Witch Hat Atelier, written by Shirahama Kamome, finally has its anime adaptation.
Let me preface by saying Witch Hat Atelier is my favorite manga … by leagues. My expectations for the series are high, almost scrutinizing, so I went into the first two episodes excited but guarded. Everything has to be perfect, and most importantly, it has to reflect Shirahima’s unparalleled art style, with its fine lines and small details.
I’m thrilled to report that I found the anime adaptation as close to perfect as it could get.
It’s impossible to animate a series with the amount of dainty details in the manga; it just wouldn’t work, and it wouldn’t be fair to the artists working on the animation. However, they have still found creative ways to bring the signature art style into the anime. I won’t spoil it, I think it needs to be enjoyed organically, but I was thrilled at the end of episode 2 when it felt like a page of the manga was alight on the screen. Coco’s hair could be a little more on the green side, if I had to make a criticism, but it’s fine.
Another key to this story was finding the perfect voice actors for not only Coco and Qifrey, but also Agott, Richeh, and Tetia. They all have such differing and powerful personalities; their voices have to reflect each of them, and the casting for everyone thus far brings them to life flawlessly. Everyone has the perfect tone and energy, and it was an absolute delight hearing each of them finally come to life for the first time. Qifrey is soft and sad enough; his shroud of mystery is already well-established, as is his warmth for his students. The only main player I’m eager to hear is Olruggio, who has yet to make his appearance, but he’s voiced by Nakamura Yuichi, so I have little fear.
At the end of the two episodes, I was left with as much wonder as I was excitement. Although I know where the story heads, it’s like experiencing it all over again with the new medium. It’s the right amount of silly at the appropriate moments, and maintains its severity when it matters the most. The scenery is stunning, and the ending of episode 1 couldn’t have been better. Bug Films had its work cut out for it animating this series, as I said, I was nervous. My nerves are vibrating with nothing but excitement and appreciation now for their efforts in bringing this beloved story to life.
While it’s still early in the series, I think I can say that Witch Hat Atelier will be my favorite manga and my favorite anime. I hope that established WHA fans love the series (I think you will), and that everyone new coming in experiences the wonder, the joy, and the heartbreak with as much reverence as I have.
Witch Hat Atelier premieres with a double-episode drop on Monday, April 6, 2026. It will be on Crunchyroll for U.S. audiences.
