Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia Becomes the Top Favorite Anime of Summer 2026, How is That Possible?
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FOLIO OTN – Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia has quickly emerged as one of the standout titles of the Summer 2026 anime season. Despite only debuting recently, the Science SARU production has climbed to the top of Anime Trending’s weekly popularity poll, demonstrating how strongly viewers have responded to its distinctive historical setting and story.
The series currently sits above several highly anticipated titles. Its latest ranking places Goodbye, Lara in second, followed by Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3, Kaiju Girl Caramelise, and the second season of You and I Are Polar Opposites. Other popular shows occupying the remaining spots include The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, REALLY Love You Season 3 and Saga of Tanya the Evil Season 2.
One of the biggest factors behind Jaadugar’s growing attention is its willingness to explore a historical world rarely portrayed in Japanese animation. The story takes place during the 13th-century Mongol Empire while also incorporating elements connected to Persian and Islamic culture.
Read more: Sitara Turns Knowledge Into a Weapon in Jaadugar: A Witch’s Life in Mongolia Episode 8
The series attracted particular attention after an early scene featured the sound of the adhan, or Islamic call to prayer. The sequence presents the religious atmosphere as part of the surrounding world rather than treating it merely as background decoration, adding another layer of authenticity to the setting.
The scene follows Sitara, the central character, as she reacts to the sound and makes her way toward its source. Her encounter with a mosque creates a visually meaningful moment that has resonated with many Muslim viewers, including audiences in Indonesia.
Beyond its cultural details, the anime distinguishes itself through its protagonist. Sitara is a young Persian Muslim woman whose greatest strength comes from her intelligence and knowledge, particularly her understanding of medicine. Her abilities become crucial after she is drawn into the political world of the Mongol Empire.
