In a spellbinding announcement that has ignited anticipation among fantasy enthusiasts, the long-awaited television anime adaptation of Witch Hat Atelier is officially slated to premiere in April 2026. The reveal comes alongside a mesmerizing new teaser trailer and the unveiling of key voice cast members, promising to bring Kamome Shirahama's richly imagined world of magic and wonder to vibrant life on screen.
Accompanying the teaser are the first official character visuals: Coco, depicted with her trademark wide eyes brimming with wonder, soft chestnut hair tied in twin braids, and a simple yet determined expression that perfectly embodies her unyielding dream; and Qifrey, the enigmatic white-haired magician whose gentle smile and flowing robes conceal an aura of quiet melancholy and hidden secrets.
Stepping into the role of Coco is newcomer Rena Motomura, while the enigmatic mentor Qifrey will be voiced by acclaimed actor Natsuki Hanae.
Rena Motomura shared a comment about her role:
I'm Rena Motomura, playing the role of Coco. Turning each page brought back memories of my childhood's small daily events and the longing I felt for my dreams. I identified with Coco and became completely absorbed. The moment I got the role, I was so happy that tears welled up before I could even speak. The magical world depicted by Kamome Shirahama-sensei has been brought to life as the ultimate anime. I gave my all to portray Coco. I hope it reaches as many people as possible.
Natsuki Hanae also shared a comment about playing Qifrey:
I am honored to portray Qifrey, an important character whose gentle gaze carries a hint of melancholy and who possesses a mysterious atmosphere. Additionally, it was a pleasure working alongside my junior at the agency, Motomura-san, who plays Coco. I think we were able to capture a mentor-apprentice dynamic in the recording sessions. The fantastical and beautiful world envisioned by Shirahama-sensei has become a stunning animation under Director Watanabe's direction. Please look forward to the broadcast."
The production boasts a talented creative team poised to honor Shirahama's vision. At the helm is director Ayumu Watanabe, known for his evocative storytelling in titles like Children of the Sea, ensuring a faithful yet innovative adaptation. Series composition and scripts are penned by Hiroshi Seko, whose layered narratives in works such as Attack on Titan will weave the manga's intricate plot threads. Here's a comment by Seko:
A manga like a high-quality dish crafted with fresh, flavorful ingredients and meticulous skill — that's what I felt while writing the scripts for Witch Hat Atelier. The dishes created in this way aren't just mildly flavored; sometimes a sharp spice kicks in, sometimes bitterness, astringency, or sweet-sour notes spread across the palate, and sometimes a truly challenging dish appears. I believe this is precisely what creates the special “quality” that only this manga can possess. Witch Hat Atelier, which has continued to captivate audiences worldwide. Please look forward to future updates on the highly anticipated TV anime, set to premiere in April 2026.
Character designs are handled by Masayoshi Tanaka, bringing the series' signature elegant linework to motion, while music composition falls to Hiroyuki Sawano and Kohta Yamamoto, a duo renowned for their immersive scores in epic fantasies.
Animation production is led by BUG FILMS, with art direction by Shinji Kimura to craft the opulent, Ghibli-esque landscapes that define the atelier's allure.
What is Witch Hat Atelier about?
Witch Hat Atelier, the acclaimed manga by Kamome Shirahama, debuted in 2016 in Kodansha's Monthly Afternoon magazine, quickly establishing itself as a cornerstone of modern fantasy manga. Blending elements of coming-of-age drama with intricate world-building, the series explores themes of aspiration, identity, and the blurred lines between the mundane and the magical. Its breathtaking illustrations—reminiscent of Studio Ghibli's hand-drawn splendor—have earned it widespread praise, including a spot among Japan's top manga of 2018.
With over 7 million copies in circulation worldwide, the story has enchanted readers through its portrayal of a society where magic is both a guarded secret and a profound art form. Kodansha's official description of Witch Hat Atelier encapsulates the essence of the tale:
A beautifully-illustrated story about a girl who longs for magic in her life and learns that, on the inside, she already is what she wishes she could be. Reminiscent of Studio Ghibli, this lushly drawn story was voted one of the Top 10 manga of the year in 2018 by the Japanese manga industry. In a world where everyone takes wonders like magic spells and dragons for granted, Coco is a girl with a simple dream: she wants to be a witch. But everybody knows magicians are born, not made, and Coco was not born with a gift for magic. Resigned to her un-magical life, Coco is about to give up on her dream to become a witch … until the day she meets Qifrey, a mysterious, traveling magician. After secretly seeing Qifrey perform magic in a way she’s never seen before, Coco soon learns what everybody “knows” might not be the truth, and discovers that her magical dream may not be as far away as it may seem …
As the anime approaches, it stands poised to introduce Shirahama's universe to an even broader audience, blending heartfelt storytelling with visual poetry in a way that feels both timeless and urgently fresh.
Sources: Official anime website of Witch Hat Atelier and Press Release.
