There is a new anime arriving this July that is already generating massive buzz across the community. Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia is Science SARU most ambitious project yet, and if you are not paying attention, you are about to miss the anime everyone will be talking about for the rest of the year.
What Is Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia?
Set against the backdrop of the Mongol Empire relentless expansion, Jaadugar follows Sitara, a young woman who loses her mother and her homeland to the chaos of war. Taken in by a family of scholars, she discovers the transformative power of knowledge and education. But when the Fourth Prince of the Mongol Empire captures her, a flame of revenge ignites that could change the course of history.
This is not your typical isekai or fantasy fare. Jaadugar is a historical fantasy rooted in real-world culture, drawing from the rich traditions of Mongolia and Central Asia. The source manga by Aoki Nico has been praised for its meticulous research and compelling storytelling, and the anime adaptation is shaping up to be something truly special.
Why Science SARU Is the Perfect Studio for This
If the name Science SARU does not ring a bell, their work certainly does. Founded by the legendary Masaaki Yuasa, the studio has built a reputation for pushing creative boundaries with projects like:
- Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! — a love letter to animation itself
- Dandadan — the supernatural action hit that took 2024 by storm
- Scott Pilgrim Takes Off — Netflix visually stuing adaptation
- The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl — a surrealist masterpiece
What sets Science SARU apart is their willingness to experiment with visual storytelling. Their animation style blends traditional techniques with bold, experimental approaches that make every frame feel alive. For a story set in the vast steppes of Mongolia, this creative freedom could produce some of the most breathtaking visuals anime has seen in years.
According to reports, the directors even traveled to Mongolia on a research trip to capture the landscape, culture, and atmosphere authentically. That level of dedication is rare, and it shows in every trailer and visual released so far.
SEKAI NO OWARI Provides the Theme Song
Adding to the hype, the opening theme Stella is performed by SEKAI NO OWARI, one of Japan biggest and most inventive bands. Known for their cinematic sound and theatrical performances, SEKAI NO OWARI involvement signals that this anime is aiming for something grand. Their music has accompanied major projects before, and Stella promises to set the perfect tone for Sitara epic journey.
Premiere Details: When and Where to Watch
Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia premieres on July 4, 2026, airing every Saturday at 23:30 JST. It will be available for streaming on Crunchyroll for international audiences. With a timeslot like that, it is clear the studio is positioning this as a premium late-night experience.
The anime already has over 24,000 members tracking it on MyAnimeList, and it has not even aired yet. GameRant has already called it Crunchyroll Best New Summer 2026 Anime, and that is before a single episode has dropped.
The Cast of Characters
Beyond Sitara herself, the story features a rich ensemble drawn from Mongolian history and folklore:
- Sitara — The protagonist, a scholar-turned-captive whose thirst for knowledge becomes a weapon against empire
- The Fourth Prince — A complex antagonist whose capture of Sitara sets the entire story in motion
- The Scholar Family — Who take Sitara in and give her the tools to understand the world
- Tamawashi and other sumo wrestlers — The anime has reportedly cast real sumo wrestlers in voice roles, adding an unprecedented layer of authenticity
Why This Anime Matters Right Now
In a season packed with sequels and adaptations, Jaadugar stands out as something genuinely original. It is not a sequel. It is not a remake. It is a brand-new story from a studio known for taking risks, set in a time and place that anime has rarely explored with this level of care.
The Mongol Empire is one of the most fascinating periods in human history, yet it has barely been touched in anime. Jaadugar has the potential to open up an entirely new world of storytelling, one where knowledge is power, and a young woman determination can challenge an empire.
Summer 2026 Dark Horse?
With Mushoku Tensei Season 3, Black Torch, and Hana-Kimi Season 2 also premiering this summer, the competition is fierce. But Jaadugar has something those shows do not: the element of surprise. It is the kind of anime that could explode in popularity overnight once viewers actually see it in action.
Science SARU has a track record of creating shows that become cultural moments. Dandadan went from niche manga to global phenomenon. Could Jaadugar be next?
What Do You Think?
Are you plaing to watch Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia when it drops on July 4? Do you think Science SARU can deliver another hit? And what is your most anticipated anime of Summer 2026? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, we want to hear from you!
