Saagar Kote
‘Witch Hat Atelier’ or ‘Tongari bôshi no atorie’ follows the journey of a curious young girl whose lifelong dream unexpectedly becomes reality. Born into a world where only a select few are believed to possess the ability to wield magic, Coco has always admired witches from afar while helping her mother with dressmaking. Her ordinary life changes dramatically after she encounters the mysterious witch Qifrey and discovers that a cherished picture book from her childhood is actually a hidden work containing magic and spells. When her attempts to use its spells result in a devastating accident, Qifrey rescues her and takes her on as an apprentice.
When Coco begins studying magic alongside Qifrey’s other students, she also becomes connected to his search for the Brimmed Caps, a dangerous group that practices forbidden magic. The anime fantasy series is based on the manga series written and illustrated by the show’s creator, Shirahama Kamome. These anime shows, similar to ‘Witch Hat Atelier,’ capture the passion and complexities of the characters’ journeys while also intricately exploring magic, fantasy, and other unique ideas.
12. Maria the Virgin Witch (2015)
‘Maria the Virgin Witch’ or ‘Junketsu no Maria’ is set during the Hundred Years’ War between England and France. The story revolves around Maria, a powerful young witch who lives in a secluded forest and despises the violence caused by war. Determined to protect innocent lives, she repeatedly uses her magic to disrupt battles and prevent further bloodshed. Maria’s constant interference in human affairs soon attracts the attention of the heavens, leading the archangel Michael to intervene. Declaring that she will lose her magical powers if she loses her virginity, he orders her to stop meddling in the conflict.
Despite being branded a heretic and facing increasing opposition from both divine forces and the Church, Maria remains committed to her quest for peace. With Masayuki Ishikawa at the creative helm, the narrative is based on the eponymous manga series he wrote and illustrated. Akin to ‘Witch Hat Atelier,’ the show is the tale of a young girl whose life goes through unexpected changes, forcing her to fight battles she may not be ready for and deal with her intrinsic abilities.
11. The Faraway Paladin (2021-2023)
‘The Faraway Paladin’ or ‘Saihate no Paladin’ is the journey of a boy named Will, who is reborn into a new world after a life filled with regret. Raised in the ruins of an abandoned city, Will grows up under the care of Blood, a heroic skeleton warrior, Gus, a powerful ghost magician, and Mary, a mummy priestess. The guardians teach him combat, magic, faith, and the meaning of love and family. However, questions about his identity and the secrets surrounding his undead caretakers gradually emerge.
When the time approaches for Will to swear an oath to a god and begin his own journey, he must confront the truths of his past and embrace the path that may shape his future as a paladin. Brought to life by Kanata Yanagino, the show is based on the light novel of the same name, written by Yanagino and illustrated by Kususaga Rin. Both ‘The Faraway Paladin’ and ‘Witch Hat Atelier’ are about the power and possibilities of destiny, and the ways in which it alters the course of a young character’s life in unexpected ways and teaches them valuable lessons along the way.
10. The Story of Saiunkoku (2006-2008)
‘The Story of Saiunkoku’ or ‘Saiunkoku monogatari’ revolves around Shuurei Kou, born into a noble but impoverished family. She dreams of serving her country as a government official, though such positions are forbidden to women. While her father works as an archivist, Shuurei supports the household with odd jobs until an unexpected moment changes her fate. She is invited to become the young emperor Ryuuki Shi’s consort. Tempted by the generous reward offered, Shuurei accepts, aided by her loyal companion Seiran Shi, who serves as Ryuuki’s bodyguard.
Within the palace, she must guide the emperor toward responsible leadership while navigating the complexities of court politics and reviving her dream of contributing to the nation. Helmed by Jun Shishido and Hajime Ōtani, the show is an adaptation of the light novel series of the same name, penned by Sai Yukino and illustrated by Kairi Yura. There is much in common between the experiences of Shuurei in the show and those of Coco in ‘Witch Hat Atelier.’ The two young female characters are tasked with confronting challenges on their road to self-discovery.
9. Natsume’s Book of Friends (2008-2025)
‘Natsume’s Book of Friends’ or ‘Natsume yûjinchô’ centers on Takashi Natsume, a young man who has possessed the ability to see youkai for as long as he can remember. Because of this unusual gift, Natsume grows up feeling isolated and struggles to connect with both his foster families and his peers. His life changes after he accidentally releases Madara, a powerful spirit who takes the form of a cat and recognizes Natsume as the grandson of Reiko Natsume, the former owner of the mysterious Book of Friends. Inheriting the book’s ability to control youkai, Natsume instead chooses to return the captured names to their rightful owners.
Accompanied by Madara, Natsume gradually develops deeper connections with both humans and spirits as he uncovers the legacy left by his grandmother. Shaped by the vision of Takahiro Omori, the narrative is based on the manga series of the same name, written and illustrated by Yuki Midorikawa. A young individual facing uncertainty, the invisible force of fate and belief, magical abilities, the intrigues of the unknown, and the motivations of the characters are some of the many commonalities between ‘Natsume’s Book of Friends’ and ‘Witch Hat Atelier.’
8. Flying Witch (2016)
Directed by Katsushi Sakurabi, ‘Flying Witch’ is based on the eponymous manga series penned and illustrated by Chihiro Ishizuka. It follows the daily life of Makoto Kowata, a young witch who leaves her home in Yokohama to pursue her magical training. Following the traditions of witches, Makoto moves to Aomori at the age of 15, accompanied by her cat, and begins living with her second cousins, Kei and Chinatsu. Although she attends high school like any other teenager, Makoto’s life is shaped by her ongoing studies in witchcraft and the unusual experiences that follow.
Living in a region known for its strong connection to nature and magic, she encounters strange and magical phenomena while receiving guidance from fellow witches. Makoto’s experiences with her loved ones and her connection to magic give her new perspectives on life. While ‘Witch Hat Atelier’ is about an unassuming young girl unexpectedly discovering that she has a connection to magic, ‘Flying Witch’ offers a twist on this idea and observes how a young girl who is aware of her magical abilities achieves balance and meaning.
7. Ascendance of a Bookworm (2019-)
‘Ascendance of a Bookworm’ or ‘Honzuki no Gekokujou’ is the tale of Urano Motosu, a young woman whose greatest passion in life is reading. Just as she is about to achieve her dream of becoming a librarian, her life is cut short in an accident. However, her final wish is granted when she is reincarnated as Myne, a five-year-old girl living in a medieval world. Myne quickly discovers that books are scarce and expensive, with access largely restricted to the nobility. Refusing to abandon her lifelong love of reading, she resolves to write her own books.
Adjusting to life in the city of Ehrenfest and its rigid social hierarchy, Myne pursues her dream while encountering unforeseen challenges. Mitsuru Hongô steers this show, adapted from the eponymous light novel series written by Miya Kazuki and illustrated by You Shiina. The relentless pursuit of one’s passion in unfamiliar settings is the central theme in both ‘Ascendance of a Bookworm’ and ‘Witch Hat Atelier.’ Along with the thematic commonalities, the two shows also feature unique visual elements and character dynamics.
6. Somali and the Forest Spirit (2020)
Based on the eponymous manga series from the creator Yako Gureishi, ‘Somali and the Forest Spirit’ or ‘Somali to Mori no Kamisama’ unfolds in a world inhabited by demons, spirits, and other fantastical beings. Here, humans have been driven to the brink of extinction and live in constant danger. During his duties as a guardian of the forest, a wandering golem encounters a young human girl named Somali. Moved by her innocence, he decides to take her under his protection and help her search for her parents. As they travel across a world largely hostile to humanity, the pair gradually develop a deep bond.
Their journey becomes not only a search for Somali’s family, but also a connection between two beings from very different worlds. Akin to Coco in ‘Witch Hat Atelier,’ Somali also undertakes a journey with a mentor-like figure in search of something that holds deep value to her. The challenges the two young female characters face and the ways they discover their own strengths and weaknesses, connect them on a human level.
5. Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina (2020)
‘Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina’ or ‘Majo no Tabitabi’ chronicles the adventures of Elaina, a young girl inspired by the stories of Nike, a legendary traveler. Determined to experience the world for herself, Elaina overcomes numerous challenges to become a witch and finally sets out on the journey she has long dreamed of. Traveling from one country to another, Elaina encounters people from diverse backgrounds and becomes involved in a wide range of experiences and stories. Along the way, she witnesses both the beauty and the hardships of the world, gaining new perspectives with each destination she visits.
Guided by curiosity, she may build a legacy of her own. Jougi Shiraishi is at the creative helm of the show, which is adapted from the light novel series of the same name, penned by Shiraishi and illustrated by Azure. On the lines of ‘Witch Hat Atelier,’ the show’s emotional and thematic core centers on the experiences of a curious girl who learns magical skills and gains significant experiences and perspectives as she journeys through unfamiliar places and discovers the meaning of life.
4. Tweeny Witches (2004-2005)
Created by Keita Amemiya, ‘Tweeny Witches’ or ‘Mahô shôjo tai Arusu’ deals with the life of Alice, a young girl whose fascination with magic leads her into an extraordinary world inhabited by witches and other magical beings. Believing that magic should bring happiness and wonder, Alice’s worldview is challenged when she discovers that this new realm is governed by powerful witches who exploit magical creatures. After meeting apprentice witches Sheila and Eva, Alice joins them on a journey to prove that magic can serve a more compassionate purpose.
She becomes determined to change the world around her and embarks on a series of adventures with her new companions. While ‘Witch Hat Atelier’ delves into the curiosities and fascination surrounding the knowledge and use of magic, ‘Tweeny Witches’ adds a layer of complexity to this theme by asking profound philosophical questions about the morality and empathy of the characters and how they view magic.
3. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (2023-)
‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ or ‘Sôsô no Furîren’ begins after the battle that defeats the Demon King. Following a decade-long journey, the victors, consisting of the elf mage Frieren, the hero Himmel, the priest Heiter, and the warrior Eisen, go their separate ways. However, because Frieren’s lifespan exceeds that of humans, the years she spent with her companions represent only a brief moment in her life. As time passes and Frieren witnesses the deaths of those she once traveled with, she begins to regret not having understood them more deeply. After taking on a young apprentice named Fern, Frieren embarks on a new journey across the continent, revisiting places from her past while seeking to better understand human emotions, relationships, and the value of the time shared with others.
The series is based on the eponymous manga series penned by Kanehito Yamada and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe, who are both the co-creators of the show. The show is spiritually connected to the world and characters of ‘Witch Hat Atelier’ due to its portrayal of the complex journey of a curious young character. Though action and adventure are important in both shows, the driving force is self-discovery and the wonders of humanity that lead to it.
2. The Ancient Magus’ Bride (2017-2023)
‘The Ancient Magus’ Bride’ or ‘Mahô Tsukai no Yome’ chronicles the trials of Chise Hatori, a teenage girl whose life has been shaped by loneliness and her ability to perceive supernatural beings. With nowhere to belong, Chise sells herself at an auction and is purchased by the mysterious Elias Ainsworth, a powerful non-human magus. After bringing her to his home in rural England, Elias reveals his intention to make Chise both his apprentice and his future bride. Surrounded by magical creatures and sorcery, Chise begins a new chapter of her life. As she learns to understand her abilities and the world around her, both Chise and Elias gradually confront questions about identity and what it truly means to be human.
Norihiro Naganuma steers this show, an adaptation of the manga series of the same name, written and illustrated by Kore Yamazaki. Both ‘The Ancient Magus’ Bride’ and ‘Witch Hat Atelier’ feature curious young characters with gifts that they cannot fully comprehend. Their journeys are shaped by the presence of a companion and the experiences gained along the way, involving magic and other supernatural phenomena.
1. Little Witch Academia (2017)
‘Little Witch Academia’ delves into the life of Atsuko Kagari, AKA Akko, a young girl who dreams of becoming a witch despite having no magical background. Driven by belief and inspired since childhood by the performances of the famous witch Shiny Chariot, Akko enrolls at the prestigious Luna Nova Magical Academy. She befriends fellow students Lotte Yansson and Sucy Manbavaran and unexpectedly comes into possession of Shiny Chariot’s legendary wand, the Shiny Rod. However, life at Luna Nova proves far more challenging than Akko anticipated. Determined to overcome her lack of magical talent and prove herself worthy, Akko perseveres through numerous obstacles while competing with her gifted rival, Diana Cavendish, and hopes to realize what it means to be a witch.
With Yô Yoshinari in the director’s chair, the show, much like ‘Witch Hat Atelier,’ is a poignant navigation of the relentless efforts of a character to find meaning in the realm of magic. While the supernatural themes and visual flourishes enrich the two shows, the emotional core lies in the journey of self-discovery, which connects the stories on a spiritual level.
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