Mpaper – In the quiet countryside city of Maebashi, Japan, an extraordinary story unfolds—a story where tradition, magic, and the lives of seven young girls intersect in a battle that will decide the fate of both their world and another. “Maebashi Witches” is a dark fantasy, coming-of-age anime that blends supernatural combat with deep emotional drama and intricate character development. Lauded for its strong storytelling, unique world-building, and complex characters, this anime has gained cult status among fans of the genre.
Plot Summary
Set in a seemingly ordinary high school in Maebashi, the story begins with Aoi Mizuno, a quiet and introverted transfer student who quickly discovers that she is not like other girls. After a strange incident during a school trip to the nearby mountains, Aoi is confronted by a talking fox spirit named Shiro, who reveals to her that she is the reincarnation of a powerful witch, one of seven destined to protect the veil between the human world and the Netherrealm—a chaotic, magical dimension where corrupted spirits and ancient demons reside.
As Aoi begins to awaken her latent powers, she is introduced to the Circle of Maebashi, a secret group of teenage witches, each bearing a unique elemental affinity and magical lineage. The witches are bound by an ancient contract to keep the balance between the realms and prevent the collapse of the “Veil,” a metaphysical barrier that protects the Earth from invasion.
The Circle includes:
- Yuna Takashiro, the fiery and impulsive witch of flame
- Misaki Haruna, the graceful and cold-hearted mistress of ice
- Rika Aihara, the cheerful but deceptively cunning wind wielder
- Hinata Sano, the grounded and compassionate earth mage
- Kuroe Kanzaki, the enigmatic necromancer with power over shadows
- Nao Fujimura, the psychic who bends time and memory
As Aoi undergoes rigorous training, the group begins to experience unusual breaches in the Veil—far more frequent and violent than before. Demonic entities known as “Hollows” begin slipping through, attacking townspeople and causing mass hysteria. At the same time, a rogue witch named Sakura Asahina, once a member of the Circle, reappears with a vengeance, determined to bring down the Veil and reshape the world according to her warped ideals of freedom.
Sakura believes that the Veil is not a protection, but a prison—one that limits humanity’s true magical potential. Twisting forbidden Netherrealm magic, she forms the Crimson Covenant, a rogue group of dark witches and corrupted spirits, setting the stage for a battle that threatens to unravel both worlds.
As the Circle of Maebashi confronts Sakura and the Crimson Covenant, their unity begins to fracture. Personal secrets are revealed, allegiances are tested, and the cost of their power becomes increasingly evident. Ultimately, the anime explores the nature of sacrifice, the burden of duty, and the question: What does it truly mean to be free?
The season climaxes in an epic battle atop Mount Akagi, where Aoi, having fully awakened as the Witch of Light, must choose between saving her friends or sealing the Veil forever—trapping herself in the Netherrealm to stop Sakura once and for all.
Themes and Symbolism
“Maebashi Witches” thrives not only on its action and magic but also its layered themes. The central idea of balance—between chaos and order, freedom and responsibility, emotion and reason—is reflected in every character arc. Each witch represents a facet of human nature, and their magical element aligns with their inner struggle.
The Veil itself serves as a metaphor for emotional barriers, societal expectations, and the cost of suppression. The anime does not shy away from exploring depression, grief, identity, and the loneliness of carrying burdens no one else can understand. Every battle is not just physical, but also symbolic of personal demons the characters must face.
Art and Music
The animation style of “Maebashi Witches” is both beautiful and haunting. The backgrounds are rich with nature—forests, rivers, traditional shrines—enhancing the atmosphere of mysticism and old-world charm. When the action ramps up, the magical duels are fluid, creative, and emotionally charged.
The soundtrack is a standout element, composed by Naoko Moriguchi, blending traditional Japanese instruments with electronic and orchestral scores. The opening theme, “Celestial Cage,” by Luna Haruna, became an instant hit, while the hauntingly melancholic ending song “Veil of Me” captures the anime’s bittersweet tone.
Ranking the Witches by Power
While all seven members of the Maebashi Circle are powerful in their own right, their abilities vary in raw magical strength, versatility, and combat effectiveness. Below is a power ranking based on their performance across the series:
1. Aoi Mizuno – Witch of Light
- Element: Light
- Abilities: Purification, energy manipulation, barrier creation, teleportation
- Why She’s Ranked #1: As the reincarnation of the original High Witch, Aoi’s potential is unmatched. Her ability to purify even corrupted souls and manipulate both offense and defense places her at the top. In the final battle, she literally bends the Veil itself—a feat no one else can achieve.
2. Nao Fujimura – Witch of Time
- Element: Time
- Abilities: Time loops, memory alteration, short-range time freeze
- Strengths: While not destructive, Nao’s power is terrifying in the right hands. She can undo death for a short time, replay moments, and alter perception. Her strategic use of time manipulation allows her to outmaneuver almost any foe.
3. Misaki Haruna – Witch of Ice
- Element: Ice
- Abilities: Cryokinesis, weapon formation, slowing molecules
- Strengths: Misaki is a precision fighter, able to freeze entire landscapes or form deadly ice constructs. Her calm demeanor makes her an exceptional duelist, rarely acting without calculation.
4. Kuroe Kanzaki – Witch of Shadows
- Element: Shadow
- Abilities: Necromancy, shadow travel, fear-based illusions
- Strengths: Kuroe’s powers are the most unsettling. She can summon shadow beasts, manipulate the dead, and trap enemies in mind-scarring illusions. Though not invincible, her versatility is immense.
5. Yuna Takashiro – Witch of Flame
- Element: Fire
- Abilities: Fire manipulation, combustion, solar flares
- Strengths: Yuna’s fire magic is devastating in direct combat. Her volatile nature can be a double-edged sword, but in raw firepower, she’s nearly unmatched. She is the team’s primary offensive front-liner.
6. Rika Aihara – Witch of Wind
- Element: Wind
- Abilities: Aerokinesis, flight, sound-based attacks
- Strengths: Rika is fast and agile, with sharp attacks that slice through enemies. Her wind magic is ideal for mobility and ranged combat, but lacks the sheer impact of others.
7. Hinata Sano – Witch of Earth
- Element: Earth
- Abilities: Seismic control, plant manipulation, defensive walls
- Strengths: Hinata is the team’s backbone—strong in defense and team support. However, her slower casting time and stationary style make her less adaptable in fast-paced battle scenarios.
Conclusion
“Maebashi Witches” is more than a magical girl anime—it’s a layered narrative that explores identity, trauma, and the quiet resilience of young women chosen to carry unimaginable burdens. The show balances high-stakes magical warfare with tender character-driven storytelling, making each episode feel impactful and emotionally resonant.
With a perfect mix of action, heartache, and beauty, Maebashi Witches stands tall among modern fantasy anime. Whether you’re drawn in by the intense battles or the deeply human stories behind each spell, this series casts a spell that lingers long after the credits roll.
