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Flying Witch
First tankōbon volume cover, featuring Makoto Kowata (right) and Chito
ふらいんぐうぃっち
(Furaingu Witchi)
Genre
Manga
Written byChihiro Ishizuka
Published byKodansha
English publisher
MagazineBessatsu Shōnen Magazine
Original runAugust 9, 2012 – present
Volumes14
Anime television series
Directed byKatsushi Sakurabi
Produced by
  • Atsushi Kirimoto
  • Hiroyuki Inage
  • Kazunari Sengoku
  • Shunsuke Nara
  • Yohei Ito
Written byDeko Akao
Music byYoshiaki Dewa
StudioJ.C.Staff
Licensed by
Original networkNippon TV, Sun TV, RAB, BS NTV, MMT
Original run April 10, 2016 – June 26, 2016
Episodes12
icon Anime and manga portal

Flying Witch (Japanese: ふらいんぐうぃっち, Hepburn: Furaingu Witchi) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Chihiro Ishizuka. It has been serialized in Kodansha's Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine since August 2012, with its chapters collected in 14 tankōbon volumes as of June 2025. An anime television series adaptation produced by J.C.Staff aired between April and June 2016.

Plot

[edit]

The story is about Makoto, a young witch from Yokohama, who moves to Hirosaki, Aomori to live with relatives as part of her training. What follows is Makoto's daily life as she gets used to her new environment. Her relatives and the new friends she makes there are introduced to the customs and peculiarities of witchcraft.

Characters

[edit]
Makoto Kowata (木幡 真琴, Kowata Makoto)
Voiced by: Minami Shinoda[4] (Japanese); Stephanie Wittels[5] (English)
A witch in training who moves to live with her relatives in Aomori. She is a polite and kind girl who gets lost easily, and is more focused on preparing potions than casting spells. She has a black cat familiar named Chito.
Chito (チト)
Voiced by: Ai Kayano[6] (Japanese); Tiffany Grant[5] (English)
A 17-year-old black cat who is Makoto's familiar.
Chinatsu Kuramoto (倉本 千夏, Kuramoto Chinatsu)
Voiced by: Eri Suzuki[4] (Japanese); Juliet Simmons[5] (English)
Kei's little sister and Makoto's cousin. Initially wary of Makoto, whom she found strange when they first met, she quickly comes to like her after Makoto takes her flying on a broom. She is fascinated with magic and eagerly watches Makoto when she does something that involves witchcraft or something supernatural. She also enjoys sweets. She becomes Akane's apprentice to learn more about magic and to later become a witch herself. After wishing to be able to use magic, Makoto and Inukai manage to inadvertently create a ring filled with mana from a tooth from Hamabe (a sea spirit who befriended Chinatsu). The ring then bonded with Chinatsu and enabled her to use water magic.
Kei Kuramoto (倉本 圭, Kuramoto Kei)
Voiced by: Shinsuke Sugawara[4] (Japanese); Adam Gibbs[5] (English)
Chinatsu's older brother and Makoto's cousin.
Keiji Kuramoto (倉本啓二, Kuramoto Keiji)
Voiced by: Mitsuru Ogata (Japanese); John Swasey[5] (English)
Kei and Chinatsu's father and Nana's husband. He speaks in a Tsugaru dialect. In the English dub, Keiji speaks with a country accent.
Nana Kuramoto (倉本 奈々, Kuramoto Nana)
Voiced by: Kikuko Inoue (Japanese); Joanne Bonasso[5] (English)
Kei and Chinatsu's mother. She is familiar with the world of witchcraft and does not find some of the odd things that happen because of Makoto strange at all. She illustrates and writes children books professionally as her job.
Akane Kowata (木幡茜, Kowata Akane)
Voiced by: Kana Aoi[7] (Japanese); Christina Kelly[5] (English)
Makoto's older sister and a full-fledged witch. She contrasts with Makoto in both personality and appearance. While Makoto is polite and softly spoken, Akane is more brash and loud-mouthed, though still just as kind. She also has brown skin and white hair, which contrasts with Makoto's pale skin and black hair. Makoto mentions that many people say that they do not have much in common. Akane cares deeply for Makoto and takes time off from her travels all around the world to visit and check on her sister regularly. She also has a Siamese cat familiar named Kenny.
Kenny (ケニー, Kenī)
Voiced by: Ayane Sakura[6] (Japanese); Kyle Colby Jones[5] (English)
A Siamese cat who is Akane's familiar.
Nao Ishiwatari (石渡なお, Ishiwatari Nao)
Voiced by: Shiori Mikami[7] (Japanese); Chaney Moore[5] (English)
Kei's friend, whose family runs a liquor store.
Inukai (犬養)
Voiced by: Mari Hino[7] (Japanese); Chelsea McCurdy[5] (English)
A witch from Akita who specializes in fortune-telling, and is also Akane's friend. After a night of heavy drinking, she ate some chocolates which turn people into animals, made by Akane, and became an anthropomorphic dog. As the chocolates did not work correctly she simply has the face, ears, and tail of a dog, as well as furry skin, and returns to her human form at night. She has been looking for a way to contact Akane for a year to find a cure which will return her to human form permanently. Due to her half-animal appearance, she wears a cloak that covers her face and body so that she does not draw attention. Kei admits that she is his type of girl after seeing her as a human. She has a hamster familiar named Al.
Al (アル, Aru)
Voiced by: Ari Ozawa[6] (Japanese); Alexandra Bedford[5] (English)
A white hamster who is Inukai's familiar. It wears a small bow tie.
Anzu Shiina (椎名あんず, Shiina Anzu)
Voiced by: Yuka Iguchi[7] (Japanese); Kira Vincent-Davis[5] (English)
A witch who lives nearby Kei and Chinatsu's house. While soft-spoken and somewhat reserved, she's an amateur archaeologist and has a love for history. She has a brown owl familiar named Aurore.
Aurore (オロル, Ororu)
A brown owl who is Anzu Shiina's familiar.
Anzu's Mother (杏子の母)
Voiced by: Risa Hayamizu (Japanese); Courtney Lomelo[5] (English)
Anzu's mother and the owner of Cafe Concrucio, She is also a witch.
Hina (ひな)
Voiced by: Hisako Kanemoto (Japanese); Melissa Molano[5] (English)
A female ghost who was born in 1906 Japan (Meiji Era) and now works at the Cafe run by Anzu's mother. She is very shy towards others as shown when Makoto, Kei and Chinatsu visit the cafe.
Harbinger of Spring (春の運び屋, Haru no hakobi-ya)
Voiced by: Takahiro Sakurai (Japanese); Kregg Dailey[5] (English)
Veil of Darkness (夜の帳, Yoru no tobari)
Harbinger of Fall

