After turning heads with her stunning work on Witch Watch. Known for her emotionally rich and visually inventive direction, Ishitani’s involvement already has fans buzzing. She is helming the storyboard for the show’s opening sequence, which is an important part of setting the tone for any anime, and with her eye for detail, expectations are sky-high.

Witch Watch comes from the imaginative mind of Kenta Shinohara, best known for the comedy-action series Sket Dance. His latest manga mixes magic, monsters, and high school hijinks, centering on a young ogre and his witch-in-training childhood friend. Their chaotic chemistry and misadventures have made the manga a sleeper hit, and with an anime on the way, Witch Watch seems poised to break into the mainstream, especially with Ishitani’s artistic fingerprints on its first impression.

A Star Director with a Vision

An Amazing Director Comes to Witch Watch

Megumi Ishitani made waves directing standout episodes of One Piece, particularly during the Wano arc and recent One Piece Fan Letter episodes, where her cinematic approach and emotional storytelling gave the long-running series a visual renaissance. Her style, marked by expressive framing, bold color choices, and character-focused pacing, reinvigorated how fans viewed the show. Now, she is bringing that same creative spark to Witch Watch’s opening sequence, giving the quirky fantasy comedy a visually distinct identity from the outset.

With a storyboard crafted by Ishitani and a catchy theme song, “Watch Me” by chart-topping duo Yoasobi, the Witch Watch OP has all the ingredients of an instant classic. Ishitani’s direction will likely lean into the emotional undercurrents of the characters’ friendship, while also embracing the slapstick energy that defines the series. Her ability to blend tone and movement will be essential to showcasing both the heart and humor that fans love.

A New Studio and Fresh Energy

Megumi Ishitani Brings Experience and Fun to Witch Watch

The animation production is in the hands of Bibury Animation Studios, a relatively young but promising name in the anime industry. Though not as established as giants like Toei or MAPPA, Bibury has earned praise for some of its past projects. Their vibrant palette and clean character animation could be a perfect match for Witch Watch’s mix of fantasy and high school comedy.

Combining Bibury’s slick animation with Ishitani’s directorial magic positions Witch Watch as one of the most promising current adaptations. As the studio brings Kenta Shinohara’s eccentric world to life, fans can look forward to a visually stunning series that stays true to its comedic roots while embracing moments of emotional depth. With so many creative forces aligned, Witch Watch has the potential to charm viewers far beyond the manga’s current audience.

Source: @WITCHWATCHanime/X