During a panel at Anime Expo on Thursday, the production team behind the upcoming adaptation of Kamome Shirahama’s “Witch Hat Atelier” manga premiered a promotional video, announcing a 2025 release. Alongside the video, a new visual was also unveiled. The anime, set to air under BUG FILMS, is being directed by Ayumu Watanabe, known for his work on the “Ace Attorney” series and “Doraemon” films. Hiroaki Kojima, previously involved with “Komi Can’t Communicate,” is onboard as the producer. Character design is being handled by Kairi Unabara of “Pokémon Evolutions,” while Yuka Kitamura, famed for her compositions in “Elden Ring,” is crafting the music. Kazuki Kawagoe, who directed the trailer, is also noted for his work on “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead.”
The panel was attended by Watanabe, Kojima, and Kawagoe, alongside manga creator Shirahama.
Kodansha’s Morning two magazine first announced the anime adaptation back in April 2022, and Crunchyroll has confirmed that it will stream the series upon its premiere.
Shirahama originally launched the “Witch Hat Atelier” manga in July 2016 in Kodansha’s Morning two magazine. As of February 22, the series has released 13 compiled volumes, with Kodansha USA Publishing handling the English edition since April 2019, most recently publishing the 12th volume in May.
The narrative of “Witch Hat Atelier” centers on Koko, a girl from a small village who dreams of becoming a wizard. Despite her lack of magical aptitude, her life takes a turn when she encounters a traveling wizard performing magic, reigniting her aspirations.
“Witch Hat Atelier” has received critical acclaim, being nominated for the 11th Manga Taisho awards in 2018, and making the top 10 list for male readers in the 2018 “Kono Manga ga Sugoi!” guidebook. It was also a nominee for Best Comic at the 2019 Angoulême International Comics Festival and made the YALSA Top Ten Great Graphic Novels for Teens list in 2020. Additionally, the series won Best Manga at the Harvey Awards in October 2020.
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