Since its premiere on July 4, 2026, the anime "Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia" has been taking the community by storm. Based on the acclaimed manga by Tomato Soup, the series is a visual powerhouse, featuring Abel Gongora as director and the legendary Naoko Yamada as chief director. It’s a project that demands attention.
In this opportunity, animate Times sat down with Ryota Suzuki, the voice behind Tolui, to discuss the nuances of his character, the show's unique blend of history and suspense, and what fans should look for as the story unfolds.
Tolui’s Choices and the Bonds That Follow
──What were your first impressions when you read the original manga and the script? What would you say is the biggest "hook" of this series?
Suzuki: What struck me first was how the story highlights the sheer progressive power of those who realize the importance of intellect and wisdom early on. It made me feel like the world we live in today was built on the foundation of people who truly thought things through. While it immerses you in Mongolian history and culture, the real appeal lies in that suspenseful atmosphere—watching our protagonist, Sitara, navigate the cutthroat schemes and power struggles within female-led communities.
──Your character, Tolui, is described as someone with a pure heart who brightens up the room, yet he’s also a formidable warrior. What is your personal take on him? What makes him charming to you?
Suzuki: In the beginning, he’s framed almost as an antagonist through the lens of Sitara’s revenge. You see him on the front lines of tribal warfare, where his strength and ruthlessness are at the forefront. However, within the context of the Mongol Empire, Tolui is actually a deeply devoted family man, which is a lovely contrast. Whether he's granting a consort's wish for a copy of the script, or just chatting with his kids, you really feel his emotional depth. He has this cheerful, brisk, boyish personality—his "sun-like" smile that can change the entire mood of a room is definitely his most charming trait.
──When it came to the recording sessions, how did you incorporate the specific cultural setting of this work into your performance? Was there anything you were particularly conscious of?
Suzuki: I’d do my own research on the language and culture at home before a session, but there are always those fine details of movement or specific meanings you might miss. Thankfully, our Sound Director, Konuma-san, actually went on a location scouting trip to Mongolia. He was able to provide all that missing context, which really helped me understand the world as we recorded. For Tolui’s voice, I tried to maintain that brightness while letting a bit of the "roughness" of a warrior tribe bleed through his speech.
──Looking back at the first three episodes, what were some of the most memorable scenes for you? Also, what are your thoughts on the animation itself, which captures such intricate details?
Suzuki: The depiction of the city of Tus was incredible. Unlike modern architecture, it has such a complex, ancient structure. The animation team did a brilliant job balancing the "picture-book" cuteness of Tomato Soup-sensei’s original art style with a sense of gritty realism that doesn't break the immersion. Since this is a very dialogue-heavy series, I also love how much emotion and power they put into the characters' facial expressions.
──To wrap things up, do you have a message for the readers regarding what to look forward to in the future?
Suzuki: Moving forward, the intense convictions of each character are going to start clashing in very complex ways. Depending on which character you sympathize with, your entire perspective on the story might shift, which makes it the kind of show you can watch over and over again.
I hope everyone keeps a close eye on Tolui—the choices he makes for his family, the legacy he hopes to leave behind, and the people who will carry that torch forward.
Series Overview
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)
©Tomato Soup (AKITASHOTEN) / Jaadugar Committee
© Animate Times
*Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation
