Sally the Witch
Sally the Witch, originally titled Sunny the Witch, is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Mitsuteru Yokoyama. It was serialized in Shueisha's monthly Ribon magazine from July 1966 to October 1967. Its 1966 anime adaptation was one of the most popular magical girl series of what would eventually become a genre in Japan. Due to its characteristics, it may be considered the first shōjo anime as well; while titles such as Himitsu no Akko-chan predate Sally in manga form, the Sally anime predates Himitsu no Akko-chan, which came out in 1969.
Story
Sally is the princess of the "Land of Magic" who, one day, decides to move to the "Human World", despite facing reluctance from her parents, the King and Queen. There, she immediately befriends two schoolgirls – the tomboyish Yoshiko Hanamura and girly Sumire Kasugano – as she assumes the role of a human child and lives on Earth. She is soon joined by Cub, a resident of the Land of Magic, who requests to stay with Sally, and assumes the role of Sally's younger brother.The first episode of the anime differs quite a bit from the initial chapters of the manga. There, after being scolded by her mother and reflecting on how bored she was, Sally decides to run away the "Human World" and explore, where she soon meets Yoshiko and Sumire after following them from a mall. The three soon become friends after fending off a couple of burglars thanks to the assistance of Cub, as Sally then decides to stay and live on Earth, alongside Cub staying with her to avoid the king's wrath.
Shared between the manga, the original anime adaptation and its sequel, Sally tries to keep her magical abilities a secret as she attempts to live the life of a human child, leading to mischief.
In the final episode of the anime, Sally's grandma informs her she must return to the Land of Magic. Before leaving, Sally tries to tell her friends about her origins, but no one will believe her. Her elementary school catches on fire, and Sally uses her magic to put it out. Her powers thus exposed, Sally's time to leave has finally come. She waves farewell to her friends, and returns to the Land of Magic.
Characters
Sally Yumeno, Yuriko Yamamoto ): The main titular character, Sally is the daughter of the King and the Queen, being princess of the Land of Magic.Yoshiko Hanamura, Teiyū Ichiryūsai ):One of Sally's best friends in the mortal realm who is a tomboy.Sumire Kasugano, Nana Yamaguchi ):
One of Sally's human friends who acts girly in contrast to Yoshiko.Cub :
Sally's magical, shape-changing assistant. He is a servant of the king and is sent by him in the anime to retrieve Sally and bring her home. Assuming the form of a five-year-old boy, Cub poses as Sally's younger brother. Cub is mischievous, usually playing pranks on Sally and friends or triggering unpredictable situations. However, his level of mischief has been on par with the Hanamura Triplets and Poron. The Hanamura Triplets: Tonkichi, Chinpei, and Kanta :
Yoshiko's kid brothers.Poron :
An original character to the anime. She is a little witch girl who appears in the later part of series. Selfish and rather lovable, she frequently casts spells she cannot reverse, such as shrinking herself down to mouse-size and being unable to "grow up".Daimaō :
Sally's paternal grandfather. An original character to the anime. He also wears a horned hairstyle similar to Sally's father. He has a magical horned staff, which Poron stole to cause mischief with Cub and the Hanamura triplets on Earth.Sally's Papa :
The pompous ruler of the Land of Magic who dislikes humanity on principle.Sally's Mama Nana Yamaguchi ):
The friendly Queen of the Land of Magic who was previously known as Chima in the original manga.