TV Anime “Black Cat and the Witch’s Classroom” Premieres on Sunday Night Slot

The TV anime adaptation of Black Cat and the Witch’s Classroom (original title: Kuro no Maou to Shoujo no Yōkai) began its broadcast on Sunday nights at 11:30 PM JST, according to NHK’s official programming schedule. The series, produced by Studio Gokumi, marks the first major project from the studio since its 2021 debut.

Plot and Production Details

The anime follows the story of a mysterious black cat who befriends a young witch, exploring themes of friendship and magical education. Based on the manga by Kōji Inaba, the series features a voice cast including Mayu Mineda as the protagonist and Kaito Ishida as the titular cat. Production began in 2022, with the first episode premiering on July 2, 2023, on NHK’s “Aga Anime” block.

Viewer Reception and Ratings

Early audience feedback, reported by Anime News Network, indicates strong viewership among teenagers and young adults. The debut episode achieved a 2.1% rating in the Tokyo metropolitan area, according to Nielsen Japan. Critics have praised the animation’s “fluid character designs” and “nuanced storytelling,” though some note the series’ slow pacing may challenge newer anime fans.

Industry Context and Future Episodes

The show’s Sunday night slot positions it against other popular anime like My Hero Academia and One Piece. Studio Gokumi’s managing director, Yuki Sato, stated in a company statement that the series aims to “redefine magical school narratives through character-driven storytelling.” The second episode is scheduled for July 9, with a special 90-minute premiere episode airing on July 16.