The historical manga sensation Tenmaku no Jadugar, winner of multiple manga awards, is now airing on TV Asahi’s “IMAnimation” slot and BS Asahi. Based on the original manga by Tomato Soup (serialized in Akita Shoten’s Souffle), the story is set in 13th-century Mongolia and follows former slave girl Shitara as she shakes the empire.
AnimeAnime.jp sat down with Sekine Akira, the voice of protagonist Shitara, to discuss her approach to the role, the impact of the original work, and the stunning visuals from Science SARU.
Preserving Shitara’s Delicate Emotional Shifts
Sekine first read the manga when she auditioned. “At first I thought it was a cute girl protagonist in an easy-to-understand historical story, but as I read on, the overwhelming despair hit me hard. The harshness of Shitara’s situation was shocking.” When she learned she passed the audition, she felt both joy and anxiety. “Shitara is a really difficult character. I knew I had to face her with determination.”
The audition lines came from the devastating early episodes. “I remember recording while already crying a little. The sense of loss and despair was so strong.”
Regarding Shitara’s character, Sekine noted: “Knowing it’s a revenge story, I saw her as a very strong girl who rises from despair. But as I read more, I found a delicate humanity that can’t be summed up as just ‘strong.’ In episode 1 she’s still innocent, then suddenly thrown into hopelessness, yet she tries to move forward. I want viewers to watch how she changes.”
Meeting Muhammad and the Joy of Knowledge
Shitara’s encounter with young Muhammad changes her worldview. Sekine observed: “He taught her the joy of knowing. Before that, she only knew a narrow world. That meeting was like a caged bird discovering the outside. I love the delicate depiction of her eyes sparkling as she learns. Because she experienced that happiness, she gains the wisdom to survive—and that fuels her fire for revenge.”
On portraying Shitara’s gradual change, Sekine said she didn’t force it. “The change came naturally as she meets people and gains experiences. We were lucky to record together as a full cast. The performances of the senior actors created such powerful waves that I was often moved. I think I changed along with Shitara, absorbing their energy.”
Quiet Emotion and the Power of Silence
Shitara cannot express her feelings loudly. Sekine explained: “The sadness builds on the happy times we built in episodes 1 and 2. The scene where Zummurud weakens in episode 2 was striking—the actress performed with such a tiny, realistic voice that you could barely hear it. I was watching from behind, feeling I must not make a sound. That matched Shitara’s feeling of only being able to watch, unable to do anything.”
Sound director Konuma Noriyuki gave a key direction: “He told me not to explain all the emotions to the audience. So I didn’t try to control too much; I focused on the feelings and atmosphere of the moment.”
No ‘Villains’ in This Story
Regarding Shitara’s age progression, Sekine noted that the character design doesn’t change much, so she focused on the accumulation of experiences and relationships. “For example, Lady Fatima is so kind that I imagined she would stroke Shitara every day. That trust allows Shitara to respond with honest expectation.”
Sekine praised Science SARU’s visuals: “The lack of outlines makes the light feel so present. It’s like a painting. You can feel the dry air, sand, and wind. I don’t know how they do it—the colors or movement—but it’s amazing. The opening and ending are also beautiful. The ending looks like watercolor in motion. The opening has a primal eeriness, especially the shot where eyes become one. But after watching the story, you notice many hidden meanings.”
Looking ahead, Sekine said: “Shitara will change again after meeting Dregene. I feel this work has no ‘villains.’ Even opposing characters have their own beliefs and love. So I hope viewers watch from multiple perspectives—not just Shitara’s—and discover new things each time. Please watch over Shitara’s growth.”
Broadcast Information
Tenmaku no Jadugar premiered on July 4, 2026 with a 2-episode 1-hour special, and airs every Saturday at 11:30 p.m. on TV Asahi’s national network “IMAnimation” and BS Asahi.
Staff
- Original: Tomato Soup (Akita Shoten “Souffle”)
- Chief Director: Yamada Naoko
- Director: Abel Gongora
- Character Design & Chief Animation: Yoshida Kenichi
- Series Composition: Kato Kanichi
- Music: Hino Koshiro
- Animation Production: Science SARU
- Art Director: Kabasawa Yuri
- Color Design: Konno Narumi
- Director of Photography: Takahashi Naoki
- Editor: Hirose Kiyoshi
- Sound Director: Konuma Noriyuki
Cast
- Shitara: Sekine Akira
- Dregene: Koshimizu Ami
- Fatima: Kuwashima Houko
- Muhammad: Saito Jun
- Ogotai: Shimono Hiro
- Tolui: Suzuki Ryota
- Shira: Irippu Jiyuu
- Chagatai: Namikawa Daisuke
- Juchi: Nojima Kenji
Music
- Opening Theme: SEKAI NO OWARI “Stella”
- Ending Theme: Queen Bee New Single “Hoshi” (Streaming & Download from July 5, 2026)
Interview by Yoneda Kaori
