Shonen Jump and GKIDS have announced an exciting theatrical event for fans of Kenta Shinohara’s Witch Watch. The first three episodes of the highly anticipated anime adaptation will premiere in select North American theaters on March 16, ahead of the series’ streaming debut on Crunchyroll and Netflix this April. These screenings offer more than just an early viewing opportunity, as they will also include exclusive interviews with the creators and cast, which will accompany the episodes, giving audiences a deeper peek into the magical world of Witch Watch.

Based on Shinohara’s manga, which blends comedy and fantasy, Witch Watch has captivated readers since its debut in 2021. The series follows Morihito, a boy with ogre strength, and his witch-in-training childhood friend, Niko, as they work through fantastical antics and magical mishaps. The anime promises to bring this quirky dynamic to life with vibrant animation and a stellar voice cast, making it a must-watch for fans of whimsical, character-driven stories.

Witch Watch Has a Star-Studded Production Team

Top Talent Brings Witch Watch to Life

Directed by Hiroshi Ikehata, the visionary behind TONIKAWA: Over The Moon For You, and ed by assistant director Masao Kawase, Witch Watch is being produced at Bibury Animation Studio. Scriptwriter Dek Akao, a writer for Shadowverse, is adapting the manga's lively humor and magical adventures for the small screen, while Haruko Iizuka, behind Ensemble Stars! provides the character designs. The production team's impressive credentials set Witch Watch up to deliver both a deep story and stunning animation.

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The series also has an exceptional voice cast, including Ryōta Suzuki as Morihito and Rina Kawaguchi as Niko. The lineup features talented performers like Tomori Kusunoki, Kaito Ishikawa, and Rie Takahashi, which will ensure that every character feels real and enjoyable to watch. This cast, coupled with Yukari Hashimoto's musical score, promises that Witch Watch will be a charming and adorable viewing experience.

Manga Legacy and Anticipated Release

Why Witch Watch Is 2025’s Must-Watch Anime

Witch Watch builds on Kenta Shinohara's reputation for creating beloved manga, including Sket Dance and Astra Lost in Space. Both series received critically acclaimed anime adaptations, and Witch Watch is set to continue this legacy. With its unique mix of magical comedy and heartfelt moments, the story has already drawn comparisons to Shinohara’s previous works while carving out its own identity.

Fans can look forward to streaming the anime on Crunchyroll and Netflix starting in April 2025, with the show set to air for two consecutive cours. The theatrical release in March offers an exciting chance to experience the magic early, complete with bonus interviews that celebrate the series’ creative journey. For manga readers and anime lovers alike, Witch Watch is shaping up to be a must-watch addition to the 2025 anime lineup.

Sources: animenewsnetwork.com, GKIDS Films on YouTube

Cover of the first issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump (Shonen Jump), released in 1968
Created by
Takashi Isono, Kazuhiko Torishima
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Shonen Jump is one of Japan's most successful manga anthology franchises, published by Shueisha. Launched in 1968, it is the source of some of the most beloved and popular anime and manga series, such as One Piece, Dragon Ball, and Naruto. The franchise has extended into multiple adaptations across various media, including anime, films, video games, and merchandise.

First Episode Air Date
April 8, 1981
Cast
Mayumi Tanaka, Junko Takeuchi, Masako Nozawa, Masakazu Morita, Daiki Yamashita, Natsuki Hanae, Junya Enoki, Megumi Han, Kazuyuki Okitsu, Mamoru Miyano, Nozomu Sasaki, Gakuto Kajiwara, Yûsuke Kobayashi, Ayumu Murase, Sumire Morohoshi, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Kensho Ono, Ryôtarô Okiayu
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Kaiju No. 8
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Toriko
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J-Stars Victory VS+, Jump Force