Anime fans, grab your spellbooks and get ready for a magical adventure! Kenta Shinohara’s popular manga, “Witch Watch”, is making its way to the big screen before its highly anticipated streaming release. GKIDS, known for bringing acclaimed animated films to North American audiences, is set to screen the first three episodes of the “Witch Watch” anime in theaters on March 16, 2025. This special theatrical premiere, dubbed “WITCH WATCH: WATCH PARTY,” will give fans an early look at the series and include exclusive interviews.
Following the theatrical event, “Witch Watch” will begin streaming globally in April 2025 on platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix. This highly anticipated adaptation of the Weekly Shonen Jump manga promises a delightful blend of fantasy, romance, and comedy.
A Whimsical Tale of Witches and Ogres
“Witch Watch” tells the story of Nico Wakatsuki, a witch-in-training, and Morihito Otogi, a high school student descended from a line of ogres. After completing her magical training, Nico moves in with Morihito, who is destined to become her familiar and protect her from a looming calamity.
The series follows their chaotic daily lives as Nico’s unpredictable magic leads to various troubles. While Nico is excited to live with her longtime crush, Morihito is serious about his duty to protect her, creating a unique dynamic filled with both humor and heartwarming moments. As they navigate supernatural hijinks and threats, their relationship evolves amidst the chaos.
Big Screen Magic: The Theatrical Premiere
GKIDS is bringing the first three episodes of “Witch Watch” to North American theaters for a special one-day event on March 16, 2025. This “WITCH WATCH: WATCH PARTY” offers fans a chance to experience the beginning of the anime adaptation on the big screen, weeks before its streaming debut.
Adding to the excitement, the screenings will include exclusive interviews, providing insights into the production and creative process behind the series. This theatrical premiere is not just a screening; it’s an event designed to immerse fans in the world of “Witch Watch” and build anticipation for the full series release.
Streaming Soon: Crunchyroll and Netflix
For those unable to attend the theatrical premiere, “Witch Watch” will be available for streaming in April 2025. Crunchyroll and Netflix have both confirmed that they will stream the anime worldwide. This widespread availability ensures that fans across the globe can enjoy the magical comedy series.
The specific release dates and streaming schedules on each platform will be announced closer to the April premiere. Anime enthusiasts should check the official websites of Crunchyroll and Netflix for updates and further details.
The Creative Team Behind the Magic
The “Witch Watch” anime is brought to life by Bibury Animation Studios, known for their work on series like “The Quintessential Quintuplets.” The studio’s expertise in animation promises to deliver high-quality visuals and bring Kenta Shinohara’s manga to life.
The series is directed by Hiroshi Ikehata, who has previously worked on “TONIKAWA: Over The Moon For You” and “FLCL Progressive.” Ikehata’s direction is expected to capture the unique blend of comedy and fantasy that defines “Witch Watch.” Masao Kawase serves as the Assistant Director.
The series composition is handled by Deko Akao, known for their work on “The Case Study of Vanitas.” Akao’s expertise in crafting engaging narratives will ensure that the anime adaptation stays true to the manga’s spirit while adding its own flair.
Haruko Iizuka is responsible for the character designs, bringing the beloved characters of “Witch Watch” to the screen with a distinct and appealing visual style. Iizuka previously worked on “Horimiya.” The music is composed by Yukari Hashimoto, known for “A Sign of Affection,” adding a layer of auditory magic to the series.
The Voice Cast: Bringing Characters to Life
The “Witch Watch” anime features a talented voice cast, breathing life into the characters that fans have come to love in the manga.
- Rina Kawaguchi voices Nico Wakatsuki, the witch-in-training.
- Ryōta Suzuki voices Morihito Otogi, the ogre familiar.
- Tomori Kusunoki voices Nemu Miyao.
- Kōhei Amasaki voices Kanshi Kazamatsuri.
- Kaito Ishikawa voices Magami Keigo.
- Mikako Komatsu voices Yūri Makuwa.
- Konomi Kohara voices Kukumi Ureshino.
- Rie Takahashi voices Kara Minami.
- Yoshitsugu Matsuoka voices Tenryū Kiyomiya.
This cast of talented voice actors is expected to capture the personalities and quirks of each character, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
What to Expect: A Blend of Comedy, Romance, and Supernatural Hijinks
“Witch Watch” promises to be a delightful anime series that blends various genres into a unique and engaging experience. Fans can expect:
- Comedy: The series is known for its absurdist humor and comedic situations arising from Nico’s magical mishaps and the interactions between the characters.
- Romance: The budding romance between Nico and Morihito adds a heartwarming element to the story, as Nico tries to win over her crush while Morihito focuses on his duties.
- Supernatural Elements: Witches, ogres, and other supernatural beings populate the world of “Witch Watch,” creating a fantastical backdrop for the characters’ adventures.
- Slice of Life: The series also focuses on the daily lives of the characters, showcasing their friendships, school activities, and personal growth.
The Manga: A Shonen Jump Gem
The “Witch Watch” manga, written and illustrated by Kenta Shinohara, has been serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump since February 2021. The manga has gained popularity for its unique blend of comedy, romance, and supernatural elements, earning a dedicated fanbase.
As of January 2025, the manga has been collected into twenty tankōbon volumes. Viz Media licenses the manga in English, making it accessible to fans worldwide. The manga had over 1.1 million copies in circulation by November 2022.
GKIDS: Bringing Quality Animation to North America
GKIDS is a well-known name in the world of animation distribution. The company specializes in distributing high-quality, artist-driven animation from around the world. GKIDS has a track record of bringing acclaimed films to North American audiences.
In February 2025, GKIDS will release “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-“ in North American theaters. This collaboration between EVANGELION creator Hideaki Anno’s Studio Khara and Sunrise promises to be a major event for anime fans. GKIDS also acquired North American theatrical rights for the film.
By distributing “Witch Watch” and “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-“, GKIDS continues to solidify its position as a key player in bringing diverse and engaging animated content to North American audiences.
Get Ready to Watch
With a theatrical premiere on March 16 and streaming release in April, “Witch Watch” is poised to become one of the most talked-about anime series of 2025. The combination of a talented creative team, a unique storyline, and widespread availability ensures that fans around the world will have the opportunity to experience the magic of “Witch Watch.”
