Flying Witch

Flying witch is a laid back slice of life anime with one of the most charming characters i've ever seen. It follows the story of Kowata Makoto who's a witch in training. All of the episodes cover the everyday life of this girl and her family and friends. What i like about Flying Witch in general is how relaxing it is. Now it is just a typical slice of life anime at first glance but each episode you start to enjoy it more and more until you can't get enough. What makes this a masterpiece is the combination of charming characters, gorgeous art, and over thetop calming music. All of these just compliment each other so well. From this point on there's some really minor spoilers so keep in mind. REALLY minor. [Story] (This part have some minor spoilers, you can skip this.) Even though there's really not much into the story in Flying Witch, or slice of life anime in general. But Flying Witch just makes the simplest and boring stuff interesting. What i noticed while watching Flying Witch is how this anime has ZERO drama. There's absolutely no drama, everyone's so chill all the time. There were plots where i thought there would be some drama but no they just play it off and it turned into a funny scene and i laughed my ass off. By the way, yeah this anime is really funny. Found myself can't stop laughing at times. [Art] The art is well typical J.C Studio style, of course with it's own characteristics for Flying Witch. What makes this special is just how beautiful it is. Especially the green scenery and everything. Deserve a solid 9. [Music] Now the music in this anime is just extremely calming and just gives off that country side feel, kind of like harvest moon/stardew valley (game) vibe. They fit in the anime so well. This whole anime reminds me of stardew valley, how they pick up wild plants in the side of the street and cooks them, just like in the game. Anyway i'm sidetracking, the music gets a 10 from me. [Characters] The characters can be described as a few words: Charming, happy, cheerful, silly, funny, chill,cute and more. They are absolutely no antagonist in the anime. Don't forget about the familiars in the anime, they are characters too. My favorite is Chito the black cat. SO CUTE. The facial expression in this anime are hilarious af. [Enjoyment] Definitely was not bored while watching any of the episodes. They 20 mins episode felt like 5 mins, they went by so quick. Really enjoyed it. [Overall] This was one of the best slice of life anime's i've watched. Of course it's not for everyone, maybe someone find it boring or uninteresting but it's definitely good for me. If you find it boring the first few episodes, don't stop watching. You'll fall in love later. Might even get a S2 since there's still manga material to be covered. That's it from me, this is just my opinion, if yours is different well no problem. Have a good one.

Flying Witch is possibly one of the most relaxed, tranquil anime bestowed upon this world. This show was a gem among stones this season, with nothing else keeping me particularly hyped for the next episode. Despite this show having a basic plot and absolutely no movement in the story (not physically anyway) this was absolutely one of my favourites this season. Story: 8 Flying Witch is about, well, a flying witch. Her name is Kowata Makoto, she leaves the city of Yokohama to live with her relatives in the small town of Aomori to train as a witch. That's about it, each episode depicts the antics allthe characters get up to together, from simple activities like cooking at school or making a vegetable patch, to creating potions and discovering new spells accompanied by the other witch characters, Akane (Makoto's sister) and Inukai (Akane's friend). These activities were enjoyable to watch, there was no flashy spell-casting or explosions or intensity, just relaxing and calming to watch. Art: 8 The setting of Aomori is absolutely beautiful, lush landscapes and aerial shots of the town and surrounding environment are frequently shown and used effectively to transition scenes and display the location of our characters next "everyday" event. The characters looked fairly stock-standard, you've seen this style before, but it is nice to look at, they look like normal people. I think that's another reason this show feels so relaxing to watch, the characters don't look like they're out to fight evil or blow shit up, they lead normal lives and do normal stuff, simple and effective. Sound: 9 While the OP of Flying Witch is questionable at times, personally I enjoyed it sometimes, didn't really at others. The ED was beautiful, really nice way to tie off each episode, especially as sometimes I didn't even feel it coming, and assumed it was part of the episode. On the topic of that, the soundtrack was incredible, so god damn tranquil. The quiet sounds of the mornings accompanied by soothing acoustic guitar sets each episode off with a fresh and warm feeling. The SFX used in comedic scenes also works perfectly, with a wonky, quirky tone to it that, in my opinion, emphasizes the scenes dialogue or topic effectively. Characters: 8 You've seen all these characters before, they are quite easy to predict and you can guess their next personality trait in an instant. But, this doesn't mean they don't keep the show going, Makoto is gorgeously bubbly and excited by such simple things you can't help but gush, Akane receives the label of crazy, adventurous, show-offy alcoholic big sister, but still adds important input to the dialogue and her storytelling adds an entire new level to the world that the show is set in. Kei and Chinatsu are both great characters, Kei being the understanding, kind and welcoming male lead, always willing to spark the events of the episode, and teach both the other characters and the viewer (well, me at the least) new things about the particular activity being done. Chinatsu is cute as fuck, and her excitement and open-mindedness makes every scene a happy one, her charm and bubbly personality surpass Makoto, and her clueless-ness at some points has a very distinct curiousity to it, pulling the viewer in and forming a surrogacy of inquisition. Enjoyment: 8 I enjoyed this show very much, I enjoyed watching these simple characters interact and grow deeper bonds with each other as they performed everyday tasks and just simply had innocent fun together. That's really all there is to it, this show has such a simple formula and executes it perfectly. Making such simple activities interesting to watch and difficult to stop. Overall: 8 Basically if you've got a cup of tea or something in your hands, lying in bed, or on the couch, relaxed in the early morning and you watch this, you've pretty much got no excuse not to feel spectacularly tranquil and enlightened. If your looking for something light-hearted and easy to watch, I encourage you to watch Flying Witch. ~Xeno156

