The appeal and evaluation of the Luminous Witches: the fusion of music and magic

Luminous Witches - A moving story about witches who don't fight

"Luminous Witches: The Federation Air Force Magical Music Corps" is a TV anime series that aired from July 3 to September 25, 2022, and is based on a game by Fumikane Shimada and Projekt World Witches. This work shares the same worldview as the "Strike Witches" series, but is a unique story about an air corps that depicts the activities of witches who do not fight.

Broadcast information

This anime was broadcast on multiple broadcasting stations such as AT-X, TOKYO MX, Sun TV, KBS Kyoto, TV Aichi, and BS Nippon TV. The specific broadcast schedule is as follows:

• AT-X: July 3, 2022 to September 25, 2022, every Sunday from 9:00 PM to 9:30 PM
• TOKYO MX: July 4, 2022 to September 26, 2022, every Monday from 0:30 to 1:00
• Sun TV: July 4, 2022 to September 26, 2022, every Monday from 0:30 to 1:00
• KBS Kyoto: July 4, 2022 to September 26, 2022, every Monday from 0:45 to 1:15
• TV Aichi: July 5, 2022 to September 27, 2022, every Tuesday from 1:30 to 2:00
• BS Nippon Television: July 6, 2022 to September 28, 2022, every Wednesday from 0:00 to 0:30

It is also available online, and can be viewed on many platforms, including d Anime Store, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, J:COM On Demand Mega Pack, milplus Unlimited Pack Prime, TELASA, U-NEXT, Animehodai, Smart Pass Premium, Hikari TV, Bandai Channel, ABEMA, GYAO!, Niconico, Amazon Video, FOD, GYAO! Store, HAPPY! Video, music.jp, Rakuten TV, Crank-in! Video, and Video Market. Distribution began on July 3, 2022, and was distributed sequentially every Sunday from 23:00.

Overview

"Luminous Witches" is a 12-episode series of 30-minute episodes, directed by Akishi Saeki, animated by Shaft, and produced by Renmei Kuukou Kōkō Mahou Ongakutai 2021 (KADOKAWA, Shaft, Sammy, Docomo Anime Store, AT-X, DeNA, Kadokawa Media House, Production Ace, BS Nippon, TV Aichi). Copyright belongs to "©2021 Shimada Fumikane, KADOKAWA/Renmei Kuukou Mahou Ongakutai".

story

This story is set in the same world and timeline as the 501st Joint Fighter Wing Strike Witches, and is a record of the activities of a separate unit of non-combat witches. Labeled "unfit for combat," the girls, led by the protagonist Ginny, who has a mysterious aura and the qualities of a Night Witch, turn the little abilities they each possess into song and dance, and the story is about how they rise from the depths of despair to bring smiles to people all over the world.

Commentary

The Luminous Witches, a unique air corps that travels around the world, bringing moments of peace and healing to those who fight the Neuroi and those who have been driven from their homes. The Luminous Witches are the polar opposite of the Witches of the Integrated Fighter Wing, who fight to protect everyone. They are Witches who do not fight, and protect everyone's smiles with "songs and music"!

cast

The main cast includes Mai Narumi as Virginia Robertson, Minako Hosokawa as Inori Shibuya, Ami Aimoto as Lyudmila Andreevna Ruslanova, Ryo Mamiya as Ayla Peivicki Linnamer, Sayaka Tsuzuki as Eleonore Giovanna Gassion, Kana Furunaka as Maria Magdalene Dietrich, Misaki Yuki as Manaia Matawaura Hato, Rino Yoshikita as Sylvie Cariello, Rio Mamezaki as Joanna Elizabeth Stafford, Mikako Komatsu as Grace Maitland Steward, and many other voice actors.

