Overview of WITCH WATCH and Its Creative Team
- Director Spotlight: Megumi Ishitani helmed the anime’s captivating opening sequence.
- Musical Accompaniment: The opening features “Watch Me!”by the popular band YOASOBI.
- Temporary Transfer: Concerns about Ishitani’s status at Toei have been addressed; her transfer was only temporary.
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The latest offering from acclaimed creator Kenta Shinohara—known for hits like SKET DANCE and Astra Lost in Space—is WITCH WATCH, which has captured readers’ attention in Shonen Jump since its debut in 2021. As with many Shonen series, anime adaptations are met with significant production investment, and WITCH WATCH is currently streaming on Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu.
Megumi Ishitani’s Role in the WITCH WATCH Opening
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_NB6QkfzAM
Following the launch of WITCH WATCH Episode 1, director Megumi Ishitani confirmed her long-speculated involvement in the anime by announcing via social media that she directed the opening sequence.
In her post, Ishitani emphasized the creative collaboration that took place:
オープニングのコンテ演出をさせて頂きました💖プロデューサーの谷口さんから非常に丁寧なお誘いをいただき、幸運にもTOEIに一時的に借り出していただきました！谷口さん、中目さんとやりとりして、いっぱい頑張りました！
She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work with producer Taniguchi and noted how they all collaborate to bring this vibrant opening to life. The sequence is set against the backdrop of a standout track, “Watch Me!” by YOASOBI, whose music has gained acclaim for enhancing various anime series, including the popular Oshi no Ko Season 1 opening.
What’s Next for Megumi Ishitani?
Megumi Ishitani has made her mark as a talented animator, contributing significantly to numerous episodes of One Piece. Her recent collaboration on WITCH WATCH sparked speculation among fans regarding her status at Toei Animation. However, she clarified that her involvement with the new series results from a temporary transfer approved by the studio, allowing her to work on this exciting project without leaving Toei permanently. This momentary shift opens the door for future collaborations, indicating that fans might see more of Ishitani’s work across various titles.
Ishitani has also been vocal about the recent trend surrounding AI art and its implications for traditional artistry, particularly relating to the aesthetic of Studio Ghibli. She has expressed her concerns, stating that such trends can undermine the legacy and craftsmanship associated with the revered animation studio.
As for WITCH WATCH, Episode 1 is currently available with subtitles, while a dubbed version is expected to hit streaming platforms in about three weeks, as per Netflix’s release schedule.
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