Media

[edit]

Manga

[edit]

Written and illustrated by Chihiro Ishizuka, Flying Witch began in Kodansha's shōnen manga magazine Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine on August 9, 2012.[8] Kodansha has collected its chapters into individual tankōbon volumes. The first volume was released on December 9, 2013.[9] In 2019, Partial sales from the eighth volume were donated to Kyoto Animation after the Kyoto Animation arson attack.[10] As of June 9, 2025, fourteen volumes have been released.[11]

North American publisher Vertical announced their license to the series during their panel at Anime Central on May 22, 2016. The first volume was released in March 2017.[12][13][14]

Volumes

[edit]
No. Original release date Original ISBN English release date English ISBN
1December 9, 2013[9]978-4-06-394992-6March 28, 2017[14]978-1-94-505409-9
2June 9, 2014[15]978-4-06-395095-3June 27, 2017[16]978-1-94-505410-5
3April 9, 2015[17]978-4-06-395363-3September 26, 2017[18]978-1-94-505411-2
4March 9, 2016[19]978-4-06-395635-1December 19, 2017[20]978-1-94-505412-9
5November 9, 2016[21]978-4-06-395790-7March 20, 2018[22]978-1-94-505467-9
6September 8, 2017[23]978-4-06-510183-4June 5, 2018[24]978-1-94-719404-5
7September 7, 2018[25]978-4-06-512323-2June 11, 2019[26]978-1-94-719461-8
8August 9, 2019[27][28]978-4-06-516285-9
978-4-06-517032-8 (SE)		April 21, 2020[29]978-1-94-998015-8
9June 9, 2020[30]978-4-06-519382-2March 9, 2021[31]978-1-94-998097-4
10June 9, 2021[32]978-4-06-523415-0February 22, 2022[33]978-1-64-729048-1
11June 9, 2022[34]978-4-06-528167-3February 21, 2023[35]978-1-64-729063-4
12June 8, 2023[36]978-4-06-531871-3March 26, 2024[37]978-1-64-729230-0
13June 7, 2024[38]978-4-06-535786-6July 29, 2025[39]978-1-64-729455-7
14June 9, 2025[11]978-4-06-539743-5——

Anime

[edit]

An anime television series adaptation aired from April 10 to June 26, 2016.[40][a] The opening theme of the anime is Shanranran (シャンランラン) by miwa featuring 96 Neko (96猫),[42] while the ending theme is Everyday Magic (日常の魔法, Nichijō no mahō) by Minami Shinoda and Eri Suzuki.[43] Sentai Filmworks has licensed the series in North America and produced an English dub.[44][45] Animatsu Entertainment has licensed the series in the UK.[46]

Episodes

[edit]
No.TitleOriginal release date [40]
1"It's Been Six Years"
Transliteration: "6-Nen buri no fushigi" (Japanese: 6年振りの不思議)		April 10, 2016 (2016-04-10)
Makoto Kowata is a young witch, who moves from Yokohama to Aomori in northern Honshu to complete her training and become a full-fledged witch. She has arranged to stay with her cousins, the Kuramotos, on their farm. Her younger cousin Chinatsu thinks Makoto is odd for talking to her cat, Chito-san, but is quickly won over by a trip to the shopping mall in the town of Hirasaki. Among other things, Makoto buys a broomstick for flying. She lets Chinatsu fly back to the farm on her new broomstick. Chinatsu is ecstatic. She becomes more friendly to Makoto and less fearful of magic. The next day, Makoto attends a normal high school with her older cousin Kei and his friend Nao. After school, Nao guides Makoto home, so she will not get lost. While they are getting to know each other, Makoto finds a wild mandrake root and pulls it up. She offers it to Nao as a gift of their new friendship. Nao is terrified by the squirming, screaming root, so she declines the gift. Makoto takes the root home with her, because mandrake is a rare and precious resource.
2"A Visitor for the Witch"
Transliteration: "Majo e no hōmon-sha" (Japanese: 魔女への訪問者)		April 17, 2016 (2016-04-17)
Chinatsu is scared by the appearance of a strange, tall man at their front door. Makoto recognizes him as the Harbinger of Spring. The Harbinger indicates this is a courtesy call to welcome her to this area. Makoto greets him respectfully and thanks him for creating the beautiful Spring foliage and flowers. She offers him two pieces of the mandrake root she recently collected. The Harbinger thanks her for the rare gift. He gives her a pot of petunias as a peace offering for scaring Chinatsu. Later, on the way home from school, Makoto tells Nao that she had a dream that indicated good luck in her future. Nao is delighted and heads home. Makoto and Kei pick some wild fuki shoots, locally called bakke, along the side of the road. At home, they soak the bitterness from the buds and fry them in tempura batter for a snack. Chinatsu refuses to have any, because no amount of soaking will change the bitter taste. Elsewhere, Nao sits and wonders what form her predicted good luck might take.
3"Lessons in Farming and Magic"
Transliteration: "Hata kōza to majutsu kōza" (Japanese: 畑講座と魔術講座)		April 24, 2016 (2016-04-24)
Makoto wants to start a garden to increase her knowledge and connection with Nature. Uncle Keiji says she can use the plot behind the house, which has not been used since his mother passed away. It is full of weeds, so Kei and Chinatsu offer to help pull them up. After a while, Makoto spots a pheasant and chases it around the garden. She references "The Tale of Momotarō," who is accompanied by his faithful monkey, dog, and pheasant. Across the world in Africa, Makoto's sister Akane decides to take a break from her world travels to visit Makoto and her Aomori cousins. Akane teleports to the Kuramoto farm and greets everyone. She hands out very odd gifts from Africa. Akane criticizes Makoto's laziness in spellcasting. Akane teaches Makoto a spell to summon a wild crow, using a black hair from Chinatsu. Makoto practices the spell, but accidentally makes it too powerful by using her own black hair. The hair of a witch is very potent, so it summons a whole flock--a murder of crows. Akane says the birds will disperse, eventually. Akane teleports away, leaving them to deal with the birds.
4"A Fortune Teller Veiled in Cherry Blossoms"
Transliteration: "Sakura no naka no uranaishi" (Japanese: 桜の中の占い師)		May 1, 2016 (2016-05-01)
Makoto and her cousins visit the Hanami, the local cherry blossom festival. Makoto and her cousins explore the park and have their picture taken in front of Hirasaki Castle. On the way back home, the trio encounter a roadside fortune teller. When the fortune teller hears Makoto's surname name, Kowata, she reveals herself to be a fellow witch named Inukai. She claims that after a drunken night of revelry, Akane Kowata tricked her into being turned into a dog-person. It happened last year, so Inukai has been in the park waiting for Akane to return. Makoto invites Inukai to the Kuramoto household and attempts to reverse Akane's spell with magical konpeito candy. However, the candy temporarily makes Inukai more dog-like. Later, Akane arrives and explains that Inukai caused the transformation herself. Akane had warned Inukai not to eat the magic chocolate, but she was hungry, so she ate it. The spell will fade, eventually.
5"How to Use Your Familiar"
Transliteration: "Tsukaima no katsuyō-hō" (Japanese: 使い魔の活用法)		May 8, 2016 (2016-05-08)
Chito explores the town. By familiarizing herself with the town, Chito can prevent Makoto from becoming lost. A curious Chinatsu follows Chito as she visits different places. After returning home, Chinatsu is tired and takes a nap. Chito takes Makoto for a walk and shows her interesting things: a mark on a door which looks like a face, a tied up dog which Chito taunts, a cherry tree which rains blossoms, and a treasure box which some boys hid. Makoto examines the box and discovers it's a time capsule.
6"Trick or Treat"
Transliteration: "Okashina okashi" (Japanese: おかしなおかし)		May 15, 2016 (2016-05-15)
