"Witch Hat Atelier" is the brainchild of the incredibly talented Kamome Shirahama. It first began its serialization in Monthly Morning Two in September 2016, with the first volume debuting under Kodansha’s Morning KC label in January 2017. Since then, it has captivated fans worldwide with its breathtaking art and intricate world-building.
In the world of "Witch Hat Atelier," it is a common belief that one must be born with magic to use it. Those without this innate power are called 'Unknowning', and they are taught that becoming a witch is an impossible dream.
However, the truth is a well-guarded secret: anyone can cast spells by drawing specific "Magic Circles" with a special "Magical Ink." This revelation is the absolute secret of the witches, hidden away from the rest of the world to maintain order and safety.
Enter Coco, our protagonist and a girl who has always yearned for magic. After a curiosity-driven mishap with Forbidden Magic turns her home and mother into stone, Coco’s life is upended. Unable to live with her mother in that state, she becomes an apprentice to the witch Qifrey. Now living in Qifrey’s atelier, Coco struggles and grows as she aims to become a full-fledged witch.
Qifrey is the one who took Coco in after the Forbidden Magic disaster. He runs his own atelier where he lives alongside his disciples, acting as a gentle, beloved mentor.
Yet, there is a shadow to his kindness. Qifrey is on a relentless, almost obsessive hunt for the Brimmed Hats—specifically the one "with the same eyes as him." When it comes to the Brimmed Hats or Forbidden Magic, his usual composure cracks, revealing a man driven by a personal vendetta. Many fans are dying to know: what exactly is the dark history between Qifrey and these forbidden sorcerers?
Today, we’re diving deep into Qifrey’s profile, his unique mastery of magic, and his most iconic moments.
※Warning: This article contains major spoilers for the plot of "Witch Hat Atelier." Proceed with caution!
Qifrey’s Basic Profile
Qifrey
A handsome young witch who radiates a kind, approachable aura, usually seen sporting glasses and a slender look. His skills as a witch are top-tier. Instead of residing at the Great Hall (the headquarters of the magical world) he maintains his own atelier in the countryside, where he lives and works with his pupils.
While Qifrey is proficient in various forms of sorcery, he is most frequently seen utilizing Water Magic. Interestingly, despite being a master of the element, he’s actually a terrible swimmer and absolutely detests getting wet.
Qifrey has a genuine passion for passing down knowledge to the next generation. Whether it's the basics of spellcasting, the complex history of magic, or the inherent dangers of the craft, he is a great teacher: patient, bright, and encouraging, though he isn't afraid to use stern words when the situation demands it. It’s no wonder his students affectionately call him "Master Qifrey." He’s always there to watch over them during the Pentagram Trials, the essential exams for rising witches.
Beyond the classroom, Qifrey also takes charge of the kitchen, and his culinary skills are nothing short of impressive. There's a memorable scene where he uses a magical cookpot which keeps food fresh and serve his disciples hush potatoes. Many readers probably found themselves wishing they could jump into the page for just one bite!
For those who want more of his culinary side, check out the spin-off manga "Kitchen of Witch Hats" (Art by Hiromi Sato, original story by Kamome Shirahama), where Qifrey’s cooking truly takes center stage.
While he is usually the beacon of light for his students, Qifrey also has moments of raw vulnerability where he expresses the weight of being an adult in the magical world.
One particularly striking scene involves an Unknowing who cynically remarks, "witches must have it easy, just snapping their fingers to make life simple."
Qifrey’s internal monologue in response was haunting: "It’s not easy or simple. Not at all. If it were, why would we all struggle and suffer so much?" This moment served as a powerful reminder to the audience that the characters in "Witch Hat Atelier" aren't omnipotent—they are humans with their own burdens.
Furthermore, we can't ignore the fact that Qifrey’s "kind teacher" persona might have a calculated side.
When Coco accidentally used Forbidden Magic and was about to fall victim to its effects, Qifrey intervened to save her. With her mother turned to stone and no home to return to, he took her in as his apprentice.
On the surface, it’s a heroic rescue. However, looking deeper, he has essentially placed Coco under his direct surveillance. Since Coco is being targeted by the Brimmed Hats—the very group that uses Forbidden Magic—she is Qifrey’s only solid lead to finding them.
