Maebashi Witches


Maebashi Witches is an original Japanese anime television series produced by Sunrise. It is directed by Junichi Yamamoto and written by Erika Yoshida, features original character designs by Yu Inami, animation character designs by Nozomi Tachibana, and music by Yuri Habuka. The series aired from April 6 to June 22, 2025, on Tokyo MX and other networks. The opening theme song is "Sugosugi Maebashi Witches!", while the ending theme song is "Sorezore no Door", both performed by the five main characters collectively known as the Maebashi Witches. Crunchyroll streamed the series.

Plot

The series follows Yuina Akagi, a cheerful girl from Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture who likes to take pictures. One day, a mysterious frog-like creature named Keroppe appears before her, inviting her to be a witch. Despite her initial hesitation, she reluctantly accepts when she is told that becoming a witch means she could be granted a witch. She then meets four other girls: Azu Niisato, Kyōka Kitahara, Choco Mitsumata, and Mai Kamiizumi, who were also recruited by Keroppe. Together, they run a mysterious flower shop where they help out people with their problems. However, as their activities continue, they realize that all is not it seems with being a witch.

Characters

;Yuina Akagi
;Azu Niisato
;Kyōka Kitahara
;Choco Mitsumata
;Mai Kamiizumi
;Keroppe
;Eiko Zen
;Rinko Mitsuba
;Yua Hosaka

Reception

The anime adaptation was received positively. Cy Catwell of Anime Feminist reviewed the first episode, noted they had always been a fan of magical girls and were drawn to the series because it centers on "magical girl singers", adding that the series has a "path to witchdom...lined with trials," and said it charmed her "pretty instantly," along with its "tasty feminist tidbits," with magic shown as a "vehicle to personal freedom" rather than something which harms young women, but said that the manifestation of their magic in them singing the weakest part of the episode. She also compared the series to Puella Magi Madoka Magica and Wonder Egg Priority and called it a coming of age story which is grounded within reality, with teen girls given an opportunity to "be themselves."