Set against the sprawling backdrop of the 13th-century Mongol Empire, "Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia" follows the gripping journey of Sitara, a young captive who transforms her knowledge and wisdom into a lethal weapon to defy her cruel fate. This historical drama, lauded for its meticulous research and magnetic character writing, finally made its grand debut on July 4, 2026.
To celebrate the premiere, we sat down for an exclusive interview with Akira Sekine, the voice behind our resilient protagonist Sitara, and Jun Saito, who plays Muhammad, the boy whose influence changes her life forever. From the contrast between the cute art style and the brutal reality of the story to the high-pressure environment of the first recording session, the two shared their passion for this masterpiece about "learning".
Surviving a Beautifully Brutal World: The Duality of Sitara and Muhammad
――What were your first impressions when you read the original manga and the script? What do you feel is the core appeal of this series?
Sekine: Looking at the cover of the original manga, I initially thought it might be a cute historical tale—even though I knew from the audition that there were some pretty intense scenes. But as I read on, I was shocked by how severe the story actually is. It’s grounded in historical fact, and there are moments that truly make your heart ache. Yet, those are balanced by charming, comedic beats that give you a breather. It’s a work that really tugs at your emotions in every direction.
Saito: This was my first time experiencing a story on such a massive scale. I didn’t know much about Mongolian history beforehand, so every page was a revelation—new cultures, different ways of life... it all felt so fresh. Most of all, I found Sitara’s growth—her drive to learn and empower herself—both adorable and incredibly cool. I was so excited to see how that would translate to the screen once we added our voices.
——Could you both talk about the charms and impressions you have of Sitara?
Sekine: When we first meet Sitara, she’s a girl of many faces, very expressive and emotional. The opening of Episode 1 shows her running for her life, and her movements felt very child-like and innocent. However, as she endures more hardships, her expression hardens. She starts showing different sides of herself to different people, using her wit as a blade. It feels a bit wrong to say it's "exciting" to watch given her circumstances, but that transition is fascinating. She’s definitely a girl you can’t help but root for.
Saito: At first, the "cute" factor is definitely front and center. But as she meets Muhammad and begins to grow, she becomes quite shrewd—though she never loses that underlying charm. The speed at which she evolves in every episode is breathtaking. I just kept thinking, "Wow, she’s actually really badass."
——And how about Muhammad?
Sekine: Even as a child, Young Master Muhammad exudes this aura of wisdom and intellect. His way of speaking is so intelligent yet gentle; it’s incredibly charming. But then he’ll get teased and pout or get a bit sulky, and you’re reminded, "Oh right, he’s still just a kid." It’s so endearing. Those moments where he acts his age are actually my favorite parts of his character.
Saito: Really? (Laughs). Reading the script, I also noticed those age-appropriate moments and thought, "Oh, he makes faces like that too? How cute." I think that might be thanks to how Sekine-san performed her scenes—it drew that side out of me.
Sekine: Thank you!
Saito: Muhammad is a warm soul who treats Sitara with natural kindness, regardless of their difference in social standing. He has an insatiable curiosity and a hunger for knowledge. Watching him actually made me feel like, "I want to learn more, and it’s okay to be curious." I think there’s a lot we can all learn from him, both in the manga and the anime.
Sekine: He’s right at that crossroads between childhood and adulthood. Watching him charge straight ahead makes you want to cheer him on. You can't help but admire that kind of resolve.
Overcoming Episode 1: Veteran Advice and Studio Passion
——Looking back at Episode 1, are there any scenes or lines that stick in your mind?
Sekine: The opening scene where Sitara is running away is something I’ll never forget because we did so many takes. Initially, I played it with pure, desperate intensity. But the direction I received was, "The animation shows her leaning forward, but try to give the impression that she's holding back a bit," or "Keep it lighter, cuter." The more I tried, the more lost I got!
That’s when Mariya Ise-san (who plays Annie) stepped in with some veteran advice. She told me, "Think about how kids run—they don’t just lean forward; they bounce vertically. Instead of throwing your voice forward like a ball, try to make it hop up and down." I tried it, and I got an immediate "OK" from the director! I don't think I could have finished that session without her help. I’m so incredibly grateful.
Saito: I had no idea! I just assumed you nailed it on the first try...! For me, the scene that stands out is where Muhammad expresses his hope for the future and his desire to go study. I initially tried a very laid-back, relaxed pace, but the director told me, "Speak as if you’re projecting your hope far into the distance."
I received very specific directions for every single scene. Since Muhammad has so many pivotal lines, I definitely felt the pressure when I first read the script (laughs).
Sekine: I can imagine!
Saito: Muhammad uses very mature, gentle, and wise words that I don’t usually use in my daily life, so I focused hard on giving those words the right intensity.
——What was it like seeing the finished footage for the first time?
Sekine: The visuals are absolutely stunning! The scene where the young master scatters flower petals is gorgeous—the background, the way the petals drift toward the sky... I love that sequence.
Saito: That’s my favorite part too!
——Saito-san, is this your first time doing voice work?
Saito: I’ve had some experience in an anime film before, but this was my very first time doing an anime series. My previous role was a high-energy, cheerful character, whereas for Muhammad, I wanted to project a sense of "security" and "calmness." Honestly, I was so nervous... I kept asking the production staff, "Is this okay? Am I doing alright?" (Laughs).
