Anticipation for "Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia" continues to build as the anime, adapted from Tomato Soup's acclaimed "A Witch's Life in Mongol" manga, reveals a significant cast addition. The third promotional video announced Kujira will voice Boraqchin, Ögedei's first wife and the revered Empress of the Ögedei Ulus. This casting further enriches a series already celebrated for its intricate historical narrative.
Unveiling the Grand Narrative of Jaadugar
"Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia" transports viewers to the magnificent thirteenth century, specifically within the sprawling Yeke Mongol Ulus, an empire unparalleled in historical reach. The story centers on Fatima, a brilliant woman from Persia, renowned for advanced medical techniques and scientific knowledge. Driven by a desire to apply her expertise on a grand stage, Fatima finds herself within the opulent yet politically charged palace of the Mongols.
Her path crosses with Töregene, Ögedei's sixth wife, a powerful woman with complex feelings about the empire's direction. These two women become the central figures driving the palace's politics and shaping the world's destiny. The premise promises a narrative rich in intrigue, cultural clash, and the influence of extraordinary women.
Kujira as Boraqchin: A Regal Addition
Kujira's casting as Boraqchin is a significant development. As Ögedei's first wife and Empress, Boraqchin holds a crucial historical and hierarchical position, poised to influence the political landscape and interactions among characters like Fatima and Töregene. Kujira's seasoned talent promises to bring the necessary gravitas and authority to this regal figure, making her portrayal highly anticipated.
A Cast of Renowned Talents
The voice cast for "Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia" features a formidable ensemble of talent:
Miyu Irino as Shira Jun Saitō as Muhammad Akira Sekine as Shitara (Sitara) Houko Kuwashima as Fatima Ryōta Suzuki as Tolui Kenji Nojima as Jochi Ami Koshimizu as Töregene Hiro Shimono as Ögedei Daisuke Namikawa as Chagatai Mongolian sumo wrestler Ichirō Tamawashi as Genghis Khan Mongolian sumo wrestler Manpei Tamashōhō as Mongol Soldier Misaki Kuno as Sorghaghtani Ayaka Asai as Möge Mayumi Shintani as Kirgistani Akira Ishida as Dayir Inori Minase as Khulan Shōya Chiba as Kurtogan
This diverse cast, including Mongolian sumo wrestlers, highlights the production's commitment to authenticity.
Behind the Scenes: A Visionary Production Team
The production team behind "Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia" is equally stellar, ensuring a high-quality experience. Naoko Yamada, acclaimed for "The Heike Story" and "A Silent Voice," serves as chief director, bringing her distinctive artistic sensibility. Abel Góngora, known for "DAN DA DAN season 2," directs the anime at Science SARU.
Character designs are handled by Kenichi Yoshida, acclaimed for "Eureka Seven." Yoshida also serves as animation chief. Kanichi Katō, recognized for "Black Clover," oversees the series scripts, promising a compelling narrative. The evocative musical score is composed by Kōshirō Hino.
Additional key staff members include:
Technical Director Chief: Takuya Fujikura Art Director: Yuri Kabasawa Color Key Artist: Narumi Konno Compositing Director of Photography: Naoki Takahashi Editing: Kiyoshi Hirose Sound Director: Noriyoshi Konuma
This assembly of industry veterans speaks volumes about the ambition behind "Jaadugar."
Musical Journeys and Premiere Details
The auditory landscape of "Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia" is further enriched by its theme songs. SEKAI NO OWARI performs the opening theme song titled "Stella," while Queen Bee delivers the ending theme song, "Hoshi" (Star).
The anime premiered July 4 at 11:00 p.m. JST (10:00 a.m. EDT) on TV Asahi and its affiliated channels, with a one-hour special featuring the first two episodes. Crunchyroll streams the anime globally as it airs, and the English dub commenced streaming on July 18.
Before its TV debut, "Jaadugar" had special screenings, including a world premiere of the first three episodes on June 13 in Odaiba. It competed at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and had its U.S. premiere at Anime Expo on July 3, generating significant pre-release buzz.
The Acclaimed Source Material: A Witch's Life in Mongol
The anime's foundation lies in Tomato Soup's highly praised manga, "A Witch's Life in Mongol." The manga originally launched on Akita Shoten's Souffle website in September 2021 and has since seen six compiled book volumes published, with the latest released on July 15. Yen Press is actively releasing the manga in English.
The manga also began simultaneous publication in Akita Shoten's Mystery Bonita magazine in March 2025. Following a hiatus last summer for Tomato Soup's maternity leave, the manga returned on March 25.
The manga has received extensive critical acclaim. It topped Kono Manga ga Sugoi! 2023 rankings for female readers and ranked #11 in 2024. Nominated for the 16th Manga Taisho Awards in both 2023 and 2024, and for Best New Manga at the American Manga Awards, it recently won the grand prize in the Comic division of the 55th Japan Cartoonists Association Awards, cementing its critically acclaimed status.
The addition of Kujira as Boraqchin only amplifies the excitement for "Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia," promising a historical anime rich in drama, political intrigue, and unforgettable characters.