Akane starts teaching Makoto witchcraft. Chinatsu asks Akane to take her as an apprentice and make her a witch as well. Chinatsu asks her parents for permission, which they give easily. Akane is still reluctant, because people who are not naturally born a witch have to work very hard. Akane proposes to show Chinatsu what it's like to be a witch, so she can make an informed decision. Akane shows Chinatsu and Makoto a "Trick or Treat" magic spell, using some snacks, one makes the eater cry and the other laugh. Makoto ends up crying, Chinatsu laughing, while Uncle Keiji--who eats both--simultaneously laughs and cries.
7"Cafe Conclusio"
Transliteration: "Kissa Konkurushio" (Japanese: 喫茶コンクルシオ)		May 22, 2016 (2016-05-22)
Makoto, Chinatsu, Nao and Kei go picking herbs in the mountains. The children and Nao take the bus to the forest at the foot of the mountains. Akane is jet-lagged, so she stays home to sleep. Kei selects a good spot to pick ostrich fern fiddle-heads for snacks. This is Nao's first time picking greens in the woods. She is afraid there may be bears. When a frog hops on Nao, she screams so loud, the hidden forest bear runs away. When they get home, Kei cooks up the fern snacks. Later, Akane sends Chinatsu, Makoto and Kei to a nearby cafe owned by a local witch and her daughter, thinking Chinatsu should experience the local witch community and Makoto should meet a local senior practitioner. They follow the map Akane drew for them, but the address is a deserted ruin. On the back of the map, there are instructions for a short ritual. When they perform the rite, they see a lovely cafe in place of the ruined building. They enter and seat themselves. A ghostly paper appears on the table, indicating they should make their order. The waitress is revealed to be a timid ghost named Hina. They order tea and a variety of desserts.
8"The Regular Customers"
Transliteration: "Jōren no nakigoe" (Japanese: 常連の鳴き声)		May 29, 2016 (2016-05-29)
While the group enjoys their tea and cake, the owner, Mrs. Shiina, and her daughter, Anzu, arrive and later some regular customers: A lady bug couple share some snacks. Chinatsu provides a commentary for the couple as they dine. The Veil of Night, who brings the night every day, has a quiet table to herself. And a fox comes by to enjoy a plate of winter cherries. The children are in awe of the clientele and enjoy themselves. Post-credits, Akane travels to Vietnam and tries a new spell.
9"The Day After Tomorrow is Today"
Transliteration: "Ashita no ashita wa ima ni aru" (Japanese: 明日の明日は今にある)		June 5, 2016 (2016-06-05)
Aunt Nana is an author and illustrator of children's books. The children read and enjoy her latest book. Just then, Inukai arrives with her familiar, Al the hamster. Inukai feels guilty that she never told Makoto's fortune at the Hanami festival. To make up for it, she casts pebbles to read a fortune for each child. Later, Nao drops by for a visit. Makoto shows her around the farm. When they get near the mandrake root, Makoto offers it to her as a gift. Still terrified, Nao declines again. Akane flies in and gives everyone a gift from Africa. Each gift matches that person's fortune.
10"Bad With Cooking and Bad With Bees"
Transliteration: "Ryōri awazu to hachi awazu" (Japanese: 料理合わずと蜂合わず)		June 12, 2016 (2016-06-12)
Nao is bad at cooking and is nervous in home-ec class. With support from Makoto and Kei, Nao attempts to make hamburger steaks. Kei makes a curry. Makoto makes a salad and some cookies which look like witch pinkie fingers. All the food looks delicious. When they are ready to eat, they realize no one made the rice! Later, Makoto and Akane accompany their cousins to their apple orchard to thin the apple blossoms. Thinning the blossoms ensures that each apple will get a greater share of the nutrients and grow to be a perfect fruit. Makoto goes near the beehives. She lets one of the hornface bees land on her finger. These bees do not sting, but it bites her, and flies off to pollinate a flower.
11"A Whale in the Sky"
Transliteration: "Kujira, sora o tobu" (Japanese: くじら、空をとぶ)		June 26, 2016 (2016-06-26)
The Newspaper Carrier arrives in the fog and brings Akane a paper with magical community news. Makoto sees the magical newspaper and Akane remarks that Makoto should get one too. It's been a long time since she had news "from the other side." While reading the magical newspaper, Akane sees an article that a flying whale will be nearby. She takes Makoto and Chinatsu to see it. They fly up onto the whale for a ride and find Anzu Shiina already there. She is studying the ancient ruins built on the whale's back. They invite Anzu to their place for some breakfast. Kei makes hotcakes and they all enjoy breakfast with some congenial conversation.
12"A Witch's Robe and Different Ways to Spend the Day (Series Finale)"
Transliteration: "Majo no rōbu to hibi wa jūnintoiro" (Japanese: 魔女のローブと日々は十人十色)		June 26, 2016 (2016-06-26)
Makoto finds her old witch's robes. They are very small, worn thin, and shredded by Chito. She decides to make some new robes. After getting directions to a fabric store from Aunt Nana, Makoto ventures out with Chito. They buy some cloth and return without getting lost. Makoto also makes a set of witch's robes with some red cloth for Chinatsu. Makoto will not let Chinatsu watch her sew, referencing "The Tale of the Grateful Crane." Chinatsu is extremely happy with the finished robe and shows it to her family. Later, a drunken Akane returns from the Hirasaki Neputa Festival. While Makoto and Akane are trying to locate a lost mandrake root, they find ground fish. They are like normal fish, except they live in the ground. The fish are gathering, because they love festivals. Akane gives them some of her sake. The fish drink greedily, change color, and float into the air. They begin to glow like festival lanterns. Makoto looks upon them in wonder and delight.

Notes

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Flying Witch

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Flying Witch (Japanese: ふらいんぐうぃっち, Hepburn: Furaingu Uitchi) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Chihiro Ishizuka. It has been serialized in Kodansha's since September 2012 and collected into fourteen volumes as of November 2025. An television series produced by aired for twelve episodes from April 9 to June 25, 2016. The story centers on Makoto Kowata, a 15-year-old apprentice witch who relocates from Yokohama to rural Aomori Prefecture to live with her cousins Kei and Chinatsu Kuramoto, continuing her magical training under the guidance of her aunt. Accompanied by her black cat familiar Chito, Makoto navigates daily life in the countryside, practicing spells such as broom-flying and potion-making while encountering subtle supernatural elements amid ordinary routines like school and farming. The series is classified as a slice-of-life comedy with magical themes, emphasizing an iyashikei (healing) atmosphere that highlights the wonder in everyday experiences. Flying Witch earning praise for its relaxed pacing and blend of fantasy with realistic rural Japanese settings. The manga has been licensed for English release by , with digital volumes available since 2017. The adaptation, directed by Katsushi Sakurabi, further popularized the series for its serene depiction of witchcraft integrated into mundane life, often described as evoking a sense of calm and subtle in the ordinary.

Synopsis

Plot

Makoto Kowata, a 15-year-old novice witch, leaves her home in to undergo formal training in by living with her distant relatives in the rural town of , , accompanied by her familiar, Chito. Upon arrival, she integrates into family life while attending high school with her cousin Kei and spending time with his younger sister Chinatsu, gradually introducing them to subtle magical elements amid everyday routines. Her initial challenges include adapting to the countryside's slower pace and practicing basic spells, such as attempting to fly on a broomstick, often with humorous mishaps that blend magic into mundane activities like schoolwork and chores. As the story progresses chronologically across the manga's volumes, Makoto's training deepens through a series of episodic adventures. In early chapters, she explores local phenomena, such as encountering fairies during a festival and receiving flying lessons from her visiting older sister , who also helps resolve a minor grudge involving a magical acquaintance. Subsequent events involve visits to a witch-run café haunted by otherworldly patrons, beach outings where she befriends a mysterious sea creature, and her first official assignment from the Witch Society, which starts simply but escalates due to her developing powers, leading her to acquire an item that reveals hidden magical presences. Mid-series arcs highlight seasonal integrations of magic, including summer trips back to Kanagawa to investigate a perpetually rainy temple caused by mischievous spirits, and interactions with local youkai during festivals that mix traditional rural celebrations with subtle enchantments. Later developments, up to volume 14 (as of June 2025), feature advanced training milestones like crafting magical garments, confronting immature spells gone awry, and preparing for the Great Sabbath—a global witch gathering every 20 years—with as a potential host site, where Makoto collaborates with Akane and mentor Maria to thwart sabotage while aiding Chinatsu through a . Throughout these beats, Makoto's encounters with spirits, such as shy ghosts and sky-borne animals, underscore her growth in balancing with rural daily life. The narrative employs an episodic structure, prioritizing slice-of-life vignettes over a continuous linear plot, with each chapter or arc focusing on self-contained magical mishaps and discoveries that advance Makoto's journey toward becoming a proficient witch without overarching conflicts. This format emphasizes the wonder in ordinary moments, such as seasonal festivals where spells enhance community events, allowing the series to span multiple years of Makoto's up to volume 14.

