Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia is officially on its way to the screen in 2026, and the first look already promises something extraordinary. The upcoming historical anime, announced with a vibrant teaser visual by Science SARU, brings to life a tale of survival, knowledge, and influence in the heart of the Mongol Empire. With its unique setting and emotionally rich narrative, the series is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated titles of the coming year.
The story is based on the award winning manga A Witch’s Life in Mongolia, known in Japanese as Tenmaku no Jādūgaru, created by Tomato Soup. Since its serialization on Akita Shoten’s Souffle platform in 2021, the manga has built a dedicated following, praised for its blend of historical depth and compelling female protagonist. It earned the top spot in the 2023 Kono Manga ga Sugoi list for women and was nominated for the prestigious Manga Taisho Award two years in a row. With five volumes currently available and an English release licensed by Yen Press, the foundation has already been laid for a strong anime adaptation.
In June 2025, the studio behind the show revealed a “super teaser” visual showing the Mongolian steppe beneath a starlit sky, capturing the mood and visual tone that fans can expect. The image was released alongside the official announcement that Jaadugar will air on TV Asahi in 2026. Fans attending Anime Expo 2025 will get an early treat as producer Go Inagaki will present exclusive insights during a special panel.
At the heart of Jaadugar is the story of Fatima, a young woman born into slavery in the city of Tus during the final years of the Islamic Golden Age. Despite her circumstances, Fatima secretly immerses herself in forbidden books, absorbing knowledge far beyond what is expected of her. When the Mongol Empire begins its brutal expansion and Fatima is taken captive, she refuses to surrender to fate. Her intellect becomes her greatest weapon, and she soon rises to the inner court of Töregene, the powerful wife of Great Khan Ögedei.
Unlike traditional stories where magic is literal, Fatima’s reputation as a “witch” comes from the fear her intelligence inspires. She manipulates information, understands strategy, and uses her knowledge to influence court politics at the highest levels. Her rise is not built on fantasy powers but on the very real strength of education and resilience. The title Jaadugar, meaning magician or witch in Persian, becomes a layered commentary on the fears and biases that come with powerful women in history.
Science SARU, known for its expressive and experimental animation style, brings this tale to life with care and detail. From the teaser alone, it is clear the studio is aiming to capture both the harshness and beauty of the 13th century world. The art style mixes fluid animation with hand drawn textures, giving a distinctive visual feel to the story’s emotional and cultural depth. The decision to portray Fatima’s story in this unique art direction signals an intent to offer something visually and narratively bold.
With anime audiences increasingly open to stories rooted in real historical settings, Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia could be the bridge between historical drama and anime fantasy that sets a new standard. It moves away from the usual tropes and offers something layered, challenging, and deeply human.
More than just another historical anime, Jaadugar is shaping up to be a landmark title for 2026. Its blend of history, feminism, political intrigue, and artful storytelling promises a series that will linger long after the final episode.
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