Sekine: (Laughs). I wish we could have recorded together!
Saito: I wish so too. Our schedules ended up being separate.
Sekine: Actually, we only just met in person for the first time right before this interview. Hearing his performance, I could tell how meticulously he built the character take by take. Meeting him today, I thought, "He really is the young master!"
Saito: That’s... that’s too kind! Thank you so much.
——Sekine-san, what was the overall atmosphere at the studio like?
Sekine: During breaks, it was very lively! This is a show that drains your energy, so everyone was always hungry. We’d get these amazing snacks provided, and we’d all be munching away saying, "Oh, this looks delicious today!" We’d talk about the story, the Mongolian history we each researched for our roles, and it would even spin off into conversations about Japanese history.
But the second recording started, the atmosphere would turn electric. It felt like I was riding this massive wave of talent generated by my seniors, and I was just desperately trying to keep up. It was a very fulfilling, challenging environment.
The Importance of "Knowing": What They Want to Learn Now
——In the story, Muhammad inspires Sitara to pursue education. Is there anything you two would like to study right now?
Saito: I actually just started university this year, and I’m studying film. Even though I’ve worked in the film industry, there’s so much history and technical knowledge I don't know yet. I’m very grateful to be in an environment where I can study that properly. Art has no "correct" answer, which makes it so deep. I want to spend as much time as I can diving into it.
Sekine: That is such a "Muhammad" answer. Honestly, we should just end the interview on that perfect response...
Saito: No, wait! (Laughs).
Sekine: Well, for me, I often wish I had studied linguistics and grammar more back in school. Since it's my native language, I thought, "Oh, I can speak it, so I'm fine," but now I wish I understood the nuances of conjunctions and sentence structure better. Doing the narration for this show involves many difficult terms, and I struggled through some of the recordings. It made me realize I need to go back and hit the books.
Saito: True, there is a lot of specialized terminology in this series.
Sekine: I kept thinking, "If only I knew more, I could have delivered this better."
Saito: I see. Well, I think I'll start studying harder from now on too...!
Sekine: Let’s both do our best!
——Finally, do you have a message for the fans or highlights to look out for?
Saito: The world-building is truly epic, and it’s only going to expand from here. As Muhammad, I want to keep watching over Sitara's journey. Also, the music—including the opening and ending themes—is fantastic, so please look forward to that as well.
Sekine: The "happy memories" Sitara gathers from Episode 1 through the middle of Episode 2 will become her most precious treasures—and her heavy shackles—as the story moves forward. I hope you’ll stay with her to see how she carves out her own path.
Also, I feel like there is no true "evil" in this world. Everyone is fighting for their own beliefs or for love, which makes every character so compelling. New faces will appear one after another. Plus, the Mongolian customs and even the smallest gestures are animated with such detail. I’d be so happy if you keep an eye out for those nuances while you enjoy the show!
Check out the video interview here!
Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia - Series Info
Synopsis
A young girl and an empress.
Bound by a shared desire for revenge, the two will shake the mightiest empire the world has ever known.
Having lost her mother and been torn from her homeland, young Sitara is taken in by Fatima, a kind-hearted lady from a family of scholars. "If you study and become wise, no matter what trouble befalls you, you’ll know the best way forward."
Deeply moved by the words of Fatima’s son, Muhammad, Sitara comes to understand the possibilities and importance of knowledge and begins to deepen her education.
She dreams that one day, she might catch up with Muhammad, who has set off on a journey in pursuit of wisdom...
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. Before long, the tides of history reach the city where Sitara lives.
After losing everything to Tolui, the empire’s Fourth Prince, and being taken captive, Sitara resolves to use the only thing she has left, her intellect, to infiltrate the royal court and bring down the empire from within.
Though a flame of revenge burns within her heart, Sitara outwardly devotes herself to serving the empire. One day, she has a fateful encounter with Töregene, the sixth wife of the Third Prince, Ögedei. Haunted by a tragic past of her own, Töregene too carries a deep hatred for the empire within her heart.
Sitara and Töregene, two women who were never meant to meet. The moment they join hands, the wheels of fate begin to turn.
Broadcast Information
Online streaming is available on Crunchyroll.
Staff
Original Creator: Tomato Soup "Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia" (Serialized in Akita Shoten's "Souffle")
Executive Director: Naoko Yamada
Director: Abel Gongora
Series Composition: Kanichi Katou
Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Kenichi Yoshida
Assistant Director: Takuya Fujikura
Art Director: Yuri Kabasawa
Color Design: Narumi Konno
Compositing Director: Naoki Takahashi
Editor: Kiyoshi Hirose
Music: Koshiro Hino
Sound Director: Noriyoshi Konuma
Animation Production: Science SARU
Cast
Sitara: Akira Sekine
Töregene: Ami Koshimizu
Fatima: Houko Kuwashima
Muhammad: Jun Saito
Ögedei: Hiro Shimono
Tolui: Ryota Suzuki
Shira: Miyu Irino
Chagatai: Daisuke Namikawa
Jochi: Kenji Nojima
★Official Website
★Official X (Twitter) @anime_jaadugar
©Tomato Soup(AKITASHOTEN)/Jaadugar Committee
© Animate Times
*Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation
