Aru Majo ga Shinu Made [Season 1 Episode 1]

“Aru Majo ga Shinu Made” Episode 1 Review: A Bittersweet Beginning

Premise & First Impressions
The first episode of Aru Majo ga Shinu Made (translated as Once Upon a Witch’s Death) wastes no time dropping a bombshell: Meg Raspberry, a cheerful 17-year-old apprentice witch, is told by her mentor, the enigmatic Faust, that she has exactly one year left to live. The catch? To break the curse, she must collect a thousand “tears of joy” from people she helps.

Right off the bat, the premise is equal parts intriguing and heartbreaking. Fans on MyAnimeList were quick to note the tonal whiplash—Meg’s bubbly personality clashes with the grim reality of her situation, creating a unique blend of comedy and melancholy. One user joked, “Miss witch was straight up blunt: ‘Yo Meg, YOU ARE GOING TO DIE IN A YEAR… LOL.’”

The Emotional Core
The episode’s emotional weight comes from Meg’s first attempt at gathering tears. She helps a grieving father and daughter, Anna, cope with the loss of their wife/mother. The scene is touching, though some fans felt it was rushed. “It would’ve been better with slower, quieter moments to really sell the emotion,” one critic noted. Still, others found it powerful—“I didn’t expect to cry from the first episode,” admitted another viewer.

The juxtaposition of Meg’s lightheartedness with the heavy themes of death and grief is divisive. Some love the balance (“Sad yet heartwarming, started to make me tear up a little”), while others find it jarring (“The mix of comedy and drama felt weird”).

Meg’s Character & Voice Acting
Meg herself is a standout. Described as “a self-centered brat, but that’s what makes her fun,” she’s endearing in her obliviousness. Her voice acting (Aoi Yuki, known for Bocchi the Rock!) has drawn mixed reactions—some adore her energetic delivery, while others find it “a bit too cringe.”

The Mystery of the Curse
Is the curse real, or is Faust manipulating Meg for some grander purpose? Theories abound. “I think it’s a trial to push her out of her comfort zone,” speculated one fan. Another theorized, “Faust might steal the completed Seed of Life once Meg gathers the tears.” The ambiguity adds intrigue, though some find it frustrating (“They introduced a mystery and made the characters painfully dumb about it”).

Animation & Setting
Visually, the show is solid but not groundbreaking. The European-inspired setting (complete with Routemaster buses) gives it a whimsical charm, though some wish it leaned harder into the Little Witch Academia or Majo no Tabitabi aesthetic.

Final Thoughts
Aru Majo ga Shinu Made Episode 1 is a promising start. It’s not perfect—some pacing issues and tonal inconsistencies hold it back—but the emotional potential is undeniable. As one fan put it, “If this first episode is any indication, we’re in for a treat.”

Will Meg succeed? Will the show break our hearts? Only time will tell, but for now, it’s a journey worth watching.

Rating: 7.5/10 (A flawed but emotionally engaging debut.)

What did you think of the episode? Let’s discuss in the comments!