Authored by Jougi Shiraishi with illustrations by Azure, the light novel series Witch's Journey saw its charming everyday adventures adapted into a TV anime back in October 2020, quickly captivating a legion of fans.
However, years passed with no word on a follow-up—until today! On January 4th, during the GA Bunko's special event "GA FES 2026 ～GA 20TH ANNIVERSARY～," the official announcement dropped: a brand-new theatrical anime film is in production! This bombshell news comes five years after the TV anime concluded, finally rewarding patient fans for their long wait.
Witch's Journey (Majo no Tabitabi) is a Japanese light novel series by Jougi Shiraishi. It first debuted as a self-published work on Amazon Kindle in 2014, before being revised and released as a print volume in 2016. A manga adaptation followed in November 2018, leading up to its anime debut in October 2020.
The story follows Elaina, a young witch inspired by a book called "The Adventures of Nike" to travel the world. At just 14, she becomes a witch apprentice and earns the recognition of her master, the "Stardust Witch" Fran. Due to her hair color, she is bestowed the title "Ashen Witch." Her journey begins as she travels from country to country, encountering a diverse cast of characters and experiencing stories that are often thought-provoking, sometimes satirical. The narrative occasionally weaves in flashbacks to her past experiences leading up to her becoming a witch.
October 2nd, 2025, marked the fifth anniversary of the Witch's Journey TV anime's broadcast, while 2026 celebrates the tenth anniversary of the original novel. Fueled by passionate fan support and anticipation, the official decision to produce a "brand-new theatrical anime film" has finally been made!
▼ Commemorative illustration for the film announcement by Azure, the novel's illustrator
Original novel author Jougi Shiraishi shared his excitement:
To everyone who's been asking me "When's the sequel coming out?!" via my X (formerly Twitter) DMs and replies—Witch's Journey is actually getting a sequel! You don't have to ask anymore! And it's a movie, a MOVIE!
This film project has actually been quietly moving forward behind the scenes with various folks, and I'm truly overjoyed that we can finally announce it to everyone. Reaching this point is all thanks to the help and support of so many people; I have so many people to thank, I don't even know which way to face when I sleep! (laughs). Regardless, as both an author and a fan of the Witch's Journey anime, I'm incredibly excited!
Character designer & novel illustrator Azure also commented:
I never imagined I'd see Elaina's journey on the big screen in a movie theater someday; I'm incredibly moved! My sincerest gratitude goes out to all the staff involved in the anime production and to everyone who has supported us throughout this journey.
A special teaser video has also been released, featuring newly recorded narration by Elaina's voice actress, Kaede Hondo. What kind of journey awaits the Ash Witch, Elaina, on the big screen? More details will be revealed in due course.
▼ Witch's Journey New Theatrical Anime Film Teaser Video
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