The 19th episode of the popular anime series Witch Watch, titled “A Friend’s Letter” (or “Letter from a Friend”), offers a poignant blend of romantic comedy and supernatural revelation, delving deeper into the past of its central characters, Morihito Otogi and Nico Wakatsuki. Airing on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at 5:30 PM JST, this episode unpacks a long-standing mystery surrounding their relationship, introducing a magical twist to Morihito’s seemingly platonic feelings for Nico.
The Rediscovered Keepsake and Morihito’s Past
The episode opens with Morihito cleaning his room, leading to the discovery of a significant artifact from his childhood: a letter from Nico. In this heartfelt note, Nico, in her younger days, declared her eternal friendship with the words, “To Moi-chan, Nico will always, always be your friend.” Morihito’s recollection reveals the profound impact of this letter, which he kept pinned to his wall for approximately five years, drawing daily encouragement from it.
A somber undertone is introduced as Morihito departs alone to visit his mother’s grave, commemorating the anniversary of her passing. This solo journey emphasizes his stoic and protective nature, a key aspect of his character as Nico’s familiar and protector against a foretold calamity.
Unveiling the “Friendzone Curse” and Kotodama
While Morihito is away, the narrative shifts to the Otogi household, where Nico is joined by Kanshi, Keigo, Miharu, and Nemu Miyao. During their gathering, Nemu, a “Witch of Summon,” engages Nico in a conversation about Morihito’s past, leading Nico to share childhood memories of him. It is through these discussions that a startling revelation comes to light, particularly concerning Morihito’s lack of romantic reciprocation towards Nico.
The episode reveals that Nico’s childhood letter, rather than being a simple declaration of friendship, was inadvertently imbued with her magical power, specifically through the concept of “Kotodama” – the Japanese belief in the power of words. This magical inscription on the letter effectively functioned as a “friendzone curse,” preventing Morihito’s romantic feelings for Nico from developing beyond platonic affection. The daily exposure to these magically charged words, as Morihito looked at the letter pinned to his wall, solidified this magical barrier.
Nemu’s Insight and the Path Forward
Nemu, recognizing the unintended magical influence, advises the others to keep this discovery a secret from both Morihito and Nico. The rationale behind this caution is twofold: revealing the “curse” to Nico, even if unintentional, could push her towards darker magical tendencies, as a witch unknowingly harming a human is a serious taboo. Conversely, informing Morihito might lead him to inadvertently expose the situation, potentially causing further complications.
With this understanding, the group devises a subtle strategy: instead of direct intervention, they decide to encourage romantic developments between Nico and Morihito through indirect means. Their hope is that Morihito’s natural feelings will eventually grow strong enough to breach this magical “wall” and break the “friendzone curse.”
The Symbolic “Feelingram”
Adding a touch of characteristic Witch Watch humor and foreshadowing, the episode also features Nico attempting a “Feelingram” spell designed to gauge Morihito’s romantic sentiments towards her. After practicing the spell with amusing outcomes on others, Nico eventually casts it on Morihito. The result is two caterpillars, initially appearing to be a negative outcome for Nico’s romantic aspirations. However, the symbolism of caterpillars transforming into butterflies subtly hints at the potential for change and development in their relationship, suggesting that Morihito’s feelings, though currently “friend-like,” are capable of evolving.
Episode 19 of Witch Watch stands as a pivotal installment, not only providing comedic moments but also significant plot development by explaining a core dynamic of Nico and Morihito’s relationship and setting the stage for future romantic progression.
