The sweeping historical epic "Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia" is currently captivating audiences across the globe. Since its premiere on Crunchyroll on July 4, 2026, fans have been mesmerized by its scale.
To give us a deeper look at the artistry behind the screen, the production team has released a special featurette titled "The Making of Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia."
<The following content is quoted from the official announcement>
Behind the Scenes: Unveiling the Making of the 13th-Century Mongol Epic That Captivated the World With Its Breathtaking Artistry
Based on the original manga by Tomato Soup, "Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia" pairs an adorable art style with a high-stakes survival drama about a girl navigating the Mongol Empire using nothing but her "wisdom."
"I spent a lot of time agonizing over how to express the flow of time found within the manga panels," says Executive Director Naoko Yamada. The video highlights technical discussions between Yamada, Director Abel Gongora, and Character Designer/Chief Animation Director Kenji Yoshida—specifically regarding the unique visual choice to "remove the lines outside the main outlines." This meticulous attention to detail is exactly what keeps viewers glued to the screen.
The newly released making-of footage offers a glimpse into the passion infused into every frame. To capture an authentic atmosphere, the staff conducted extensive location scouting in Mongolia, the very setting of the story. In this field research—the true origin of the show's grand scale—the directors experienced the majestic nature and the daily lives of nomads firsthand. These real-world experiences were then directly translated into the animation.
The video also features interviews with the cast who bring these complex characters to life: Akira Sekine (Sitara), Ami Koshimizu (Töregene), and Jun Saito (Muhammad). They share their personal thoughts on the project and what makes it so special. Dive deeper into the world of "Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia" and see why it’s capturing hearts globally!
■ "The Making of Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia"
"Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia" Series Information
Premiered July 4, 2026. Subsequent episodes available every Saturday at Crunchyroll.
Synopsis
A young girl and a royal consort.
Bound by a vow of vengeance, these two women are about to unleash a storm upon the mightiest empire on Earth.
After losing her mother and being torn from her homeland, a young girl named Sitara is taken in by Fatima, the kind wife of a family of scholars.
"If you study and become wise, you will know exactly what to do no matter what hardships come your way."
Stirred by these words from Fatima’s son, Muhammad, Sitara discovers the vital importance and limitless potential of "knowledge," devoting herself to her education in hopes of one day standing as an equal to him.
However, the tide of history is unforgiving. The Mongol Empire, led by Genghis Khan, is expanding its reach daily, and the waves of conquest eventually swallow Sitara’s city.
Stripped of everything by Tolui, the Empire’s fourth prince, and taken prisoner, Sitara makes a deadly vow: she will use her only remaining weapon—her intellect—to worm her way into the royal family and collapse the empire from within.
Taking on the name "Fatima," inherited from her late mentor, she enters the service of the empire while hiding the flames of revenge in her heart. One day, she has a fateful encounter with Doregene, the sixth consort of the third prince, Ogodei. Doregene also carries a harrowing past and hides a deep-seated hatred for the empire.
When Sitara and Doregene—two women who were never meant to meet—join hands, the wheels of destiny begin to turn.
Cast
Sitara: Akira Sekine
Töregene: Ami Koshimizu
Fatima: Houko Kuwashima
Muhammad: Jun Saito
Ogedei: Hiro Shimono
Tolui: Ryota Suzuki
Sila: Miyu Irino
Chagatai: Daisuke Namikawa
Jochi: Kenji Nojima
Sorghaghtani: Misaki Kuno
Möge: Ayaka Asai
Kirgistani: Mayumi Shintani
Genghis Khan: Tamawashi
Mongol Soldier: Tamashoho
Dayir: Akira Ishida
Khulan: Inori Minase
Kultugan: Shōya Chiba
Boraqchin: Kujira
© Tomato Soup (Akita Shoten) / "Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia" Production Committee
© Animate Times
*Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation
