented voice cast:
- Rina Kawaguchi as Nico Wakatsuki
- Ryota Suzuki as Morihito Otogi
- Kaito Ishikawa as Keigo Magami
- Kōhei Amasaki as Kanshi Kazamatsuri
- Konomi Kohara as Kukumi Ureshino
- Mikako Komatsu as Yūri Makuwa
- Rie Takahashi as Kara Minami
- Tomori Kusunoki as Nemu Miyao
- Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Tenryū Kiyomiya
Production Team
The anime is brought to life by a skilled team:
- Director: Hiroshi Ikehata
- Series Composition: Deko Akao
- Music: Yukari Hashimoto
- Character Design: Haruko Iizuka
- Art Director: Ping Xue (Kusanagi)
- Sound Director: Fumiyuki Go
- Animation Production: Bibury Animation Studios
Story Overview
The manga, written and illustrated by Kenta Shinohara, has been serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump since February 2021. As of January 2025, it has been compiled into twenty tankōbon volumes and boasts a circulation of over 1.1 million copies.
The story centers on Nico Wakatsuki, a teenage witch, who moves in with her childhood friend, Morihito Otogi, who is a human-looking ogre. Due to their families’ history, Morihito is to become Nico’s familiar and protector. Nico hopes this living arrangement will blossom into a romantic relationship, as she harbors a long-time crush on him.
As they navigate their daily lives, they encounter various supernatural beings and face unpredictable challenges stemming from Nico’s magic. This blend of fantastical elements and everyday high school life makes for a charming and engaging narrative. The series promises a unique twist on the typical magical girl genre, blending it with the humor and heart of a romantic comedy.
Manga Background
The “Witch Watch” manga has garnered significant attention, praised for its unique blend of fantasy, romance, and comedy. The creator, Kenta Shinohara, is also known for his previous work, “Astra Lost in Space.”
The manga tells the story of two childhood friends. One being a witch named Nico and the other an ogre named Moi. Despite being an ogre, Moi appears in human form, but when he needs to use his strength, his monster powers come to the forefront.
What to Expect
Fans can look forward to a vibrant and engaging anime adaptation that stays true to the spirit of the original manga. The blend of magical antics, romantic tension, and comedic situations promises a delightful viewing experience.
The simultaneous streaming on both Crunchyroll and Netflix ensures that the series will be easily accessible to a wide audience. The early theatrical release provides an additional incentive for eager fans to dive into the world of “Witch Watch” ahead of its global streaming premiere.
With its compelling characters, unique storyline, and high production values, “Witch Watch” is poised to become a standout anime series in 2025. The dual trailer release has only fueled the excitement, setting the stage for a magical journey that is sure to captivate audiences worldwide.
