Sleepless Nights and Simmering Secrets: Witch Hat Atelier Episode 9 Review

by

The anime adaptation of Witch Hat Atelier continues to impress fans as Coco’s story unfolds. Bug Films has done a fantastic job bringing Kamome Shirahama’s enchanting and thoughtful tale to life, making it one of the highlights of the Spring 2024 season. The series expertly blends moments of bright, childlike wonder with darker, more serious themes, a clear indication of both Shirahama’s vision and the skill of the animation team. With only four episodes remaining, it’s uncertain if the anime will deliver a satisfying conclusion, but so far, there’s every reason to believe it will be a success.

Episode 8’s dramatic events highlighted the Brimmed Caps, who secretly linked their potent ink to the girl’s ink supply. Qifrey is determined to uncover their motives, and while we don’t know why, Episode 9 reveals the group has stolen something from the powerful witch. Qifrey is consumed with retrieving this lost item, his dedication mirroring Coco’s quest to reunite with her mother and correct past mistakes. This group of witches practicing forbidden magic is clearly becoming more active, and their influence is growing stronger.

The Brimmed Caps Aren’t Coco’s Biggest Threat Now

Or, Perhaps, They’re Still Pulling the Strings

Qifrey’s students are still dedicated to learning, happily studying and interacting with their teacher, who guides them with patience and kindness. The episode opens with a beautiful, Renaissance-like setting and some helpful background information. Qifrey explains the five tests they must pass: the Sincerity of the Shield, the Query of the Qui Vive, the Goodwill of her Grace, and the Words of the Wise. Completing the Goodwill of her Grace test signifies becoming a full witch, while passing the Words of the Wise allows a witch to begin teaching others. It’s an ambitious goal, and everyone is enthusiastic except Richeh, who openly admits she hates tests. That’s understandable.

Under the cover of night, Qifrey cautiously tries to break the magical connection between Coco and the Brimmed Caps, carefully working with her ink bottle. This is the first real clue he’s had in a while, but his attempt goes wrong, unleashing a powerful lightning strike and a huge waterspout that almost kills him. Suddenly, Iguin, a masked member of the dangerous sect, appears, destroys the bottle, and quickly vanishes. Weak and in pain, Qifrey desperately promises to retrieve what he’s lost, though it’s unclear exactly what that is. While he clearly loves and cares for the girls under his protection, his reasons for involving Coco might not be entirely selfless, as she’s the only connection he has to those who practice forbidden magic.

During Coco’s initial trial, Agott lent her special Sylph Shoes, but the magic that allowed her to fly was lost in the confusion. Coco has since managed to recreate the spell, but when she returns the shoes to the serious Agott, he remains suspicious. Coco hasn’t told Qifrey or Olruggio that Agott pushed her through the portal to the first test before she was prepared. She explains she wanted to prove she could handle things independently, both to show she deserved a place at Qifrey’s workshop and to demonstrate to herself that she had the potential to become a witch. Before they can finish talking, Coco suddenly collapses with a high fever, and Qifrey rushes her to the hospital in Kalhn. There, he encounters Tartah, who is curious about a bright light he witnessed earlier and why his master doesn’t remember it.

Witch Hat Atelier Reminds Us That Looking Back Doesn’t Mean We Can’t Also Move Forward

Our Mistakes Can Serve as Inspiration to Improve and Grow, if We Let Them

Episode 9 of Witch Hat Atelier highlights the growing parallels between Coco and Qifrey. Both possess a strong, unwavering confidence, even when facing challenges, and are driven by a desire to recover something they’ve lost. Agott shares this determination, though she pursues self-improvement in solitude. While Qifrey is a powerful, experienced witch and Coco is still learning, both characters reveal a hidden vulnerability. Despite his magical abilities, Qifrey hasn’t yet achieved his aim, and Coco continues to grieve for her mother, facing each day with a hopeful, yet delicate, smile.

It’s unclear if Qifrey will share any secrets with Tartah, but next week’s episode will likely reveal more about Coco’s illness. While Coco’s fever could just be from exhaustion, there’s a feeling that something more serious is happening. The big question is whether Qifrey’s intense focus on the Brimmed Hats will overshadow his concern for his apprentices, especially Coco, and the answer might be shocking for viewers.

It looks like love can overcome anything, even secret magic and deception – or at least, that’s what we’re hoping for.

Witch Hat Atelier can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

Read More

2026-05-25 20:07