The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Tomato Soup's "A Witch's Life in Mongol," officially titled "Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia," is gearing up for its grand debut. Fans now have a concrete premiere date, an exciting new promotional video, a captivating main visual, and a stellar lineup of additional voice cast members. Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich historical fantasy of the Mongol Empire this summer!
Jaadugar Anime Premieres July 4
Mark your calendars! "Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia" will officially premiere on July 4 at 11:00 p.m. JST (10:00 a.m. EDT). The series will launch with a special one-hour premiere featuring its first two episodes, airing on TV Asahi and 23 of its affiliated channels, as well as on BS Asahi within the "IMAnimation W" programming block. Before its official broadcast, the anime will have a world premiere screening of its first three episodes on June 13 at United Cinemas Aqua City Odaiba. Additionally, the anime will screen in competition at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France. For North American fans, Anime Expo will host the U.S. premiere screening on July 3, with Chief Director Naoko Yamada and Director Abel Góngora in attendance.
Star-Studded Voice Cast Expands
The latest announcement brings a formidable roster of talent to the "Jaadugar" cast. Joining the adventure are:
- Kenji Nojima as Jochi, the eldest son of Emperor Genghis Khan
- Ami Koshimizu as Töregene, Ögedei's sixth wife with deep-seated animosity towards the Mongol Empire
- Hiro Shimono as Ögedei, the third son of Emperor Genghis Khan
- Daisuke Namikawa as Chagatai, the second son of Emperor Genghis Khan
These esteemed voice actors join the previously announced main cast, which includes Miyu Irino as Shira, Jun Saitō as Muhammad, Akira Sekine as Shitara (Sitara), Houko Kuwashima as Fatima, and Ryōta Suzuki as Tolui. The combination of these talented performers promises an unforgettable auditory experience.
SEKAI NO OWARI Delivers Opening Theme
The second promotional video for "Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia" not only offered a glimpse into the anime's stunning visuals but also unveiled the opening theme song: "Stella" by the popular band SEKAI NO OWARI. Known for their unique sound and captivating melodies, SEKAI NO OWARI is set to provide an evocative backdrop to the series' intricate narrative, drawing viewers deeper into Fatima's journey.
A Glimpse into the Mongol Empire
Yen Press, the English publisher of the manga, describes the story as set in the thirteenth century within Yeke Mongol Ulus, the vast Mongol Empire. The protagonist, Fatima, hails from Persia, a land renowned for its advanced medical and scientific knowledge. Driven by a desire to apply her expertise, Fatima arrives at the Mongols' palace. There, she falls under the patronage of Töregene, Ögedei's influential sixth wife, a powerful woman with complex sentiments regarding the empire's direction. The dynamic between these two extraordinary women will become a pivotal force shaping the politics of the palace and, ultimately, the world.
Behind the Scenes Talent
The anime is being brought to life by a highly skilled team. Naoko Yamada, celebrated for her work on "The Heike Story" and "A Silent Voice," serves as chief director. Abel Góngora, known for "DAN DA DAN season 2" and "Scott Pilgrim Takes Off," is directing the anime at Science SARU. Kenichi Yoshida, recognized for "Eureka Seven," handles character design and animation chief duties, while Kanichi Katō oversees the series scripts. Kōshirō Hino is composing the music. The newly announced staff members further bolster this team, including Takuya Fujikura as Technical Director Chief, Yuri Kabasawa as Art Director, Narumi Konno as Color Key Artist, Naoki Takahashi as Compositing Director of Photography, Kiyoshi Hirose for Editing, and Noriyoshi Konuma as Sound Director.
Manga Acclaim and Availability
Tomato Soup's original manga, "A Witch's Life in Mongol," launched on Akita Shoten's Souffle website in September 2021 and has garnered significant critical acclaim. It topped the Kono Manga ga Sugoi! 2023 rankings for female readers and ranked #11 in the 2024 rankings. The manga has been nominated for the prestigious Manga Taisho Awards multiple times and recently won the grand prize in the Comic division of the 55th Japan Cartoonists Association Awards. Yen Press is releasing the manga in English, allowing international readers to dive into this captivating historical fantasy. The manga recently returned from a hiatus for Tomato Soup's maternity leave, much to the delight of its dedicated fanbase.
With a compelling story, an exceptional production team, and a star-studded cast, "Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia" is poised to be one of the most exciting anime releases of the summer. Prepare to be enchanted by this tale of intrigue, science, and power within the magnificent Mongol Empire!
