Witch Watch

Characters

Morihito Otogi

MAIN

Keigo Magami

MAIN

Kanshi Kazamatsuri

MAIN

Nico Wakatsuki

MAIN

Nemu Miyao

MAIN

Kara Minami

SUPPORTING

Burst

SUPPORTING

Ibuki Wakatsuki

SUPPORTING

Ryuuta Shippou

SUPPORTING

Arimoto Mugen Shishuu

SUPPORTING

Witch Watch Season 1: A Charming Blend of Magic, Comedy, and Heart

Witch Watch Season 1, which premiered on April 6, 2025, has cast a spell on anime fans with its delightful mix of fantasy, romantic comedy, and slice-of-life charm. Adapted from Kenta Shinohara’s popular manga, serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump since February 2021, the anime is brought to life by Bibury Animation Studios under the direction of Hiroshi Ikehata. With 26 episodes across two consecutive cours, Witch Watch has emerged as a standout in the Spring and Summer 2025 anime seasons, enchanting viewers with its whimsical storytelling and lovable characters. Available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Hulu, the series has garnered praise for its humor, heart, and magical mishaps. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes Witch Watch Season 1 a must-watch.

A Magical Premise with Heartfelt Roots

At its core, Witch Watch follows Nico Wakatsuki, a cheerful and impulsive teenage witch who has just completed six years of magical training. Returning to her hometown, Nico moves in with her childhood friend, Morihito Otogi, a serious high schooler with the strength of an ogre due to his family’s ancestral practice of Ogre Qigong. Nico, voiced by Rina Kawaguchi (Japanese) and Lily Ki (English), chooses Morihito as her familiar, a role he reluctantly accepts after learning a curse would transform him into a bizarre cow-tiger hybrid if he disobeys a witch’s orders. The catch? Nico’s mother, Ibuki, a “Witch of Premonition,” has foreseen a mysterious disaster looming over her daughter, and Morihito is tasked with protecting her.

The series kicks off with Nico and Morihito navigating their new life together under one roof at the Otogi household, blending domestic comedy with supernatural antics. Nico’s unrequited crush on Morihito, whom she affectionately calls “Moi,” adds a layer of romantic tension, though Morihito remains oblivious to her feelings, focusing instead on his protective duties. The contrast between Nico’s zany, magic-fueled impulsiveness and Morihito’s grounded, stoic demeanor sets the stage for hilarious and heartfelt moments.

Episodic Adventures with a Touch of Mystery

Witch Watch Season 1 is largely episodic, with each episode delivering self-contained stories that showcase Nico’s unpredictable magic and the duo’s high school life at Asunaro Private High School. From spells gone awry to quirky school events, the series thrives on its lighthearted, comedic tone. Notable episodes include Nico’s attempts to help classmates with her magic, often leading to chaotic results, and a field trip to the Lovers’ Tree at Mt. Futatsu, where Nico hopes to spark romance with Morihito.

While the show leans heavily on humor, it gradually introduces a larger magical mystery tied to the prophecy of doom. The arrival of Kanshi Kazamatsuri, a crow familiar voiced by Kōhei Amasaki, adds intrigue as he warns of an enemy within the school. Later episodes, such as “Dogs and Raindrops” (Episodes 11–12), delve into a darker subplot involving a witch named Nemu Miyao and a mysterious figure distributing “Drop” candy, which amplifies strength and aggression. These moments hint at a broader narrative, balancing the show’s comedic core with subtle stakes.

The series also shines in its character-driven subplots. For instance, Ms. Makuwa, a “cool-beauty” teacher and closet otaku, bonds with student Kukumi Ureshino over their shared love for the manga Uron Mirage, leading to heartfelt moments of acceptance and creativity. Other side characters, like the energetic child actress and “Witch of Summon” or the werewolf Keigo Magami, add depth and variety to the cast.

Stellar Production and Voice Cast

Bibury Animation Studios delivers vibrant visuals that capture the manga’s playful aesthetic. Character designs by Haruko Iizuka and music by Yukari Hashimoto enhance the show’s whimsical vibe, with YOASOBI’s opening theme earning praise for its catchy energy and stunning animation. The voice cast is a highlight, with Rina Kawaguchi and Ryōta Suzuki (Morihito) leading the Japanese dub, alongside talents like Mikako Komatsu (Yuri Makuwa), Konomi Kohara (Kukumi Ureshino), and Nana Mizuki in supporting roles. The English dub, produced by BangZoom Studios, features Lily Ki and Stephen Fu, bringing Nico and Morihito’s dynamic to life with charm and authenticity.

Themes of Friendship and Belonging

Beyond its magical hijinks, Witch Watch resonates with themes of friendship, identity, and community. Nico and Morihito, both from single-parent households, grapple with fitting into a world that might fear their unique traits—Nico’s witchcraft and Morihito’s ogre heritage. Their classmates in Class 3, however, embrace their quirks, fostering a sense of belonging. The show subtly explores how Nico’s desire to help others with her magic reflects her kindness, while Morihito’s protective nature underscores his loyalty. These themes, paired with slapstick comedy, create a feel-good experience that’s both relatable and uplifting.

Reception and Cultural Impact

Witch Watch has been a hit, topping NicoNico’s mid-term anime rankings in Spring 2025 based on views, comments, and engagement. Fans on platforms like X have praised its “tender and silly” characters and emotional beats, though some noted pacing issues in the episodic first cour. The series draws comparisons to Shinohara’s earlier works like Sket Dance and Astra Lost in Space, blending humor with touching moments, and includes nods to anime like Kiki’s Delivery Service and Demon Slayer. Its theatrical screenings in Asia (March 13) and North America (March 16) via GKIDS, ahead of its streaming debut, further boosted its hype.

Where to Watch and What’s Next

Witch Watch Season 1 is available on Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu, and select Amazon channels, with new episodes dropping every Sunday. The series will conclude its 26-episode run in September 2025, and with the manga’s ongoing success (3 million copies in circulation by February 2025), fans are hopeful for a second season.

Final Thoughts

Witch Watch Season 1 is a magical romp that balances zany comedy, heartfelt character moments, and a sprinkle of mystery. Its vibrant cast, charming animation, and relatable themes make it a perfect palette cleanser for fans of action-heavy anime or those seeking a lighthearted escape. While its episodic nature may feel uneven for some, the show’s infectious energy and growing narrative depth ensure it’s a spellbinding addition to the 2025 anime lineup. Whether you’re drawn to Nico’s clumsy witchcraft or Morihito’s steadfast loyalty, Witch Watch is a delightful journey worth taking.

Sources: Information compiled from web sources including Wikipedia, IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, Crunchyroll, Netflix, and posts on X.