Flying Witch – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Flying Witch

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2016

78%

WISE Score

7.2

IMDb

A witch-in-training moves to rural Japan for the world's most chill magic school experience—think Kiki's Delivery Service meets Bob Ross.

7.2/10

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Flying Witch

show

TV-PG, 2016

78%

WISE Score

7.2

IMDb

A witch-in-training moves to rural Japan for the world's most chill magic school experience—think Kiki's Delivery Service meets Bob Ross.

7.2

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7.2/10

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Screenwise Verdict

Flying Witch is the anime equivalent of a warm cup of tea on a rainy afternoon—lovely if that's what you're after, but not exactly thrilling.

It's exceptionally safe and wholesome, with a teenage witch learning magic while living with relatives in rural Japan. The magic is gentle (flying broomsticks, talking cats, friendly spirits), the characters are kind, and the biggest conflict is usually someone getting mildly lost. It's basically the anti-shonen anime.

The catch? It's slow. Like, really slow. Episodes are about everyday activities infused with small magical moments. If your kid needs plot, action, or even mild tension to stay engaged, this will put them to sleep. But if they're the type who loved Kiki's Delivery Service or can happily watch someone garden for 20 minutes, this might be perfect.

Solid choice for intentional screen time that won't rot brains, but know your audience—this is for patient, contemplative viewers only.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8-14 who already enjoy slow-paced, contemplative content or are specifically into witchy/magical themes. Older teens and adults who love cozy slice-of-life anime will appreciate it, but it's not must-watch material for kids who prefer faster storytelling.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Exceptionally gentle slice-of-life anime that models kindness, patience, and family warmth. The protagonist is learning magic while living with relatives, and the show emphasizes everyday wonder, cooperation, and calm interactions. No meanness, no bullying, no conflict-driven drama—just a witch-in-training discovering the world. The pacing is deliberately slow and meditative, which is either wonderfully calming or potentially boring depending on the viewer.

Imaginative

The premise of a teenage witch learning magic in rural Japan blends the mundane with the magical in creative ways. Episodes explore things like flying on broomsticks, meeting talking cats, encountering spirits, and discovering magical plants. It invites curiosity about nature and folklore while maintaining a grounded, realistic setting. However, it's more observational than participatory—kids watch magic happen rather than being prompted to create or build themselves.

Safe

One of the safest anime options available. Common Sense Media rates it for age 10, and the content is extremely mild—no violence, no scary moments, no fanservice, no inappropriate content. The 'dangers' are things like getting lost or mild awkwardness. It's a show where the biggest tension might be whether someone will successfully make a good first impression. No surprise content that would alarm parents or kids.

Enriching

Offers gentle lessons about adapting to new environments, appreciating nature, respecting traditions, and finding wonder in everyday life. The show explores Japanese rural culture and folklore in accessible ways. However, the extremely slow pacing and minimal plot progression mean there's limited character growth or meaningful challenges to overcome. It's more contemplative than educational, more soothing than skill-building. Entertainment value is moderate—it's beloved by slice-of-life fans but will bore action-oriented viewers.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely wholesome without being saccharine—models kindness, curiosity, and family warmth in realistic ways
Introduces Japanese rural culture and folklore through a magical lens that feels accessible and grounded
Perfect antidote to overstimulating content—the pacing is so calm it's almost meditative
Zero concerning content: no violence, no fanservice, no mean characters, just a girl learning to fly a broom and meet her neighbors
Strong female protagonist who's independent, capable, and learning without needing romance or conflict

⚠

What to Watch For

The pacing is SLOW—like, watching-paint-dry slow for kids used to high-energy shows. Episodes are about things like 'going to the market' or 'meeting a new plant'
Minimal plot progression means some kids will check out quickly if they need narrative hooks or action
Subtitles required unless you find a dubbed version, which adds a reading barrier for younger viewers

Conversation Starters

"If you could learn one type of magic, what would you want to do with it?"
"Makoto gets lost a lot because she has no sense of direction—what helps you when you're trying to find your way somewhere new?"
"The show makes ordinary things like gardening or cooking feel magical. What's something ordinary in our life that you think is kind of magical when you really think about it?"

Stills

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