Main Staff

The main staff includes the original author Shimada Fumikane and Projekt World Witches, director Saeki Akishi, assistant director Harutou Kana, planners Kikuchi Tsuyoshi and Kudo Daijo, character designer Shimada Fumikane, animation character designer Shiotsuki Kazuya, Witches series literary director Murakami Shinya, chief animation director Shiotsuki Kazuya, Sakimoto Sayuri, Takano Akihisa, familiar designer Otaka Mina, main animators Shimizu Yumi, Sekiguchi Nagisa, Komori Ryo, Shibuya Tsutomu, art setting designer Takahashi Takeyuki, art director Hosoi Tomoyasu, color designer Hibino Jin, CG directors Eigen Kazuki and Shima Hisato, cinematographer Egami Rei, editor Matsuhara Rie, sound director Nagasaki Yukio, sound effects designer Kawada Kiyotaka, sound recording coordinator Hoshino Kenji, music by Fujisawa Yoshimasa, and music production by KADO. The list includes KAWA, music producer Wakabayashi Go, executive producers Tanaka Sho, Satomi Haruki, Ando Akiyoshi, Yamazaki Asuka, Matsumura Shunsuke, Shinozaki Fumihiko, Okamoto Atsuyuki, Kubota Akira, Hirosawa Jiro, producers Fujiwara Toshinori, Tokumura Kenichi, Shibayama Tomoho, Fukaya Naruki, Kondo Kazuhito, Arimizu Soujiro, Uzuki Miho, Maruyama Hajime, Okubo Akiko, animation producer Yasuda Koichi, animation production Shaft, and production company Federation Air Force Aviation Magic Music Corps 2021 (KADOKAWA, Shaft, Sammy, Docomo Anime Store, AT-X, DeNA, Kadokawa Media House, Production Ace, BS Nippon, TV Aichi).

Main Characters

The main characters include Eleonore Giovanna Gaschon (nickname: Ellie), Shibuya Inori (nickname: Inorin), Lyudmila Andreevna Ruslanova (nickname: Mirasha), Ayla Peivicki Linnamar (nickname: Ayla), Maria Magdalene Dietrich (nickname: Maria), Manaia Matawaura Hato (nickname: Mana), Sylvie Cariello (nickname: Sylvie), Joanna Elizabeth Stafford (nickname: Jo), Grace Maitland Steward (nickname: Gracie), and Captain Ishida. We will also touch on the detailed profiles and roles of each character.

• Eléonore Giovanna Gaschon (Ellie)
  • Age: 16
  • Origin: Republic of Gallia
  • Familiar: Rio (house cat)
  • Position: Vocalist, sub-leader
  • Rank: Sergeant
  • Birthday: December 19th
  • Height: 166cm
  • He is often thought of as a strange person because of his outspoken behavior, but he doesn't mind at all. He is the type of person who can't leave someone in trouble. He can talk to cats.
• Shibuya Inori (Inorin)
  • Age: 14
  • Origin: Fuso Empire
  • Familiar: Okoge (calico cat)
  • Role: Vocals, composition
  • Rank: Sergeant
  • Birthday: August 12th
  • Height: 153cm
  • Fuso Nadeshiko is a member of the Fuso Army Air Corps, and her father is a military officer stationed in Britannia. She is the daughter of a genuine army family. Although she is usually gentle and tends to keep a step back from others, on rare occasions she shows a side of herself that is unwavering when she makes up her mind. Her familiar is a calico cat.
• Lyudmila Andreevna Ruslanova (Milasha)
  • Age: 14
  • Origin: Orashan Empire
  • Familiar: Olivier (Borzoi)
  • Position: Vocals, lyrics
  • Rank: Sergeant
  • Birthday: October 27th
  • Height: 160cm
  • A witch belonging to the Orasha Imperial Army. Although she doesn't mean it herself, her naturally energetic and caring personality makes people around her wonder why she's always angry. No one knows that she writes poems in her flight log. Her familiar is a borzoi.
• Ira Peivikki Linnamaa (Ira)
  • Age: 16
  • Origin: Republic of Suomus
  • Familiar: Finn (Arctic wolf)
  • Position: Vocal leader
  • Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Birthday: June 29th
  • Height: 171cm
  • The only ace witch in the band. Due to certain circumstances, she left the front lines and joined the band. She looks cool but has a passionate heart; she's the big sister everyone looks up to. She's best friends with Ellie.
• Maria Magdalene Dietrich (Maria)
  • Age: 15
  • Origin: Imperial Karlsland
  • Familiar: Floquet (flying squirrel)
  • Responsible for: Vocal and acrobatic performance planning
  • Rank: Sergeant
  • Birthday: December 27th
  • Height: 155cm
  • A Karlsland girl who values ​​discipline at all times, with the ambition and pride of a soldier in her heart. Although she is not a Night Witch, her familiar, Momonga, is nocturnal, so she has excellent low-light vision! However, she has a bit of a problem in the mornings.
• Manaia Matawaura Hato (Mana)
  • Age: 13
  • Origin: New Zeeland
  • Familiar: Kyu-chan (Kiwi)
  • Responsible for: Vocals, dance choreography
  • Rank: Sergeant
  • Birthday: December 30
  • Height: 152cm
  • She eats well, sleeps well, and is growing up to be one of the most energetic girls in the New Zeeland Air Force. She loves to be active, and is often seen dancing whenever she has free time. Her familiar, Kiwi, has a fickle personality and is said to be unsuitable as a witch's familiar, but she has named him "Kyu-chan♥" and is very fond of him.
• Sylvie Cariello (Sylvie)
  • Age: 15
  • Origin: Duchy of Romagna
  • Familiar: Pecoraschan (sheep)
  • In charge of vocals and costumes
  • Rank: Sergeant
  • Birthday: October 11th
  • Height: 162cm
  • A witch from Romagna who is a hard worker and has excellent training results, but for some reason was ordered to transfer to the music corps. She usually has a listless look on her face, but when it comes to fashion, she shows a unique attention to detail. A true Romagna girl born and raised in Romagna, she seems to be hiding a secret.
• Joanna Elizabeth Stafford (Joe)
  • Age: 12
  • Origin: United States of Rebellion
  • Familiar: Smile (Prairie Dog)
  • In charge of vocal design
  • Rank: Sergeant
  • Birthday: November 12th
  • Height: 150cm
  • She is from New York in Rebellion. Her nickname is Jo. Her familiar is Prairie Dog. After awakening as a Witch, she enlists in the Rebellion Navy to take care of her eight younger brothers in place of her sick parents. She is good at drawing, and she was also in charge of designing the unit's insignia and everyone's personal marks. She is the youngest of the Luminous Witches, but at 12 years old, about half of the members see her as a younger sister.
• Grace Maitland Steward (Gracie)
  • Age: 23
  • Origin: United States of Rebellion
  • In charge: Commander/Producer of the Federation Air Force Magical Music Corps Luminous Witches
  • Rank: Major
  • Birthday: May 20
  • Height: 165cm
  • A Lieutenant Colonel in the Rebellion Army. During her active years as a Witch, she participated in numerous battles, such as the Dunkirk evacuation and the Battle of Britain, as part of the Rebellion Volunteer Army. After retiring from Witch duties, she took on unfamiliar desk work, but with the belief that song can save people, she came up with the idea of ​​forming an "Aerial Magical Music Corps" of Witches who cannot participate in battle for various reasons, and worked hard to gather the budget and members.
• Captain Ishida
  • Although his detailed profile is unknown, he is a character who plays an important role in the story.

