Crunchyroll is home to all types of anime, giving both old and upcoming series a chance to reach a global audience. While action-packed shōnen titles often dominate the spotlight, many other anime end up dividing viewers instead. Some become fan favorites, while others spark heated debates on social media. The most controversial anime are usually the ones that people either love or hate, with very little middle ground. That's exactly what has happened with Crunchyroll's latest title. Just a few episodes into its release, the series has already received 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 Mongoliawhose 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 for its portrayal of certain themes.
The controversy surrounding 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 “The Witch of Mongolia”. Herein lies the controversy: Viewers have reacted on two fronts – one, because of how Islam and Muslims are portrayed, and then the mere presence of these subjects in the first place.
IN Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia'In the case, the discussion has mainly focused on how the series handles Mongolian history and its depiction of Islam. Some viewers have expressed concern that the anime distorts certain historical aspects. These discussions have become an important part of the conversation surrounding the series as fans continue to share their opinions. These issues are important to consider, especially when a story is based on real cultures, religions, and historical events that are meaningful to many people. At the same time, these discussions show why stories like Jaadugar: A witch in Mongolia that explore sensitive topics often lead to strong reactions.
Exploring religion, culture and history in anime is not always easy. Also, when a story focuses on real people and sensitive topics, it can create different reactions from viewers. Some fans enjoy seeing new perspectives and stories, while others may be concerned about how these topics are portrayed. At the same time, the mainstream media needs to give space to stories about Islam, Muslims and different cultures. Representation allows the audience to learn about experiences and history that they may not know. However, it must be recognized that when creators explore real communities and sensitive topics, it is also important to handle them with care and understanding. Stories that Jaadugar: A witch in Mongolia show that anime can go beyond traditional genres and explore different perspectives. While these stories can lead to discussion and criticism, they also create opportunities for audiences to engage with new ideas and points of view.
In addition to the ongoing debates, 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 surrounding the anime will likely continue, especially as viewers gain a better understanding of its overall story and message.
As for the anime, it deserves praise for tackling a historical setting and exploring complex themes involving war, identity and revenge. Instead of focusing solely on action, the anime shows how war can change a person's life, take away loved ones and shape the choices they make. These emotional moments are what make the story stand out. Even if Jaadugar: A witch in Mongolia is still new and only the first two English dubbed episodes have been released, it has the potential to be one of the most talked about anime of the season. However, as the story has begun 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 amount of time.
As a medium, anime continues to explore more serious and realistic subjects; creators take 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 societies and have a deep historical background.
Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia: Everything you need to know
While the TV anime adaptation of Tomato Soup's historical drama manga Jaadugar: A witch in Mongolia Crunchyroll premiered in Japan on July 4, 2026 and streams it to viewers in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, Middle East and CIS (excluding Russia and Belarus). Crunchyroll describes the series as:
After losing her mother and homeland, Sitara's despair turns to determination with the power of knowledge. New opportunities open up when a family of researchers takes her in and deepens her education. Meanwhile, Genghis Khan's Mongol empire is conquering nation after nation and closing in on Sitara's new home. After the Fourth Prince of the Empire captures her, a flame of vengeance is ignited.
Ahead of its North American debut, the anime released the Mongolia Arc trailer, giving fans a first look at the three royal consorts. They include Sorghaghtani, voiced by Misaki Kuno (Xiaolan in Apothecary Diaries), Boy, voiced by Ayaka Asai (Lisa in Firepower), and Kyrgyzstan, voiced by Mayumi Shintani.
So, for the English dubbed version, the first four episodes have already been released as of this writing. The cast for the English dub includes 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 Ben voiced by Nas, Ahimmad, Ahimmad, voiced by Nas, Ahimad. 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 as director. Kanichi Kato is responsible for the composition of the series, Kenichi Yoshida handles the character designs and serves as 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 get the same reaction from viewers as Yaadugarthe discussions they inspire show the impact anime can have. Eventually, Jaadugar: A witch in Mongolia is another example of how anime continues to evolve.
New episodes of Jaadugar: A witch in Mongolia release Saturdays on Crunchyroll. You can check out the official website here.
