Main Staff and Their Contributions

Naoko Yamada, renowned for her work on series like K-On! and A Silent Voice, takes on the role of executive director. She is joined by director Abel Góngora, who co-directed the second season of DAN DA DAN. The complete main staff consists of:

• Executive Director: Naoko Yamada (The Heike Story, The Colors Within, A Silent Voice)
• Director: Abel Góngora (DAN DA DAN Season 2, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off)
• Character Design and Animation Lead: Kenichi Yoshida (Eureka Seven, The Orbital Children)
• Series Composition: Kanichi Kato (The Eminence in Shadow, Teasing Master Takagi-san)
• Music: Koshiro Hino (first-time anime composer with a foundation in traditional instruments)
• Animation Production: Science SARU

Teaser Trailer

Comments from the Creative Team

Naoko Yamada (Executive Director)

«I found Tomato Soup’s story to be fresh and engaging, filled with surprises. I strive to depict the characters, like Sitara, with respect and care, illustrating their lives filled with strength and vulnerability.»

Abel Góngora (Director)

«The cultures of the Mongol and Persian empires are exceptional. It’s a privilege to interpret their histories with the utmost respect. The manga features strong, resilient heroines who illuminate this epic journey.»

Kenichi Yoshida (Character Design Lead)

«This is my first adaptation, and I’m fully committed to this project!»

Kanichi Kato (Series Composition)

«I aimed to capture the essence of the original manga while depicting the struggles and growth of our protagonist in the enchanting landscapes of the Mongolian steppe.»

Koshiro Hino (Music)

«Portraying the emotions of Sitara was both challenging and rewarding, reflecting on deep themes that are significant today. This was my first experience composing for an animated project, and I’m grateful for the collaboration with the directing team.»

Manga Source and Story Overview

The manga A Witch’s Life in Mongol (Tenmaku no Jadugaru) is written and illustrated by Tomato Soup, first serialized in September 2021 on Akita Shoten’s Souffle website. As of April 2025, five volumes have been released and have garnered accolades, including a top spot in Takarajimasha’s “This Manga is Amazing! 2023” (Women’s Edition) and nominations for the Manga Taisho Awards. Yen Press has licensed the manga for English release.

The plot centers around a young slave girl in the city of Tus during the decline of the Islamic Golden Age. Despite her circumstances, she learns and grows until the Mongols invade, taking her along. Her journey reveals how this «witch,» with her knowledge, greatly influences the world’s most powerful empire.