subtitle

The subtitles and broadcast dates for each episode are as follows:

• Episode 1: WONDERFUL WORLD - Nice to meet you - (2022/07/03)
• Episode 2: A Place for Eternity (2022/07/10)
• Episode 3: Gentle Light (2022/07/17)
• Episode 4: Let's sing a song (2022/07/24)
• Episode 5: White Ribbon (2022/07/31)
• Episode 6: Dreamy Contrail (2022/08/07)
• Episode 7: The Reason for the Sun (2022/08/21)
• Episode 8: I'll never forget those days (2022/08/28)
• Episode 9: With the Stars (2022/09/04)
• Episode 10: Hometown Sky (2022/09/11)
• Episode 11: My Song and Everyone's Song (2022/09/18)
• Episode 12: Everyone's World and Flying Skyhigh (2022/09/25)

Related Titles

"Federation Air Force Magical Music Corps Luminous Witches" is a part of the "Strike Witches" series and has the following related works:

• Strike Witches OVA 2x2+3D Box Mechanized Maiden Secret Pack
• Strike Witches: Miyato and Lynette's Witches Base Visit
• Strike Witches
• Strike Witches 2
• Strike Witches the Movie
• Strike Witches Operation Victory Arrow
• Brave Witches
• Brave Witches Peterburg Grand Strategy
• Brave Witches Special Edition
• Strike Witches 501st Squadron is taking off!
• Strike Witches Movie 501st Squadron Take Off!
• Strike Witches ROAD to BERLIN
• Luminous Witches: Private Activity Recordings
• World Witches is taking off!

Theme songs and music

The following songs are used as theme songs and insert songs for this anime:

