In Japan, New Years is a time for families to come together. It is also a season filled with cherished traditions: deep cleaning the home, wearing furisode, visiting shrines, making rice cakes, and enjoying beautifully prepared osechi. Oh, and how could I forget? Receiving o-toshidama!
For me, New Year’s is also the perfect time to relax and indulge in some screen time. Last year, I watched Kiheitai, a gripping jidaigeki about the Meiji Restoration. This year, I’m excited to dive into an anime series I recently discovered: 魔女っ子メグちゃん (Meg the Girl Witch).
Produced in 1974 and airing from March 1974 to September 1975, Meg the Girl Witch follows the adventures of a teenage witch named Meg. Sent to the human world to train and learn the value of kindness, Meg finds herself in a friendly rivalry with another witch, Non, as they compete to prove who is most fit to become Queen of the Magic Kingdom.
Set in the late Showa era, the anime’s music, art style, fashion, and overall atmosphere offer a delightful treat for anime lovers who appreciate the vintage charm of the 1970s. From the whimsical storyline to the nostalgic visuals, episode 34 is a wonderful slice of anime history that’s perfect for ringing in the New Year.
Meet the Characters of 魔女っ子メグちゃん
Meg
Meg is a charming and soft-spoken teenager who radiates friendliness and high-spirited energy. However, beneath her cute exterior lies a fiery streak—she’s not above using a little foul language or a touch of magic to even the score, especially when Rabi is up to his usual pranks or lands her in trouble.
Non
Non, Meg’s rival, is a reserved and aloof character who harbors a deep distrust of humans. Viewing them with disdain, Non often clashes with Meg in their quest to become Queen of the Magic Kingdom. Despite their rivalry, Non has a surprising streak of loyalty, and her timely interventions on several occasions save Meg’s life.
Mr. Kanzaki
The president of Kanzaki Promotions, Mr. Kanzaki is a good-natured husband and father with a tendency to be scatterbrained. Yet, when it matters most, he never fails to step up and protect his family during critical moments.
Mrs. Kanzaki (Mami)
Mami, Meg’s mentor and homestay mother, is a retired witch who gave up magic to marry Mr. Kanzaki. As a stay-at-home mom, she cleverly uses her magic to make her family believe that Meg is their daughter, who has returned from studying abroad.
Rabi Kanzaki
The eldest son of the Kanzaki family, Rabi is a born prankster with a knack for pushing Meg’s buttons. His mischievous antics often set the stage for humorous and chaotic situations.
Apo Kanzaki
Apo, Rabi’s adventurous toddler sibling, wields a hammer and an insatiable curiosity. Together with Rabi, Apo forms a dynamic duo of mischief-makers, constantly stirring up trouble.
Cho-san
An investigator for the Queen of the Magic Kingdom, Cho-san has a clear bias toward Non but keeps a watchful eye on Meg as well. He frequently sets traps to trip Meg up but isn’t above showing disdain for Non when she goes too far. Ever the loyal servant to the Queen, Cho-san stays in constant contact with the royal court.
Episode 34
In this New Year’s themed episode, Meg and her family visit their local shrine for hatsumode when Non cycles past and informs Meg of her plans to enter the local community bike race. Not one to back down from a challenge, Meg quickly decides to join the race as well.
When Cho-san learns of Meg and Non’s participation, he can’t resist jumping into the competition. True to form, Cho-san resorts to dirty tricks to take the lead, but Meg uses a little magic to pull ahead.
As the race heats up, Non catches up to Meg and proposes a fair competition: they’ll finish the race without magic. To seal the deal, they even exchange their magic pendants. Determined to prove their mettle, the two rivals race neck and neck.
However, along the way, Meg encounters an injured man carrying medicine desperately needed by a gravely ill boy in a neighboring town. The man begs Meg to deliver the medicine for him. Without magic, Meg faces a difficult choice: she could use her powers to help the boy and still win the race, but without her pendant, time is against her. She can either win the race or save the boy—but not both.
What will Meg decide? This heartwarming episode reminds us that New Year’s isn’t just about competition—it’s also about kindness, compassion, and making choices that reflect our true character.
Conclusion
魔女っ子メグちゃん is a delightful blend of The Munsters, Bewitched, and a touch of Hanna-Barbera charm, with a sprinkle of Ghibli-like whimsy. While I wouldn’t call myself a big anime fan, I found this series thoroughly enjoyable. For older viewers learning Japanese as a second language, it’s definitely worth checking out.
As a product of its time, the show offers a fascinating glimpse into the late Showa era, though some aspects—like Meg’s speech and fashion—might not align with modern sensibilities. Still, that vintage charm and cultural snapshot make it a unique experience, especially for anyone interested in retro anime.
Rank: 5/5
Episode One: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwGkpSkpCXE&t=986s