The upcoming anime adaptation of Saka and Chorefuji’s light novel series, “Once Upon a Witch’s Death” (Aru Majo ga Shinu Made: Owari no Kotoba to Hajimari no Namida), has released its second promotional video, showcasing the ending theme song “Hana-saku Michi de” (On the Road Where the Flowers Bloom). Composed by Yuki Kajiura and performed by Aoi Teshima, the song adds another layer of depth to the series’ already intriguing premise.
Aoi Teshima’s Haunting Vocals to Grace “Once Upon a Witch’s Death”
Aoi Teshima, a Japanese singer and voice actress, is lending her vocal talents to the ending theme of “Once Upon a Witch’s Death”. Teshima is well-known for her work with Studio Ghibli, having sung the theme song “Therru’s Song” for the film “Tales from Earthsea” and “Summer of Goodbye” for “From Up on Poppy Hill.” Her discography also includes songs for the Nintendo Wii game “Fragile Dreams: Farewell Ruins of the Moon”.
Yuki Kajiura’s Composition Adds to the Anime’s Atmosphere
The ending theme is composed by Yuki Kajiura, a prolific composer known for her work on numerous anime series, including:
- “Puella Magi Madoka Magica”
- “Fate/Zero”
- “Demon Slayer”
- “Sword Art Online”
“Once Upon a Witch’s Death”: Story and Production
“Once Upon a Witch’s Death” follows Meg, a young witch who discovers on her seventeenth birthday that she only has one year to live. To break the curse, she must collect one thousand tears of joy to grow a seed of life. This quest leads her on a journey filled with friendship, partings, and emotional discoveries.
Key Staff and Studio
The anime adaptation is being directed by Atsushi Nigorikawa (“Beast Tamer”) at studio EMT Squared. The series composition is handled by Keiichiro Ochi (“The Quintessential Quintuplets”), and character designs are by Yukishizuku (“Atelier Ryza”).
Premiere Date and Where to Watch
The anime is set to premiere on April 1, 2025, and will be broadcast in Japan on TOKYO MX and other stations. Currently, international streaming details are not available.
Cast Details
The anime stars:
- Yoshino Aoyama as Meg Raspberry
- Yoshiko Sakakibara as Faust
- Miharu Hanai as Carbuncle
- Aina Suzuki as Shirofukurō (Snowy Owl)
- Rumi Okubo as Fine Cavendish
- Hina Yomiya as Sophie Hayter
- Atsumi Tanezaki as Mysterious Girl
- Shizuka Itō as Inori
- Yōko Hikasa as Eldora
Light Novel and Manga
The original light novel series by Saka was serialized on Kakuyomu from October 2019 to August 2022. Kadokawa has been publishing the novels in print since December 2021. A manga adaptation by Kenu Amearare began in March 2023.
A Promising Addition to the Anime Landscape
With its intriguing plot, talented staff, and the addition of Aoi Teshima’s vocals to Yuki Kajiura’s composition, “Once Upon a Witch’s Death” is shaping up to be a noteworthy anime in 2025.