Characters

Makoto Kowata is the protagonist of Flying Witch, a 15-year-old apprentice witch who relocates from to , , to live with her cousins and advance her magical training as per witch tradition. Clumsy in her spellcasting—often failing at basic tasks like broom flight or potion-making—she remains earnest and persistent, approaching her studies with a gentle, optimistic demeanor that endears her to those around her. Her role drives the narrative's exploration of growth, as she balances high school life with , occasionally drawing on her black cat familiar, , for support. Makoto's closest relationships form with her cousins, the Kuramoto siblings, who provide both a familial anchor and opportunities for magical discovery. Chinatsu Kuramoto, an elementary school girl and Makoto's younger cousin, initially encounters through Makoto's arrival and quickly develops a fascination with it, aspiring to become a witch herself. Cheerful and wide-eyed, Chinatsu's leads to her under Makoto, fostering a bond that promotes mutual learning—Makoto gains confidence in teaching, while Chinatsu experiences the joy of simple spells like . This dynamic underscores themes of inspiration and sibling-like affection in the story. Kei Kuramoto, Chinatsu's older brother and a high school student, serves as Makoto's classmate and offers a skeptical, rational viewpoint on witchcraft. Initially dismissive of Makoto's abilities, viewing them as tricks or imagination, Kei gradually engages with magical events, such as witnessing broom flights or encountering spirits, which challenges his worldview and promotes personal development. His budding friendship with Makoto bridges the ordinary and supernatural, as he assists in practical matters like school projects infused with subtle magic, highlighting his role in grounding the group's adventures. Supporting characters expand the world by blending magical mentorship with local connections. Anzu Shiina, a junior high school witch living nearby the Kuramoto house, adds an element of intuition to interactions through her dreams and observations that sometimes foreshadow events; her quiet, beautiful demeanor complements the group, and her insights subtly influence decisions, such as preparing for seasonal magical occurrences. Makoto's older sister and mentor Maria act as key guides, with Akane's talented and laid-back approach to advanced spells and Maria's structured training providing lessons during visits; their relationships with Makoto encourage her progress, emphasizing community among witches. Local figures like and Riko further illustrate the fusion of mundane and magical lives through their friendships with the protagonists. , a pragmatic schoolmate of Kei, initially reacts with bewilderment to magical mishaps but becomes a reliable ally, participating in activities like exploring haunted sites that reveal hidden enchantments. Riko, an energetic friend of Chinatsu, brings playfulness to the group, joining in magical games and helping navigate social norms; their relationships drive scenes of collective growth, such as group outings where everyday fun intersects with , strengthening bonds across worlds.

Production

Manga development

Chihiro Ishizuka, a from in , drew inspiration for Flying Witch from the rural landscapes and cultural elements of her hometown, blending with subtle nods to local such as seasonal spirits and traditional festivals. The series originated as a one-shot published in Kodansha's (August 2010 issue, on sale July 9, 2010) before transitioning to full serialization in the September 2012 issue of , which debuted on August 9, 2012, and has continued bimonthly since then. Ishizuka's artistic style features clean, expressive character designs paired with meticulously detailed backgrounds that evoke watercolor paintings, capturing the serene countryside, traditional wooden houses with intricate grain textures, and overgrown natural elements to immerse readers in the setting. Magical elements are integrated subtly into these everyday scenes, such as broomsticks gliding over familiar rural vistas or familiars interacting with folklore-inspired creatures like mandrakes, creating a seamless fusion of the ordinary and . Over the course of the series, early volumes emphasize character setup and initial training amid daily routines, while later installments, up to the 14th volume released on June 9, 2025, delve deeper into Aomori's through events like seasonal harbinger encounters and mystical festivals. Kodansha began releasing the in format with the first volume on December 9, 2013, and has since compiled 14 volumes by mid-2025. In , Vertical Communications (an imprint of ) licensed the series in 2016, with English editions starting March 28, 2017, allowing international audiences to experience Ishizuka's portrayal of rural Japanese life infused with magic.

Anime adaptation

In July 2015, announced a television adaptation of Chihiro Ishizuka's Flying Witch manga, to be broadcast on networks including Nippon Television and Aomori Broadcasting Corporation. On January 6, 2016, was confirmed as the production studio, with Katsushi Sakurabi appointed as director, drawing on his experience with atmospheric series like . Deko Akao handled series composition and scripts for multiple episodes, focusing on the manga's subtle blend of everyday life and witchcraft. Masato Yasuno served as character designer and chief animation director, adapting Ishizuka's original illustrations to emphasize expressive, whimsical features suited to the story's young witches. The production team, including art director Yasuhiro Okumura and director of photography Yoshio Ōkouchi, prioritized detailed depictions of rural Aomori scenery to capture the manga's serene, seasonal ambiance. Sound director Yoshikazu Iwanami oversaw audio elements to highlight subtle magical effects integrated into daily sounds. Adapting the slice-of-life format into 12 episodes presented pacing considerations, with scripts distributed across Akao, Hiroko Fukuda, and Yuki Enatsu to maintain a relaxed rhythm while advancing Kowata's growth as a witch-in-training. Yoshiaki Dewa composed the original score, incorporating gentle, acoustic arrangements that evoke the series' folkloric and countryside themes. Voice casting was revealed progressively, starting with main roles in February 2016. Minami Shinoda voiced protagonist Makoto Kowata, bringing a youthful energy to her clumsy yet earnest demeanor. Eri Suzuki portrayed Chinatsu Kuramoto, Makoto's curious non-witch friend, while Shinsuke Sugawara handled Kei Kuramoto, Chinatsu's skeptical brother. Additional key roles included Kana Aoi as the senior witch Akane Kowata and as the talking cat Chito.

