Crunchyroll is home to all kinds of anime, giving both old and upcoming series a chance to reach a global audience. While action-packed shōnen titles oft-times dominate the spotlight, many other anime end up dividing viewers instead. Some become fan favorites, while others spark heated debates across social media. The most controversial anime are usually the ones people either love or hate, with very little middle ground. That is exactly what has happened with Crunchyroll’s newest title. Just a few episodes into its release, the series has already drawn strong reactions from fans, making it one of the most talked-about and divisive anime of the year.
The anime is Science SARU’s Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia, whose English dub premiered on July 17, 2026, with Episodes 1 and 2 released together. As the title suggests, the story follows Sitara, a young witch, as she embarks on a journey through Mongolia, blending history, epic adventure, and emotional storytelling. Even before Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia kicked off its Mongolia Arc through a trailer featuring more of its cast, it had already divided viewers. There are those who have praised the anime, while others have criticized it over its portrayal of certain themes.
The Controversy Around Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia
At its heart, Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia is about a 13th-century Iranian woman named Fatima in a historical setting involving the Mongol Empire. Fatima uses her intelligence to manipulate the Mongol court and seek revenge on her people. Her actions eventually earn her the title of the “Witch in Mongolia.” Here’s where the controversy lies: Viewers have reacted on two fronts – one, due to how Islam and Muslims are portrayed, and then about the mere presence of those subjects in the first place.
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In Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia’s case, the discussion has mainly focused on how the series handles Mongolian history and its portrayal of Islam. Some viewers have raised concerns that the anime misrepresents certain historical aspects. These discussions have become a major part of the conversation surrounding the series as fans continue to share their opinions. These concerns are important to consider, especially when a story is based on real cultures, religions, and historical events that hold significance for many people. At the same time, these discussions show why stories like Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia that explore sensitive subjects often lead to strong reactions.
Exploring religion, culture, and history in anime is not always easy. Also, when a story focuses on real-world people and sensitive topics, it can create different reactions from viewers. Some fans enjoy seeing new perspectives and stories, while others may have concerns about how these topics are shown. At the same time, mainstream media need to give space to stories about Islam, Muslims, and different cultures. Representation allows audiences to learn about experiences and histories they may not be familiar with. However, it must be acknowledged that when creators explore real communities and sensitive subjects, it is also important to handle them with care and understanding. Stories like Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia show that anime can go beyond traditional genres and explore different perspectives. While these stories may lead to discussions and criticism, they also create opportunities for audiences to engage with new ideas and viewpoints.
Besides the ongoing discussions, some viewers have praised the anime for exploring a lesser-known period of history and telling a story from a different perspective. However, others have questioned certain creative choices and how these elements are presented. As more episodes are released, the conversation around the anime will likely continue, especially as viewers get a better understanding of its overall story and message.
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As for the anime, it deserves credit for tackling a historical setting and exploring complex themes involving war, identity, and revenge. Rather than focusing solely on action, the anime shows how war can change a person’s life, take away their loved ones, and shape the choices they make. These emotional moments are what make the story stand out. Even though Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia is still new and only the first two English-dubbed episodes have been released, it has the potential to become one of the most talked-about anime of the season. However, as the story has started to unfold, some have praised its animation and emotional storytelling. As a result, Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia has quickly become one of the most talked-about new anime this season in just a short time.
As a medium, anime continues to explore more serious and realistic subjects; creators are taking on stories that can lead to discussions and debates. However, these themes can inevitably invite criticism, especially when they involve topics that are important to many communities and have a deep historical background.
Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia: All You Need To Know
While the TV anime adaptation of Tomato Soup’s historical drama manga Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia premiered in Japan on July 4, 2026, Crunchyroll streams it for viewers in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, and the CIS (excluding Russia and Belarus). Crunchyroll describes the series as:
After losing her mother and her homeland, Sitara’s despair transforms into determination with the power of knowledge. New possibilities unfold when a family of scholars takes her in, deepening her education. Meanwhile, Genghis Khan’s Mongol Empire conquers nation after nation, nearing Sitara’s new home. After the Fourth Prince of the empire takes her captive, a flame of revenge is ignited.
Ahead of its North American debut, the anime released the Mongolia Arc trailer that gave fans a first look at the three royal consorts. They include Sorghaghtani, voiced by Misaki Kuno (Xiaolan in The Apothecary Diaries), Möge, voiced by Ayaka Asai (Lisa in Fire Force), and Kirgistani, voiced by Mayumi Shintani.
So, for the English dub version, the first four episodes have already been released at the time of writing this article. The actors for the English dub include the anime protagonist Sitara voiced by Cristina Vee, Fatima voiced by Marwa Elda, Shira voiced by Abi Kumar, Muhammad voiced by Yussef Benelbar, Zumurrud voiced by Cameron Wisener, Anis voiced by Zareen Afzaal, Uncle voiced by Nasim Benelkour, Ahmad voiced by Adrian Godinez, Tolui voiced by Alex Mai, Genghis Khan voiced by Christopher Guerrero, Kamal Al-Din voiced by Daryl Mayfield, Mongolian Commander voiced by Tom Henry, Craftsman voiced by Jack Reeder, with additional voice acting roles from Bernadette Dela Cruz, Darien McArthur, Kelly Greenshield, Jordan Colea, Elizabeth Evans, Marianne Bray.
Naoko Yamada serves as executive director of the series at Science SARU, with Abel Gongora directing. Kanichi Kato is in charge of series composition, Kenichi Yoshida handles the character designs and serves as chief animation director, and Koshiro Hino composes the music.
As anime continues to grow worldwide, more creators are exploring stories that go beyond traditional genres and familiar settings. These series can introduce audiences to different cultures, histories, and perspectives while creating meaningful conversations. Although not every story will receive the same reaction from viewers as Jaadugar, the discussions they inspire show the impact that anime can have. In the end, Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia is another example of how anime continues to evolve.
New episodes of Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia drop Saturdays on Crunchyroll. You can check out the official website here.