• OP1
  • Song title: WONDERFUL WORLD
  • Lyricist: Yura
  • Composer: Ayato Shinozaki, Ryosuke Tachibana
  • Arrangement: Ayato Shinozaki, Ryosuke Tachibana
  • Song: Luminous Witches
• ED1
  • Song name: My Song and Everyone's Song
  • Lyricist: Yura
  • Composer: Ayato Shinozaki, Ryosuke Tachibana
  • Arrangement: Ayato Shinozaki, Ryosuke Tachibana
  • Song: Luminous Witches
• IN1
  • Song Name: Eternal Place
  • Lyricist: Himi Izutsu
  • Composer: TRADITIONAL
  • Arrangement: manzo
  • Song: Luminous Witches
• IN2
  • Song Name: Gentle Light
  • Lyricist: Himi Izutsu
  • Composer: manzo
  • Arrangement: manzo
  • Song: Luminous Witches
• IN3
  • Song Name: Hometown Sky
  • Lyricist: TRADITIONAL
  • Composer: TRADITIONAL
  • Arrangement: Itsuki Takatani
  • Sung by: Virginia Robertson (Mai Narumi), Inori Shibuya (Minako Hosokawa), Lyudmila Andreevna Ruslanova (Ami Aimoto), Maria Magdalene Dietrich (Kana Furunaka), Sylvie Cariello (Rino Yoshikita), Manaia Matawaura Hato (Misaki Yuki), Joanna Elizabeth Stafford (Rio Mamezaki)
  • Lyrics: Takeki Owada
• IN4
  • Song Name: Let's sing a song
  • Lyricist: Yura
  • Composer: KOUGA
  • Arrangement: KOUGA
  • Song: Luminous Witches
• IN5
  • Song Name: Pure White Ribbon
  • Lyricist: Kotomi Fukagawa
  • Composer: Atsushi Harada
  • Arrangement: Atsushi Harada
  • Sung by: Sylvie Cariello (Rino Yoshikita), Joanna Elizabeth Stafford (Rio Mamezaki)
• IN6
  • Song name: Yumeiro Contrail
  • Lyricist: Yoshie Isogai
  • Composer: Honoka
  • Arrangement: Honoka
  • Sung by: Maria Magdalene Dietrich (Kana Furunaka), Manaia Matawaura Hato (Misaki Yuki)
• IN7
  • Song Name: The Reason for the Sun
  • Lyricist: Kotomi Fukagawa
  • Composer: Kazuma Ito
  • Arrangement: Kazuma Ito
  • Sung by: Virginia Robertson (Mai Narumi), Inori Shibuya (Minako Hosokawa), Lyudmila Andreevna Ruslanova (Ami Aimoto)
• IN8
  • Song title: I won't forget those days
  • Lyricist: Himi Izutsu
  • Composer: Itsuki Takatani
  • Sung by: Lyudmila Andreevna Ruslanova (Ami Aimoto), Ira Peivikki Linnamaa (Ryo Mamiya)
  • Koto accompaniment: Mai Narumi
• IN9
  • Song Name: With the Stars
  • Lyricist: Yura
  • Composer: Shun Nittame
  • Arrangement: Shun Nittame
  • Song: Luminous Witches
• IN10
  • Song Name: Everybody's World
  • Lyricist: Yura
  • Composer: Kisaragi Yua
  • Arrangement: Kisaragi Yua
  • Song: Luminous Witches
• IN11
  • Song Name: Flying Skyhigh
  • Lyricist: Asuka Ogura
  • Composer: Asuka Ogura
  • Arrangement: Asuka Ogura
  • Song: Luminous Witches

Evaluation and Impressions

"Luminous Witches" is a moving story that offers a new perspective on the story of witches who don't fight. It's heartwarming to see them bring smiles to people's faces through song and dance. Each character's personality and background are carefully depicted, allowing viewers to empathize with their growth and bonds.

The unique animation style of Shaft, the animation production company, is one of the attractions, and the band's performance scenes are particularly beautifully drawn. The music also matches the theme of the work and has the power to draw the viewer in.

This work is recommended not only for fans of the "Strike Witches" series, but also for anyone who loves music and moving stories. Through the activities of the witches who don't fight, you will be able to feel the importance of peace and hope once again.

Recommendation

I highly recommend "Federation Air Force Magical Music Corps Luminous Witches" for the following reasons:

• A new perspective : The story of the witches who don't fight brings out new appeal in the "Strike Witches" series. Through their actions, you can feel the importance of peace and hope.
• Appealing characters : Each character's personality and background are carefully drawn, allowing viewers to empathize with their growth and bonds. In particular, the growth of the main character, Ginny, is very moving.
• Beautiful animation : Shaft's unique drawing style enhances the charm of the work. The band performance scenes are particularly beautifully drawn, making for a great visual treat.
• Emotional music : Music that matches the theme of the work draws the audience in. The theme song and insert songs play a role in further enhancing the emotion of the story.
• Connections to the series : Fans of the Strike Witches series will enjoy new connections to existing characters and new developments, while new audiences can enjoy this as a standalone story.

As mentioned above, "Luminous Witches" is a wonderful work that combines a moving story, beautiful animation, charming characters, and heartwarming music. Please watch it and experience the excitement.