Qifrey is obsessed with finding the Brimmed Hats, particularly the individual "with the same eyes as his."
Why is he so fixated? What happened in his past to trigger such a vendetta? How these mysteries will intertwine with the main plot is one of the most compelling reasons to keep reading "Witch Hat Atelier."
Characteristics of Qifrey’s Magic
A Versatile Genius with a Signature Touch of Water Magic
As a master teacher, Qifrey’s knowledge of magical history, tools, and magic circles is vast. However, he admits that Water Magic was the "first thing he ever truly mastered."
The reason? He jokingly claims he practiced it relentlessly just so he could slack off on doing the dishes! This ties into his core philosophy: "Integrating magic into daily life is the best way to learn; there is no better teacher than the act of 'living' itself."
His repertoire ranges from convenient lifestyle spells, like Vapor Bubble for transporting water, to devastating offensive maneuvers. He can unleash massive torrents or fire high-pressure water jets like a cannon. Throughout the series, his creative use of water in combat and daily life remains a highlight.
Raincleaver
Qifrey carries a specialized weapon known as the Raincleaver, which can cleave through any liquid it touches. The blade is engraved with countless tiny magic circles. Though small individually, their collective power is so immense that the sword is capable of parting the very sea itself.
One of his most heroic moments involved using this sword during a flood rescue. By cutting through a raging torrent, he bought enough time to save villagers who were stranded in the river—a true testament to his skill and quick thinking.
Qifrey’s Standout Moments
Coco and her friends are warped into a pocket dimension by the villainous Iguin. To make matters worse, a Dragon is prowling the area, ready to strike at the slightest movement. Through sheer wit and teamwork, Coco and the others manage to temporarily restrain the beast.
Meanwhile, realizing his students are missing, Qifrey begins a frantic search. He learns from Tartah—the grandson of the magic tool shop owner Nolnoa—that Coco’s group was seen chasing a witch in a "weird eyeball mask."
Hunting through back alleys, Qifrey notices a strange irregularity in the pavement tiles and finds Coco’s companion, the Brushbuddy. Following the creature, he uncovers the entrance to the alternate dimension hidden beneath a tile.
Inside, chaos has broken out. The Dragon is loose again, Agott is falling from a high tower staircase, and Coco has been separated and seized by Iguin. It’s a total disaster!
Suddenly, Qifrey makes his grand entrance, soaring through the air to catch Agott mid-fall. He then summons a massive dragon made of water to counter the real one.
The Water Dragon slams into the beast, using sheer hydraulic pressure to pin it to the ground and neutralize the threat. It’s a breathtaking display of power.
After rescuing Coco from Iguin’s clutches and bringing everyone back to the safety of the real world, Qifrey’s priorities shift. He doesn’t just check on Coco’s physical health—he immediately probes to see if Iguin erased her memories of the Brimmed Hats or the Forbidden Magic.
Thankfully, her memories were intact.
However, when Nolnoa suggests reporting the incident to the Magic Security Council, Qifrey’s demeanor turns terrifying. "Don't tell the Council about today. Don't tell anyone," he demands with a chilling intensity that silences the room.
This scene perfectly encapsulates Qifrey: he is a hero who will move heaven and earth to save his students, but he is also a man consumed by a dark obsession that he will protect at any cost.
Voice Actor: Natsuki Hanae
Qifrey is voiced by the incredibly talented Natsuki Hanae. Born on June 26 in Kanagawa Prefecture, Hanae is a household name in the anime world. He is best known for his iconic roles as Ken Kaneki in "Tokyo Ghoul" and Tanjiro Kamado in "Demon Slayer".
Final Thoughts
Qifrey started as a witch living a quiet life, teaching his pupils the wonders of ink and circle. But his fateful encounter with Coco has reignited a fire for vengeance that had been smoldering for four years.
Why is he so deeply tied to Forbidden Magic? What truth lies at the end of his hunt for the Brimmed Caps? As "Witch Hat Atelier" continues to unfold its beautiful and complex narrative, we’ll be watching Qifrey very closely.
[Article by Yu Tajima]
© Animate Times
*Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation
