More! Ojamajo Doremi: Reevaluating the charm of magic and the story of growth

More! Ojamajo Doremi - More! Ojamajo Doremi

"More! Ojamajo Doremi" is a TV anime series that aired from 2001 to 2002 and was produced by Toei Animation. The series is based on the original work by Todo Izumi, which was also a popular manga serialized in Kodansha's "Nakayoshi", "Tanoshii Youchien" and "Otomodachi". The series aired from February 4, 2001 to January 27, 2002, with a total of 50 episodes broadcast on ABC. Each episode was 30 minutes long and entertained the audience.

Story and Characters

"More! Ojamajo Doremi" is a story about five girls, including Harukaze Doremi, who grow up as apprentice witches. After discovering that Majorica is a witch, Doremi begins her apprenticeship in order to restore her to her original form. Her friends, Fujiwara Hazuki, Senoo Aiko, Segawa Onpu, and Asuka Momoko, also become apprentice witches for their own reasons, and together they grow up using their magical powers.

Harukaze Doremi is a curious, clumsy, meddlesome, and timid character, but her caring behavior touches the hearts of those around her. When she advances to the fifth grade, she changes classes and is in a different class from the other Ojamajo girls, but she is in the same class as Momoko, a girl who has returned from overseas, and they build new friendships. After school, she enjoys making sweets at MAHO-do.

Hazuki Fujiwara has been friends with Doremi since kindergarten. She has excellent grades and a calm personality, but she also has a gentle side. Due to her parents' overprotectiveness, she was unable to express herself well, but she aims to use magic to be able to say "no" to things she doesn't like.

Senoo Aiko is a lively girl who grew up in Osaka, excels at sports, and has a big sister personality. Her parents are divorced, and she lives with her father, a taxi driver. She has a strong sense of reality and does all the housework by herself, but she also has a tendency to be a dreamer.

Onpu Segawa became an apprentice witch under Majorca, the rival witch of Majorica, and acted separately from Doremi and her friends, but as they overcame a crisis, they became true friends. She is also active as a celebrity, and works hard at school, work, and MAHO-do without cutting corners in anything.

Momoko Asuka went to America due to her father, an architect, and her mother, a photographer, working there, where she met Majo Monroe and became an apprentice witch. As a child of a Japanese immigrant, she enrolled in Misora ​​Elementary School and enjoys making sweets at Maho-do.

Cast and crew

The cast of this work is luxurious, with Chiba Chiemi as Harukaze Doremi, Akiya Tomoko as Fujiwara Hazuki, Matsuoka Yuki as Seno Aiko, Shishido Rumi as Segawa Onpu, and Miyahara Eimi as Asuka Momoko. Many other voice actors also play unique characters.

The staff was also impressive, with Nishizawa Moeh (ABC), Naruke Katsunori (ASATSU-DK) and Seki Hiromi serving as producers. The series was written by Yamada Takashi, the music by Oku Keiichi, and many other talented artists such as Ikutame Yasuhiro, Kojima Akira and Sano Yoko participated in the key animation. The animation directors were Magose Yoshihiko, Aoyama Mitsuru, Nakajima Chuji, Inagami Akira, Ikutame Yasuhiro, Kono Hiroyuki and Kawamura Toshie, and the directors were Igarashi Takuya, Oka Yoshihiro, Yabe Akinori, Yamayoshi Yasuo, Hiroshima Hideki, Yamauchi Shigeyasu and Ito Naoyuki.

Episodes and themes

"Mo~tto! Ojamajo Doremi" depicts various themes such as friendship, growth, dreams, and family love through all 50 episodes. Each episode revolves around the girls' daily lives and magical adventures, providing viewers with excitement and laughter.

For example, in episode 1, "Doremi, a Stormy New Semester!", we see how Doremi and her friends spend their time in their new class at the start of the new semester. In episode 2, "Momoko Cried!? The Secret of the Earrings," Momoko's secret is revealed, and the depth of their friendship is put to the test. In episode 3, "I Hate You! But I Want to Be Your Friend!", we see how Doremi and her friends deal with their new friends.

In addition, episode 17, "Rivals of Fate! Harukaze and Tamaki," depicts the rivalry between Doremi and Tamaki Reika, and episode 26, "Deliver Your Feelings! Aiko to Osaka," tests the bond of friendship as Aiko returns to Osaka. Episode 45, "Everyone! Merry Christmas," depicts a heartwarming episode about the girls celebrating Christmas.

music

The opening theme song for "Mo~tto! Ojamajo Doremi" is "Ojamajo de BAN" and the ending theme song is "Takaramono". The lyrics for "Ojamajo de BAN" are by Hoshinozuka Reo, the music by Kosugi Yasuo, the arrangement by Yasui Ayumu, and the song is sung by MAHO-do. The lyrics and music for "Takaramono" are by Kayahara Maki, the arrangement by Yasui Ayumu, and the song is sung by Komuro Yui. "Ojamajo BAN2 Club" was also used as an insert song.

Evaluation and impact

"Mo~tto! Ojamajo Doremi" was highly praised by viewers. The story, which depicts the growth and friendship of girls, touched not only children but also adults. In addition, the exquisite fusion of magical fantasy elements and realistic depictions of everyday life had a charm that drew viewers in.

This work had a major influence on subsequent anime works. It is especially valued as a pioneer of works depicting the friendship and growth of girls, and continues to be loved by many fans. It is also highly praised for its character design and storytelling, and is still supported by many fans today.

Recommendations and how to watch

"Mo~tto! Ojamajo Doremi" is a work that is attractive for its touching story of friendship and growth, and its fantasy elements using magic. It is especially recommended for those who are interested in the growth and friendship of girls, and those who like fantasy anime. It can also be enjoyed by the whole family, so it is a good idea to watch it with your children.

This work can be purchased on DVD and Blu-ray. It may also be available on streaming services, so if you're interested, be sure to check it out. In addition, there are many related books and merchandise on sale, so there are plenty of items that fans won't want to miss.

Conclusion

"More! Ojamajo Doremi" is an appealing work that combines a touching story about the friendship and growth of girls with magical fantasy elements. The careful production by the stellar cast and staff was also highly praised and received high support from viewers. This work had a major influence on later anime works and continues to be loved by many fans today. Please watch it at least once and experience its charm.