Naoko Yamada and Science SARU is a dream team—combining one of anime's most acclaimed directors with the studio behind DAN DA DAN and Devilman Crybaby promises exceptional quality. 13th century Mongolia setting is so unique—anime rarely explores this time period and region, making it stand out immediately. Historical fantasy with Mongol Empire sounds epic—Genghis Khan's conquests provide a massive scope for Sitara's story. Witch story in this time period is refreshing—placing magical elements against real historical events creates fascinating narrative possibilities.

The upcoming TV anime based on the historical manga Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia (known in Japan as Tenmaku no Jaadugar) revealed a treasure trove of new information today, including a teaser trailer, teaser art and the main staff for the series, which will broadcast in Japan on the TV Asahi network as part of the "IMAnimation" block beginning in July 2026.

WATCH THE TEASER TRAILER: Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia Teaser Trailer

Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia teaser art

Production Staff

Executive Director: Naoko Yamada (A Silent Voice, The Heike Story)

Director: Abel Gongora

Animation Studio: Science SARU

Series Composition: Kanichi Kato

Character Design/Chief Animation Director: Kenichi Yoshida

Music: Koshiro Hino

About the Manga

Akita Shoten serializes the original Tenmaku no Jaadugar manga by Tomato Soup in their Souffle digital manga magazine, and a total of 5 volumes have been published in Japan to date. Yen Press publishes an English-language version of the series under the title A Witch's Life in Mongol.

The Story

There was once a young girl in the 13th century slave markets of Iran.

This is the tale of a witch who toyed with a vast continent.

After losing her mother and being torn far from her homeland, Sitara found herself utterly alone, with no ability to survive on her own, and no hope for the future. Taken in by a family of scholars, the power of "knowledge" is imparted on her within the calm of her new life.

Meanwhile, under the reign of Emperor Genghis Khan, the mighty Mongol Empire continues its unstoppable march, conquering nation after nation and expanding its influence across the world.

When that boundless ambition finally reaches Sitara's city, her quiet days come to an end, and the wheels of fate begin to turn.

Premiere Information

Date: July 2026 Network: TV Asahi (IMAnimation block)

Are you excited for this historical fantasy? What do you think of Naoko Yamada's involvement? Do you enjoy historical anime? Which time period would you like to see explored next? Share your thoughts in the comments below!