The Spring 2025 anime season has officially been charmed, thanks to the highly anticipated premiere of Witch Watch. Based on the popular manga series by Kenta Shinohara, the anime adaptation has been generating buzz for its unique blend of fantasy, romantic comedy, and slice-of-life elements. The first episode has now aired, offering viewers a glimpse into the magical world Shinohara has created. But does the series premiere live up to the hype? Let’s delve into the enchanting world of Witch Watch and see what makes it tick.
A Whimsical World of Witches and Ogres
Witch Watch tells the story of Nico Wakatsuki, a teenage witch who has just completed six years of rigorous magical training. Eager to put her skills to use, Nico returns to her childhood home and reunites with Morihito Otogi, a childhood friend with a secret of his own – he’s descended from a line of ogres, granting him immense strength and resilience.
As fate would have it (and perhaps a bit of ancestral history), Morihito is destined to become Nico’s familiar, tasked with protecting her from any harm that may come her way. The arrangement also serves a more personal purpose for Nico, who harbors a long-standing crush on the stoic Morihito and hopes that living together will bring them closer.
However, their cohabitation is far from ordinary. Nico’s magic often leads to unpredictable and chaotic situations, and a prophecy looms over her, foretelling a great disaster within a year. As Morihito juggles his duties as her protector and familiar, he must also navigate the trials and tribulations of high school life, all while keeping Nico’s identity a secret.
Episode 1: A Promising Start
The premiere episode, titled “Witch’s Return,” introduces the core premise and characters, setting the stage for the adventures to come. We witness Nico’s return home, her eagerness to showcase her magical abilities, and the reveal of Morihito’s role as her familiar. The episode also hints at the prophecy that hangs over Nico, adding a layer of intrigue to their seemingly lighthearted dynamic.
Highlights of the Premiere:
- Character Introductions: The episode effectively introduces Nico and Morihito, establishing their personalities and their unique relationship. Nico’s bubbly and somewhat clumsy nature contrasts well with Morihito’s serious and responsible demeanor.
- World-Building: The premiere provides a glimpse into the world of Witch Watch, where witches, ogres, and other supernatural beings exist alongside ordinary humans. The integration of magic into everyday life creates a sense of wonder and excitement.
- Comedy: The episode is filled with comedic moments, stemming from Nico’s magical mishaps and the awkwardness of their living situation. The humor is lighthearted and entertaining, making for an enjoyable viewing experience.
- Animation and Music: The animation, handled by Bibury Animation Studios, is visually appealing, with vibrant colors and smooth character animation. The opening theme song, “Watch Me!” by YOASOBI, is a catchy and upbeat tune that perfectly captures the series’ tone.
Points to Consider:
- Pacing: Some viewers might find the pacing of the first episode to be a bit rushed, as it attempts to establish a lot of information in a short amount of time.
- Character Development: While the premiere introduces the main characters, there is still room for further exploration of their personalities and motivations.
Critical Reception
The premiere of Witch Watch has garnered mixed reviews from critics. Some have praised the series for its charming characters, lighthearted comedy, and unique blend of genres. Others have noted that the first episode is a decent start, but nothing groundbreaking, lacking the immediate impact of instant classics.
- CBR notes that the premiere “nails down the basics of its blend of magical girl adventures and slice-of-life shenanigans,” but “fails to make a powerful and lasting first impression.”
- Anime Feminist appreciates the fresh feel of the premiere, highlighting the comedic plot and the dynamic between the main characters.
- Death’s Door Prods criticizes the premiere for its reliance on comedy, which they found to be ineffective, and the lack of a compelling plot.
Overall, the critical consensus seems to be that Witch Watch has potential, but it remains to be seen whether the series can live up to the hype in the long run.
Where to Watch
For viewers eager to dive into the world of Witch Watch, the series is available on several streaming platforms:
- Crunchyroll: Offers streaming of the latest episodes, often shortly after they air in Japan.
- Netflix: Streams the series globally, with dubbed versions in multiple languages available a few weeks after the initial release.
- Hulu: Provides access to the series for viewers in the United States.
Additionally, GKIDS organized special screenings of the first three episodes in select theaters, offering fans a chance to experience Witch Watch on the big screen.
Meet the Characters
Witch Watch boasts a colorful cast of characters, each with their own unique quirks and personalities:
- Nico Wakatsuki: A teenage witch with a kind heart and a desire to help people. However, her magical abilities are often unpredictable, leading to comedic mishaps. She is voiced by Rina Kawaguchi.
- Morihito Otogi: A descendant of ogres with incredible strength. He is serious, responsible, and tasked with protecting Nico as her familiar. He is voiced by Ryota Suzuki.
- Kanshi Kazamatsuri: A tengu (a Japanese mythical creature) who befriended Nico during her training. He is impulsive and has a knack for getting into trouble. He is voiced by Kohei Amasaki.
- Keigo Magami: Voiced by Kaito Ishikawa.
- Nemu Miyao: Voiced by Tomori Kusunoki.
Themes and Tropes
Witch Watch explores a variety of themes and tropes commonly found in anime and manga:
- Magical Girl: Nico’s journey as a witch aligns with the magical girl trope, featuring themes of friendship, self-discovery, and using magical powers for good.
- Romantic Comedy: The series incorporates elements of romantic comedy, with Nico’s crush on Morihito and the awkwardness of their living situation providing plenty of comedic and heartwarming moments.
- Supernatural: The presence of witches, ogres, and other supernatural beings adds a layer of fantasy and excitement to the story.
- Slice of Life: The series also incorporates elements of slice-of-life, depicting the everyday lives of Nico and Morihito as they navigate high school, friendships, and personal growth.
- Found Family: As Nico and Morihito live together and encounter new friends, they begin to form a “found family,” highlighting the importance of companionship and support.
The Manga Behind the Anime
The Witch Watch anime is based on the manga series written and illustrated by Kenta Shinohara. The manga has been serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump since February 2021, with its chapters collected into twenty-one tankōbon volumes as of April 2025.
Shinohara is also known for his previous works, such as SKET Dance and Astra Lost in Space. Witch Watch has been praised for its unique blend of genres, charming characters, and comedic storytelling.
Will You Be Watching?
Witch Watch has arrived as a promising addition to the Spring 2025 anime season. With its charming characters, unique blend of genres, and potential for both comedic and heartwarming moments, the series has the potential to capture the hearts of anime fans worldwide. While the premiere episode may not have been a groundbreaking masterpiece, it sets the stage for an enchanting journey filled with magic, romance, and plenty of hijinks. Whether you’re a fan of magical girl anime, romantic comedies, or simply looking for a lighthearted and entertaining series, Witch Watch is definitely worth checking out. So grab your broomstick and get ready to be spellbound!
