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 unveiled a captivating main promotional video, revealing its April 1st television debut and introducing new cast members. The series is set to air on Tokyo MX, Sun TV, KBS Kyoto, AT-X, and BS11 in Japan.
A Glimpse into Meg’s World
The promotional video offers a first look into the anime’s storyline, centered around Meg Raspberry, a young girl who discovers on her seventeenth birthday that she has only one year left to live. Her mentor, the Eternal Witch Faust, reveals that Meg is under a curse, and the only way to break it is to collect one thousand tears of joy to grow a seed of life.
Meg’s quest promises to be a poignant journey as she delves into the lives of her friends and neighbors, using her magic to comfort them and discovering the preciousness of human connection even in the face of death.
Maaya Sakamoto to Perform Opening Theme
Adding to the excitement, Maaya Sakamoto will perform the anime’s opening theme song, “Drops,” which is previewed in the promotional video. Sakamoto is well-known for her captivating vocals and contributions to numerous anime series.
New Cast Members Revealed
The latest announcement introduces two new members to the voice cast:
- Shizuka Itō as Inori, also known as the “Witch of Wisdom” and one of the seven sages.
- Yōko Hikasa as Eldora, known as the “Witch of Calamity” and another of the seven sages.
These talented voice actors join the previously announced cast:
- 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
Production Team
Atsushi Nigorikawa ( A Destructive God Sits Next to Me, Between the Sky and Sea, Beast Tamer) is directing the anime at EMT Squared. Yuki Shizuku (Smile of the Arsnotoria the Animation character design assistant, Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout chief animation director) is adapting Chorefuji’s character designs for animation. Keiichirō Ōchi (Adachi and Shimamura, The Quintessential Quintuplets) is overseeing the series scripts.
Story Origins
The original novel by Saka began its serialization on the Kakuyomu website in October 2019 and concluded in August 2022. Kadokawa is publishing the print version, featuring illustrations by Chorefuji. Additionally, a manga adaptation by Kenu Amearare is also available. Yen Press has licensed the novel in English, titled “Once Upon a Witch’s Death: The Tale of the One Thousand Tears of Joy.”
Anticipation Builds for April Premiere
With the release of the main promotional video, the announcement of the opening theme song, and the introduction of new cast members, anticipation is steadily growing for the anime adaptation of “Once Upon a Witch’s Death.” The series is set to premiere on April 1, 2025, and promises to deliver a captivating story of love, loss, and the preciousness of human connection.
