Since its premiere on July 4, 2026, the anime "Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia" has captivated audiences worldwide. Based on the popular manga by Tomato Soup, the series is a high-profile production featuring director Abel Gongora and general director Naoko Yamada, a powerhouse duo that has set expectations sky-high.
animate Times recently sat down with Hiro Shimono, the voice behind Ögedei, to discuss the charm of his character and what fans should look forward to in this sweeping historical epic.
The Kindness and Majesty of Ögedei, the Future Great Khan
──What were your first impressions when you read the original manga and the script? Also, what do you find most appealing about this series?
Shimono: To be honest, because the art style and character designs are so cute, I genuinely thought this was going to be a slice-of-life story set in the Mongolian countryside. I was absolutely shocked to find out it’s actually a revenge drama about a girl whose life was upended by the Mongol invasion! But seeing those intense conflicts and the unique cast come to life through animation makes the story even more accessible and compelling. It’s a truly fascinating work.
──What was your first impression of Ögedei, and what elements of his character do you find most attractive?
Shimono: At first, I saw him as just a cheerful, booze-loving prince. But as I continued to play him, I realized he isn't just "gentle" or "broad-minded." He carries a hidden vision for the future of the Mongol Empire that his brothers and those around him don't necessarily share. It made me realize that, beneath the surface, he truly is the man fit to become the next Emperor.
──In preparation for the role, how did you incorporate the specific cultural setting of this series into your performance?
Shimono: Since Ögedei is destined to lead the Mongol Empire, I tried to maintain a balance—keeping that approachable, kind aura while making sure his inherent majesty and inner strength shone through.
Regarding the cultural aspects, the production staff actually went on location scouts to Mongolia. They taught us about the greetings and vocalizations that differ from Japanese customs, and I did my best to weave those authentic cultural nuances into my performance.
──Episode 3 featured some particularly striking scenes. What are your thoughts on the animation and the intricate visual world-building?
Shimono: "Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia" captures the charm of the original manga’s "kawaii" characters and makes them move with such expressive energy. As a member of the cast, I was honestly moved by the painting-like, breathtaking backgrounds. The OP and ED sequences are also fantastic!
On a personal note, the banquet scene where Ögedei and his brothers gather was my favorite. Since it was my character's debut, and Episode 2 had been so heavy and heartbreaking, this slightly comical scene felt like a much-needed breath of fresh air. It really stuck with me.
──Could you leave a message for the readers, including what they should look forward to in future episodes?
Shimono: We’re still in the early stages of "Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia"... and as fans of the manga might know, the story is about to shift focus toward the internal affairs of the Empire. Specifically, we’re going to see a psychological war heat up among the ladies—the consorts of the Great Khans. I hope you’ll stay tuned to see how Sitara navigates these treacherous waters in this beautifully animated series!
About The Anime
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.
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
Sorghaghtani: Misaki Kuno
Möge: Ayaka Asai
Kirgistani: Mayumi Shintani
Boraqchin: ????
Genghis Khan: Tamawashi (Active Sumo Wrestler)
Mongol Soldiers: Tamashoho (Active Sumo Wrestler)
(C)Tomatosoup (Akita Shoten) / Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia Production Committee
© Animate Times
*Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation
