The appeal and reviews of "Witch Craft Works": A fusion of magic and youth

Witch Craft Works - A story of an enchanting witch and an ordinary boy

The 2014 TV anime series Witch Craft Works is based on the manga of the same name by Ryu Mizunagi. The story follows the story of an ordinary high school student, Hozuki Takamiya, and the beautiful witch, Ayaka Kagari, who appears to protect him. The series of events that begin with their meeting draws viewers into a world of magic and adventure.

■Broadcast information

"Witch Craft Works" was broadcast from January 5th to March 23rd, 2014. It consists of 12 episodes, each 30 minutes long. It was broadcast on Tokyo MX, ABC Asahi Broadcasting, TV Aichi, BS11, AT-X, and other stations. It was also streamed online and could be viewed on Bandai Channel, Niconico Video, and the ABC Asahi Broadcasting official website.

■ Story

Takamiya Hozuki is an ordinary high school boy. His classmate, Ayaka Kasato, is beautiful and academically gifted, and is known as the school's number one Madonna, or "Princess." One day after school, Hozuki gets caught up in an incident involving the "Tower Witch," but is saved by Ayaka, who is in the form of a witch. In fact, Ayaka is a "witch" whose sole mission is to protect Hozuki. With this encounter as a turning point, Hozuki's ordinary life begins to change dramatically.

■ Characters

The main character, Takamiya Hozuki, is voiced by Kobayashi Yusuke. He is a serious and timid person, and does not stand out in class. However, the secret he hides is the key to the story. Seto Asami voices Kagari Ayaka, who protects Hozuki, and her cool personality and sweetness towards Hozuki are charming. Many other unique characters also appear, including Takamiya Kasumi (Kayano Ai), Hozuki's younger sister, and Chronoir Schwarz Six (Kugimiya Rie) from "The Witch of the Tower."

■ Staff

The film was directed by Tsutomu Mizushima, and written by Tsutomu Mizushima, Michiko Yokote, and Reiko Yoshida. Character design was by Yuki Hiyasui, and music was by TECHNOBOYS PULCRAFT GREEN-FUND. Animation was done by JCSTAFF, and the film was produced by the Witch Craft Works Production Committee.

■Main Characters

Takamiya Hozuki is an ordinary high school student attending Fuyutsuki High School, but the "white thing" hidden inside him is actually a witch called "White Princess". Evermillion (Noto Mamiko) is a witch sealed inside Hozuki, and she controls a powerful magic called Firecraft. Kagari Ayaka is Hozuki's classmate and is tasked with protecting Hozuki as the "Workshop Witch". Takamiya Kasumi is Hozuki's younger sister, and has a bright and lively personality, but has an absolute sense of mission to protect her brother. Kuraishi Tanpopo (Izawa Shiori) is one of the "Tower Witches" and is a beast-eared shikigami user. Other witches that appear include Utsugi Kanna (Natsukawa Shiina), Kazari Suzu (Asakura Momo), Katsura Kotetsu (Hioka Natsumi), and Meno Wa Mei (Iida Tomoko).

■ Main robot items

Makaron is a teddy bear that obeys Kasumi's orders faithfully, and with her help, can freely change its size. The rabbit soldiers are soldiers commanded by Kuraishi Tanpopo, and each soldier uses a different weapon. The Crocodile Gentleman is an assistant to Chrono Noir Schwarz Six, and is a gentleman who dresses in a suit and hat. Ofuku is a large kokeshi doll created by Kazane, and works as a tea server in the principal's office. The Atori Doll is Atori Konmine's partner, and communicates using ventriloquism.

■Subtitle

The subtitles of each episode emphasize that the story is told from Takamiya Hozuki's point of view. From episode 1, "Takamiya-kun and the Witch of Fire," to episode 12, "Takamiya-kun and the Weekend, Part 2," the series depicts the relationship between Hozuki and the witches and the events that occur.

■ Theme songs and music

The opening theme is "divine intervention" by fhana, and the ending theme is "Witch☆Activity" by KMM-dan. These songs are important elements that liven up the atmosphere of the anime.

■ Appeal and evaluation of the work

"Witch Craft Works" is a fantasy work that depicts a world of magic and adventure, but it is also a story of human relationships and growth. In particular, the relationship between Takamiya Hozuki and Kagari Ayaka deeply moves viewers. The way Hozuki's ordinary daily life changes dramatically with Ayaka's appearance evokes empathy from viewers. Another part of the appeal is the unique characters of the witches, whose exploits and conflicts add excitement to the story.

The animation by JCSTAFF is of high quality, and the beautiful visuals and smooth action scenes are visually pleasing. The music by TECHNOBOYS PULCRAFT GREEN-FUND is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work.

However, some viewers have expressed the opinion that the series did not fully cover the contents of the original work. It may have been difficult to bring out the best in the original work within the limited number of episodes, 12 in total. Still, for fans of the original work, having it animated has allowed them to enjoy the work from a new perspective.

■ Recommendation points

"Witch Craft Works" is a work that combines fantasy and youth elements. It is especially recommended for those who are interested in the world of magic and adventure, and those who want to enjoy stories of human relationships and growth. It is also recommended for those who want to enjoy the exploits and conflicts of unique characters.

In particular, if you pay attention to the relationship between Takamiya Hozuki and Kagari Ayaka, you will be able to understand the work more deeply. The story that begins with their meeting will move and evoke empathy in the viewer. In addition, the beautiful visuals by JCSTAFF and the music by TECHNOBOYS PULCRAFT GREEN-FUND also enhance the appeal of the work.

For fans of the original work, the anime adaptation will allow them to enjoy the work from a new perspective. Even those who have never read the original work may find new charms by starting with the anime. "Witch Craft Works" is a work not to be missed for those who want to enjoy a world of magic and adventure.