Naoko Yamada Says She Stayed in a Traditional Mongolian Home While Preparing ‘Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia’ Anime

Naoko Yamada has revealed that she and Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia director Abel Góngora went beyond conventional research while preparing Science SARU’s historical anime, including staying in a traditional Mongolian dwelling and experiencing horseback riding firsthand. The executive director discussed the production during an interview with Anime News Network at Anime Expo 2026, explaining how the team wanted the series’ 13th-century Persian and Mongolian settings to feel authentic without losing the distinctive visual identity of Tomato Soup’s original manga.…