It has been announced that the TV anime "The Atelier of Witch Hat," based on the manga by Kamome Shirahama, will begin airing on TOKYO MX and other channels from April 6th. Additional cast members have also been announced, including Hibiki Yamamura as Agate, Kurumi Haruki as Tetia, Hika Tsukishiro as Riche, Yuichi Nakamura as Orugio, Misaki Kuno as Fudemushi, and Mitsuki Saiga as Iguine.
The official PV has also been released, featuring the opening theme "Wind Anthem feat. suis from Yorushika" by Eve and the ending theme "Just a Beautiful Curse" by Nakamura Hak.
"The Atelier of Witch Hat" is a story about Coco, a girl from a small village who dreams of becoming a witch but has given up on her dream. One day, she sees a visiting witch named Kifree perform magic and discovers a big secret. The series began serialization in Monthly Morning Two (Kodansha) in 2016, and the comic has sold over 7.5 million copies in total. It has been selected for manga awards in France, Spain, and South Korea, and won the Eisner Award for Best Asian Work in the US in 2020, attracting attention from all over the world.
The anime will be directed by Watanabe Ayumu, who has worked on "Children of the Sea" and "Nikko-chan of the Fishing Port," and produced by BUG FILMS, who has worked on "Zombie 100: 100 Things to Do Before You Become a Zombie" and "Summertime Render."
◇Comment from Hibiki Yamamura, who plays Agathe
After reading the original work, I cried again and again, and it was a character I really, really wanted to play. I savor every moment of the recording session. During the recording, even the tiniest of breaths were meticulously directed, and it felt great to feel as though I was moving forward step by step with my co-stars. This is a wonderful production that shines brightly, with the charm of the original work coming through as it is. I will do my best to cherish her and bring her many sparkles as the voice of Agathe.
◇Comment from Kurumi Haruki, who plays Tetia
I'm Kurumi Haruki, and I'll be playing Tetia. When I found out I was cast, I was so surprised I almost forgot to breathe, and tears of joy wouldn't stop. I was so inspired by her hard work, kindness, and love, so I gave it my all during the recording. It's a delicate and beautiful, truly magical animation. I'd like to express my gratitude to everyone, including Shirahama-sensei, everyone who has been involved in and supported the project, and all the fans of the series. Thank you!
◇Comment from Tsukishiro Hika, who plays Riche
I'm Tsukishiro Hika, and I'll be playing the role of Riche! Ever since I read the original work during the audition, I was strongly drawn to the worldview and charm of the characters, so I'm really happy to be playing Riche. I love Riche's kindness and inner strength, which are hidden within her quiet demeanor. I'll do my best to play the role so that I can deliver a wonderful story to everyone. Please look forward to the broadcast!
◇Comment from Yuichi Nakamura, who plays Orugio
I'm Nakamura Yuichi, and I'll be playing the role of Orugio. I still remember the strong feeling I had when I read the original work during the audition: "I want to play a human being living in this world." Before the actual recording began, a teaser video for the anime was released, which allowed me to get a clearer picture of the world of the work. I'm really looking forward to seeing what changes will be created when the delicate illustrations from the original work come to life as animation and sound is added to it. I hope everyone will be able to experience the world of this work, which has both kindness and a sense of harshness at the same time. Please wait a little longer until the broadcast.
◇Comment from Misaki Kuno, who plays the role of Fudemushi
I'm grateful for the opportunity to once again be involved in the passionate sound productions of Director Watanabe and Sound Director Koizumi. The dubbing studio is always so exciting and fun! I hope you'll look forward to the broadcast starting in April. Thank you ♪
◇Comment from Mitsuki Saiga, who plays Iguine
When I heard about the role I read the original work, and it's just a mystery! A mystery! She's such a mysterious character (laughs)!! So right now, I feel like I'm just starting to walk through the story with Igueen little by little, based on the information that's been released little by little... But it's a very fresh and interesting feeling! I'd be delighted if you could be moved by the many fascinating characters and travel through the world of "The Atelier of Witch Hat"!
◇Staff (titles omitted)
Director: Watanabe Ayumu▽ Assistant Director: Shinohara Jun▽ Series Composition & Screenplay: Seko Koji▽ Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Unabara Kairi▽ Chief Animator: Nakano Satoshi▽ Clothing Design: Ogawa Akane▽ Accessory Design: Suzuki Noriyoshi, Iwahata Goichi▽ Art Director: Goto Ryota▽ Art Setting: Tada Shuhei, Nakashima Mika▽ Color Design: Nakano Naomi▽ Director of Photography: Kitaoka Tadashi▽ Editor: Honda Yuki▽ Sound Director: Koizumi Kisuke▽ Music: Kitamura Yuka▽ Sound Production: dugout▽ Music Production: Avex Pictures▽ Animation Production: BUG FILMS
◇Cast (titles omitted)
Coco: Reina Motomura ▽ Keyfree: Natsuki Hanae ▽ Agate: Hibiki Yamamura ▽ Tetia: Kurumi Haruki ▽ Riche: Hika Tsukishiro ▽ Orugio: Yuichi Nakamura ▽ Fudemushi: Misaki Kuno ▽ Iguine: Mitsuki Saiga