Media

Manga

Flying Witch is serialized in Kodansha's Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine, beginning with the September 2012 issue released on August 9, 2012, and remains ongoing as of November 2025. The series follows a bi-monthly publication schedule, with chapters collected into volumes published by . As of November 2025, 14 volumes have been released, each typically containing 4 to 6 chapters focused on the protagonist's gradual immersion in witchcraft amid everyday life. The early volumes emphasize Makoto Kowata's adjustment to rural and her foundational magical training, while later arcs, such as volumes 10–12, incorporate encounters with spirits and explorations of regional traditions. The following table lists the Japanese tankōbon volumes with their release dates and brief non-spoiler summaries of key thematic arcs:
VolumeRelease DateChaptersArc Summary
1December 9, 20135Introduces Makoto's arrival in and her initial steps in witch training with family.
2June 9, 20144Explores Makoto's daily routines and first magical experiments in the countryside.
3April 9, 20155Builds on training through seasonal activities and subtle magical discoveries.
4October 9, 20154Delves into friendships and minor magical mishaps during autumn.
5April 8, 20165Focuses on spring festivals and advancing magical skills.
6September 9, 20164Highlights summer adventures and family bonds.
7March 9, 20175Examines winter preparations and deeper magical insights.
8August 9, 20194Introduces broader travels and cultural magical elements.
9June 9, 20205Centers on personal growth and seasonal witch practices.
10June 9, 20214Explores spirit-related events and local folklore ties.
11June 9, 20225Continues spirit encounters with involvement.
12June 8, 20234Deepens mystical explorations in familiar settings.
13June 7, 20245Features preparations for larger magical gatherings.
14June 9, 20254Ventures into otherworldly experiences and reflections.
In , the series is licensed by Vertical, a imprint, with English translations beginning March 28, 2017. As of November 2025, 13 volumes have been released in English, the most recent on July 29, 2025; digital editions are available via the Comics app and platforms like .

Anime

The adaptation of Flying Witch is a 12-episode television series that aired in from April 10, 2016, to June 26, 2016. Produced by , the series was licensed by for , which released it on in 2017. The episodes follow an episodic format, primarily adapting the early volumes of the while incorporating some original content to align with seasonal themes and pacing. For example, the first episode, titled "It's Been Six Years," introduces protagonist Makoto Kowata's arrival in , while the finale, "A Witch's Robe and Different Ways to Spend the Day," concludes her initial training arc with reflections on daily life and growth. Sentai Filmworks issued Blu-ray and DVD sets, including limited editions with extras such as clean opening and ending animations, interviews, and promotional materials. As of 2025, the series is available for streaming on platforms like and HIDIVE, offering both subtitled and dubbed versions.

Themes and style

Slice-of-life elements

Flying Witch exemplifies the iyashikei genre through its emphasis on serene, restorative depictions of daily life, where characters engage in unhurried routines amid the natural beauty of rural . The series portrays seasonal activities in , such as the cherry blossom viewing at Hirosaki Park during late April to early May, where over 2,600 trees bloom and draw visitors, often accompanied by subtle disruptions that add gentle humor without disrupting the calm pace. Similarly, autumn apple orchard tending, a recurring motif reflecting Aomori's status as Japan's leading apple producer, integrates everyday labor like tree pruning with lighthearted moments, fostering a sense of peaceful progression through the year. Character development unfolds organically through mundane tasks that highlight themes of patience and adaptation to new environments. Protagonist Makoto Kowata, upon relocating to , navigates household chores and social integration, including attempts at cooking that underscore her learning curve in a unfamiliar setting. Her interactions with cousin Chinatsu during school-related outings and shared family activities emphasize gradual bonding and resilience, as seen in their joint explorations of local shops and routines that build mutual understanding. These vignettes prioritize emotional growth over dramatic conflict, portraying adaptation as a quiet, rewarding process. The narrative grounds its slice-of-life elements in authentic culture, drawing from Hirosaki's real landmarks and traditions to enhance relatability. Apple orchards, emblematic of the region's agricultural heritage—producing approximately 420,000 tons annually (as of 2024)—serve as backdrops for family bonding, mirroring actual practices like harvesting at places such as Tsugaru Cider Farm. Influences from local customs, including the rhythmic sounds of tsugaru in regional festivals, subtly infuse the atmosphere, evoking the prefecture's vibrant folk traditions without overt exposition. This cultural authenticity creates a of normalcy, allowing viewers to connect with the characters' ordinary joys amid the countryside's seasonal rhythms.

