Anime "Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia" World Premiere Screening Report! Cast Members Including Akira Sekine and Jun Saitō Extol its Visual Beauty

Akira Sekine Explains Her Character is "Rewarding to Play," While Jun Saitō Reveals, "I Felt Anxious and Nervous" About Joining the Project

Next, a talk session unfolded regarding their feelings when their roles were confirmed. Regarding this work, which had drawn high attention even before its anime adaptation, Sekine, who plays Shitara, spoke with an excited tone about her reaction to getting the role: "I was truly happy. It's a character with many facets, harboring hidden feelings and delicate nuances. It's really a rewarding role, and I thought it would be a very enjoyable experience as a performer."

Saitō, mentioning that this is his very first time challenging a TV anime voice acting role, humbly expressed, "Among all the veteran voice actors, I felt anxious and nervous, thinking, 'Uh, why only me...?' I also felt that the range of expression in my voice was incredibly narrow." In response, Shimono praised him, saying, "The conversation between Shitara and Muhammad was sweet and sparkling, it was wonderful." Sekine also gave her stamp of approval, saying, "When I saw the finished footage, my heart was filled with the thought, 'Ah! It's young master Muhammad!'"

Suzuki further heaped praises, calling it "a voice that is elegant and feels intelligent." Hearing this, Saitō eventually cried out, "Please stop already! It's embarrassing! Please move on to the next question!" Shimono, observing Saitō's fresh and youthful behavior throughout, suddenly reminisced, "It makes me realize all over again, I've really become an old man. What is that sparkling vibe? I'm just an old man who loves to chatter," bringing the house down with laughter.

"I Was Drawn In from the Opening" Admiring the Visual Expression Unique to Science SARU! The Cast Discusses the Manga's Appeal and Future Highlights

During the talk, the visual expression by Science SARU, who handles the animation production, also became a topic. Regarding the unique color palette and art that convey the characters' emotions and tension, Shimono revealed his surprise and impressions of the finished footage: "Even when the art was uncolored for the recording sessions, I had a hunch it would become an anime with beautiful visuals. In fact, I was drawn in from the opening. Aside from the beautiful visuals and art, the music and sound effects used match the world of the work perfectly, making it an entertaining piece just to listen to."

Suzuki also shared the hidden pressure he felt, saying, "Unlike modern structures, the buildings have complex architectures, so expressing that with a picture-book-like art style must be extremely difficult and require great skill. When my voice was added to such a visually stunning work, I wondered if I could avoid disturbing that worldview."

When asked about future highlights, Sekine heightened expectations for the main story, including developments from episode 4 onwards and relationships between characters, saying, "Each character fights for their own beliefs and love, and they get swallowed up by the rough waves. Rather than just cheering them on, I would be happy if you could watch over them."

Finally, the group sent messages to the audience. Suzuki spoke of its appeal, saying, "The stories about Mongolia we learned in textbooks and classes tend to focus on battles. However, this work depicts the schemes and strategies of the wives waiting for their husbands who went out to war. It really resonated with me that knowledge and wisdom are true assets." Shimono also expressed his high hopes: "I hope everyone will enjoy it to the end, feeling the wonderful visuals, wonderful music, and various elements with all five senses while listening to the conversational drama where each person's intentions stir." Saitō called out, "I hope you take the emotion you felt today back home and enjoy the subsequent episodes. Through this work, I also truly feel that wisdom is something that elevates oneself."

Koshimizu promoted the anime, saying, "What will you feel and how will you take it in when you watch this work? I think everyone will have various thoughts, but regarding this work, I want you to cherish what you thought. Please value how you received it and keep it as a treasure in your heart." Sekine concluded, "Attractive characters will continue to appear one after another. Customs that let you feel Mongolia are also featured throughout, so if you look up things that catch your interest, you will be able to gain new wisdom and enjoyment, just like Shitara in the story. Also, the opening and ending are very wonderful, but if you look at the lyrics and visuals of the songs after watching the anime until the final episode, I think you will feel even more. Please see it through to the end." The event then drew to a close amid warm applause from the venue.

(C)トマトスープ（秋田書店）／天幕のジャードゥーガル製作委員会