Flying Witch is possibly the best iyashikei (healing) anime ever made. If you love Aria, Non Non Biyori, and the Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou OVAs, then this is a must-see series. Flying Witch stands out because it makes even Aria look action-packed. Every moment of every episode unfolds naturally and organically; there's a very subtle but unmistakable message that humans (witch or otherwise) are truly inseparable from the earth, plants, wind, and sky. There's no overt conflict, no overly energetic comedy bits, and really no plot. I have no idea how an entire episode dedicated to the coming of spring, taking a few walks, and pickingfresh wildflower buds for tempura can be utterly captivating, but that's why Flying Witch is so magical. One thing that's particularly refreshing is that all the characters, even ones from the magical world, are portrayed in a very realistic manner. Instead of relying on eccentric behavior to drive the story, the show just lets people be themselves. This is particularly important for the character of Chinatsu, a grade-school girl who's the younger cousin of Makoto (the titular witch of the series). It's great to see her reactions because she doesn't act like any of the anime tropes you might expect to encounter, nor is she given any odd quirks to make her more of a stand-out (e.g. Renge from Non Non Biyori). Chinatsu's just a normal kid, and that alone makes her a rare and wonderful creation. Similarly, Chito, Makoto’s cat and familiar, actually acts and is animated like a real cat. Chito can be lazy, likes taunting the neighborhood dog, and goes on inscrutable adventures that only another cat could truly understand. I’ve followed a few cats on their adventures in my time and Chito is exactly like those real world felines. There’s a wonderful moment in Episode 5 when Chito decides to take a nap with Chinatsu, and the animators take the time to depict Chito circling around a few times before finally settling down. This is exactly what every cat ever actually does, and this show has the generosity to let Chito be true to Chito. All anime cats should be so lucky. Generosity is perhaps the best word to describe Flying Witch. One can’t help but notice the small kindnesses that every episode contains. Whether it’s helping out with simple household chores, ensuring that a caterpillar finds a safe spot to feed on fresh leaves, or keeping a new friend company while she runs errands, one is constantly reminded of how these tiny actions are often so much more meaningful than the occasional grand gesture. Flying Witch is a moment of utter serenity in the frenetic world of anime, and its real magic is in giving its viewers the chance to reflect on the smallest moments in daily life and realize that those can be the most enchanting of all. Flying Witch shows that a butterfly…or a caterpillar…is as beautiful and moving as a cathedral.

Do you want a show that is serene, tranquil, and perfect for relaxation? Maybe you are tired of how action-packed and over-the-top most anime are? Perhaps you want to relieve yourself of all the worries in real life and just enjoy the ride? Regardless, I invite you to enter the world of Flying Witch. It is not heavy, exciting, or full of action. In fact, it meanders through quite uneventful situations. However, it is truly the pinnacle of slice of life as far as feeling good goes. It's a beautiful concoction of peaceful music, a laid-back setting, and genuinely sweet characters doing everyday things with noworry or tension and magic thrown in. While more demanding audiences may find it dull, I can safely recommend it those who just want something sweet and soothing. There are other relaxing shows out there, like Non Non Biyori, K-On!, and the Suzumiya Haruhi Series to name a few, but not very many of them can create such a perfectly built universe that seems separate and devoid of anime clichés and stereotypes. It is merely a tale of a girl named Makoto visiting her family in the outskirts with her cat. However, their daily activities aren't very ordinary. In fact, they regularly involve magic. Think of it like Aria or Yokohama Shopping Log with fantasy flavor. Makoto herself is a witch and their everyday events include anything from planting a mandrake to helping a friend turn back into a human from a furry to visiting a Ghibli-esque café with regular customers that include ladybugs, foxes, and invisible people. The magical elements blend in so seamlessly, it's as if they're natural. It adds a level of extra beauty to an otherwise run of the mill story. The cast of characters are very memorable. They all have stunning chemistry together and their conversations flow with ease. Each of them also have many personality traits that adds a level of familiarity that most SoL anime don't have. While I was watching it, I didn't feel like I was just watching characters talking with each other. I felt like they were genuine people that I knew closely. Don't expect them to be well-developed or complex though. Now I come to the big issue - Unfortunately, not everyone will appreciate Flying Witch. Regardless of how cute and cuddly it is, a large portion of the audience will find it boring. There is no overall plot, no drama, no conflict, no character development, and no degree of complexity. Those who want something exciting, thrilling or deep won't get what they're looking for. I had to be in an undemanding mood to enjoy it to the fullest, so I found myself bored while watching it some days. The production was done by the masters of slice of life themselves, J.C.Staff. Like all their shows, the animation is rather standard. It doesn't look choppy or ugly but certainly doesn't boast anything special. The designs are very typical but don't stick out as terrible or anything. I can say the visuals fit the calm style of the narrative but only that much. As for the music, it does a good job of being soothing and restful but like the visuals, it's not fantastic. Most of the soundtrack is composed of calm piano and flute pieces, as well as some stringed music. None of the tracks in particular are very memorable but as a whole, it does its job. The opening, on the other hand, can be described in one word - Cute. With the adorable dance routine, upbeat song, and colorful visuals, you can't help but feel warm inside after watching it. It does a very good job of preparing for what's to come. There is also something special about the voice acting. Quite simply, the VAs sound genuine. None of them deliver squeaky or overly obnoxious roles (unlike a good portion of slice of life), so it sounds very nice. So, sit back, relax, drink a cup of tea, sit on your couch, and enjoy the ride. Are you having a bad day? It will be a great remedy for that. In the end, what you have is definitely a basic slice of life type of show - but one of the best ones out there. Even if you're a cold-hearted bastard and spawn of Cthulu, you should still get something out of it.

Merchandise

Links may contain affiliate references

Studio

Producers

Themes