Magical realism

In Flying Witch, witchcraft is depicted through established rules that emphasize practical training and subtlety, integrated seamlessly into protagonists' daily routines without escalating into conflict or high-stakes scenarios. For instance, the Kowata undergoes as part of her , practicing takeoffs and landings in rural fields as a routine exercise rather than a perilous adventure. Similarly, potion-making is shown as an accessible craft using everyday items like a portable for brewing experimental treats, such as magic chocolates that cause temporary transformations, treated with casual humor and minimal consequences. Spirit summoning follows recipe-based methods reminiscent of folk remedies, as when invokes a flock of crows using a simple , resulting in a brief, amusing disruption that resolves without tension. Japanese folklore elements are woven into the rural Aomori setting, where and mythical creatures appear as natural extensions of the environment, encountered during ordinary outings. and her companions interact with folklore-inspired beings like mandrakes, which she pulls from the roadside as part of her , blending European herbal lore with Japanese countryside imagery in a matter-of-fact manner. Other examples include massive drifting through the sky, carrying ancient ruins and serving as historical hosts for communities, observed during a leisurely exploration that highlights wonder over danger. These encounters underscore 's limited powers, confined to practical applications such as basic summoning or observation, reinforcing the series' low-key approach to the . Magic in Flying Witch often symbolizes personal growth and subtle revelation, blending realistic emotional development with whimsical elements to evoke a sense of quiet discovery. Transformative spells, like those causing animal shifts, mirror characters' awkward adaptations to new environments, fostering bonds through shared mishaps rather than dramatic arcs. This integration of the fantastical into the mundane creates a whimsical realism, where serves as a gentle backdrop for , such as pondering ancient creatures' histories during family festivals.

Reception

Critical response

The anime adaptation of Flying Witch has garnered positive critical reception for its relaxed pacing and visual style, earning an aggregated score of 7.2 out of 10 on from over 900 user ratings as of November 2025. Reviewers have particularly commended its serene atmosphere, with Anime News Network's Rebecca Silverman assigning a 4.5 out of 5 in her 2016 preview assessment, noting how the settings and understated create a calming integration of into mundane rural life. Critics of the have praised Chihiro Ishizuka's artwork for its detailed depiction of seasonal changes and natural motion, which enhances the series' subtle humor derived from everyday mishaps and magical quirks. However, some reviews point to minor criticisms regarding the slow pacing in the early volumes, which prioritizes atmospheric slice-of-life moments over rapid progression. Thematic analyses have acclaimed Flying Witch for its seamless blending of fantasy and reality, portraying as an ordinary extension of Japanese rural existence rather than a disruptive force. Otaku USA magazine's 2017 review by Gerald Rathkolb highlighted this approach as creating a "wonderful, relaxing" experience that evokes the beauty of countryside living, with the deliberate absence of an overarching plot reinforcing its focus on gentle, restorative .

Popularity and legacy

Since its serialization began in 2012, Flying Witch has achieved significant commercial success, with the manga surpassing 2 million copies in circulation by June 2024, coinciding with the release of its 13th volume. The 2016 anime adaptation, produced by J.C. Staff and streamed internationally on platforms like Crunchyroll, contributed to this growth by exposing the series to a broader audience and amplifying interest in the iyashikei genre, known for its relaxing, everyday narratives infused with subtle fantasy elements. This visibility helped elevate Flying Witch as a contemporary benchmark for healing anime, alongside titles like Laid-Back Camp and Mushishi, fostering a surge in similar cozy productions in the late 2010s and early 2020s. The series has cultivated a dedicated fanbase, evidenced by its sustained high ratings—such as a 7.517 average on from nearly 700 user reviews—and the availability of official merchandise including PVC figures of characters like Makoto Kowata. These items, distributed through retailers like Amazon and specialty anime shops, reflect ongoing enthusiast engagement beyond the core media. The anime's charm and low-stakes magical realism have also inspired comparisons to other works, reinforcing its role in promoting gentle fantasy storytelling that emphasizes emotional restoration over high drama. In terms of enduring influence, Flying Witch has left a mark on the by blending slice-of-life tranquility with whimsical , influencing later adaptations that prioritize serene rural settings and subtle integration, such as elements seen in sequels to rural-focused series like . As of 2025, the manga's momentum continues with the release of volume 14 on June 9, underscoring its lasting appeal without announced spin-offs but with potential for expanded international through digital platforms.

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