Kadokawa Reveals Plans for Once Upon a Witch's Death Anime Series

 Exciting news has emerged for fans of fantasy literature as Kadokawa announces the upcoming anime adaptation of the popular light novel series "Once Upon a Witch's Death: The Tale of the One Thousand Tears of Joy." Authored by Saka and illustrated by Chorefuji, the series has held readers spellbound since its initial release on the Kakuyomu website in October 2019, concluding in August 2022.

The narrative centers around Meg Raspberry, a young witch apprentice who, on her seventeenth birthday, learns of a death curse afflicting her with only a year left to live. Her mentor, Faust, an eternal witch, discloses that the curse can only be undone by collecting one thousand tears of joy and nurturing the seed of life. To achieve this daunting task, Meg must venture beyond her sheltered existence into the wider world, encountering friendships, farewells, and profound life lessons along the way.

Image courtesy of Kadokawa © KADOKAWA

To celebrate the anime announcement, manga adaptation artist Kenu Amearare has crafted a special illustration. Kadokawa, the publisher behind the series with illustrations by Chorefuji, is preparing to release the second volume on July 17, following the successful debut of the first volume in print.

Directed by Atsushi Nigorikawa (known for "A Destructive God Sits Next to Me," "Between the Sky and Sea," and "Beast Tamer"), the anime adaptation will be handled by EMT Squared. Yukishizuku will adapt Chorefuji's intricate character designs for animation, while Keiichiro Ochi (renowned for "Adachi and Shimamura" and "The Quintessential Quintuplets") oversees the series scripts.

Image courtesy of Kadokawa © KADOKAWA

Leading the cast are Yoshino Aoyama as Meg Raspberry and Yoshiko Sakakibara as Faust, promising to bring these beloved characters vividly to life on screen. Yen Press has secured the English release rights for the novel, describing it as a poignant exploration of empathy, magic, and the profound connections forged amidst mortality.

Anticipation is high for the premiere of "Once Upon a Witch's Death" in 2025, with further details to be revealed as excitement builds for this enchanting adaptation. As the story continues to resonate globally, the anime is set to deliver a heartfelt journey filled with emotion, magic, and the enduring quest for hope in the face of adversity.