Maebashi Witches

The series is rooted in Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture, with numerous real-world locations appearing as backgrounds—like the Gunma Prefectural Office, Hirose River, and the bustling local shopping streets.

Maebashi itself is treated as a living character, reflecting the themes of small-town dreams and challenges.

Each of the five girls is named after local train stations, further tying the show's identity to its setting.

Yuina Akagi, a reserved first-year high school student, is scouted by a mysterious frog-like being named Keroppe to become a witch apprentice.

She joins four other girls—Azu Niisato, Kyōka Kitahara, Choco Mitsumata, and Mai Kamiizumi—each unique in their personalities and burdens.

Under Keroppe's guidance, they’re tasked with granting people's wishes to gather "magic points" in a magical flower shop, aspiring to become full witches who can have one wish granted.

As they take on requests, they’re forced to confront their own insecurities and secrets, learning self-acceptance and forging deeper friendships.

• Magic Points (Mapo): The currency the girls collect by fulfilling wishes, necessary to complete their witch apprenticeship.
• Magical Flower Shop (Dreamy Dreamy Flower): The magical setting where the protagonists serve clients and grant wishes.
• Keroppe: The quirky, sometimes unreliable frog-like guide who hands out missions and rules to the girls.

Maebashi Witches is recognized for its relatable characters and its sensitive portrayal of youth struggles, like body image, family burdens, and identity.

The show actively promotes Maebashi city, with local collaborations such as specialty products, themed events, and promotional campaigns, making it a key example of regional revitalization through media.

The anime’s narrative twists—such as altering official websites to reflect developments in the story—spark talk among fans and the local community.

The opening theme, "Sugosugi Maebashi Witches!", is written by Tsunku and performed by the five main cast members, now also forming the idol unit "Maebashi Witches."

The ending theme is "Sorezore no Door," and several vibrant insert songs punctuate major episodes, often corresponding to magical moments or personal developments for the characters.

The anime airs on TOKYO MX and multiple regional stations, and is available on major streamers like Prime Video, U-NEXT, and others.

Physical media includes Blu-ray releases, fanbooks, and collaboration goods available at Maebashi tourism centers and partner shops.

The project is produced by Sunrise (now a brand under Bandai Namco Filmworks), with Eri Ka Yoshida as head writer and Shunichi Yamamoto as director.

The creative team intentionally harnessed Maebashi’s landscapes and regional atmosphere to ground the fantasy in a believable, heartfelt reality.

Character design blends everyday realism with magical charm, reflecting each girl's strengths and flaws.

Eri Ka Yoshida describes the story as an exploration of what it means to wish for something and strive for personal growth, emphasizing that flaws and desires are a natural part of being human.

The narrative approach is candid, encouraging viewers to question whether having negative feelings makes someone "bad," ultimately sending a message of acceptance and resilience.

Special events include early screenings, live performances, and local food collaborations such as a "sweet-sour pickled plum" inspired by Yuina Akagi.

The series is supported by Maebashi’s local government, with urban branding (like character decorations on trains) and official tie-in postage stamps.

Promotional efforts often mirror the anime’s plot developments in real time, involving fans in a layered, immersive experience.