Luminous Witches is an upcoming spin-off anime series based on the Japanese mix-media franchise Strike Witches created by Fumikane Shimada.
The upcoming series was first announced at the franchise’s 10th-anniversary event in 2018. At that time, it operated under the title “Idol Witches.”
In the main series, “Strike Witches,” we saw witches, young girls who possess magical abilities who fought in the sky against the mysterious alien forces ‘Neuroi’.
Like the main series, Luminous Witches focuses on a group of young girls who wield magic. The unique and stand-out point that makes Luminous Witches shine differently from the main series is that it does not include combat but focuses on healing through songs and music.
It’s a series that feels nostalgic to the original Strike Witches with a group of girls, yet it’s different as we don’t see the intense battles in the sky but get to hear the peaceful and claiming songs that heal the soul. So, when is ‘Luminous Witches’ coming?
1. Release Date
The production studio of ‘Luminous Witches’ announced that the series is scheduled to release in 2022. No specific date has been disclosed as of yet.
I. Reason For The Premier Push Back
On August 27, 2021, the Luminous Witches Production Committee announced that Luminous Witches, which was scheduled for broadcast in 2021, has now been pushed back to 2022.
The committee did not give a specific reason but stated it is due to various circumstances. It might be due to a production issue or due to the pandemic situation.
The staff sincerely apologized for the inconvenience and concern to all the fans who are looking forward to it. All staff members are doing their best to produce the anime, so they would appreciate our understanding.
2. Key Visual
The key visual gives us a glimpse of the ‘Luminous Witches’ concert in the sky.
The bright lights on earth and the colorful lamps give a beautiful reverse night sky, while the idols sing wholeheartedly.
3. Trailer
The trailer gives a cute and fun vibe to the spinoff series. The trailer starts with beautiful scenery and melodious songs harmonizing in the background.
We then see three girls setting up a camera for a photoshoot for their music squadron and giving us a glimpse of the shoot. The trailer ends vibrantly, with the photoshoot being a success.
4. What Is The Plot/Storyline Of Luminous Witches?
Luminous Witches’ story revolves around the girl members of the Allied Air Force Aviation Magic Band Luminous Witches. The band is commonly known as the music squadron, Idol Witches, or Luminous Witches.
These girls bring peace of mind and heal the hearts of the people who have fought against the Neuroi and the people who were chased out from their hometowns around the world.
They are the exact opposite of the witches of the Joint Fighter Wings who fight to protect everyone, as these girls do not fight, they protect everyone’s smiles with “songs and music.”
5. Characters In Luminous Witches
I. Eleonore Giovanna Gassion
Eleonore is a witch of the Music Squadron, originating from Gallia. Her nickname is Elly. She is very friendly and someone who readily helps anyone in trouble without a second thought. Within the unit, she is the vocal sub-leader/the second vocalist.
II. Lyudmila Andreyevna
Lyudmila is a witch of the Music Squadron, originating from Orussia Empire. Her nickname is Milasha. She has a personality of extremely energetic highs and lows but is always at the mercy of her surroundings. She is in charge of vocals and lyrics.
III. Virginia Robertson
Virginia is a witch of the Music Squadron, originating from Britannia. Her nickname is Ginny, and she is responsible for vocal and music arrangements in her unit. She can manipulate magic waves.
IV. Shibuya Inori
Shibuya Inori is a witch of the Music Squadron, originating from Fuso. Her nickname is Inorin. She has a gentle personality and is very introverted. She is in charge of vocals and music composition in her unit.
V. Aila Päivikki Linnamaa
Aila Päivikki Linnamaa is a witch of the Music Squadron, originating from Suomus. She is a pilot officer who, for some reason, left the frontlines and joined the group. She is the sole ace witch and main vocalist in her group.
VI. Joanna Elizabeth Stafford
Joanna Elizabeth Stafford is a witch of the Music Squadron, originating from New York, Liberion. Her nickname is Jo. She is good at drawing, and as such, she is responsible for designing unit badges and everyone’s personal marks.
VII. Sylvie Cariello
Sylvie Cariello is a witch of the Music Squadron, originating from Romagna. Her nickname is Silvi. She is often lazy, but she shows a commitment that is second to none when it comes to fashion. She is responsible for vocals and costumes in her unit.
VIII. Maria Magdalene Dietrich
Maria Magdalene Dietrich is a witch of the Music Squadron. She hails from Karlsland, a country that prides itself on rigid order and its strong military tradition. She is responsible for vocals and acrobatics in her unit.
IX. Manaia Matawhaura Hato
Manaia Matawhaura Hato is a witch of the Music Squadron, originating from New Zeiland. Her nickname is Mana. She is one of the most energetic witches in the New Zeiland Air Force. Within the unit, she is in charge of vocals and dance choreography.
6. Luminous Witches MV
I. Flying Skyhigh
The music video(Short. ver) of the first single “Flying Skyhigh” of “Luminous Witches” was released on May 27, 2020.
Flying Skyhigh is a cheering song for fighting friends and those who have just started in the Luminous Witches world. We can see how energetically the singers sing and dance in the MV.
II. Blue Sky Dive
Blue Sky Dive or Aozora Dive is the second single from “Luminous Witches,” which was released on December 23, 2020.
For the second single, it is a store release and no MV teaser is given, but we get an amazing illustration by Fumikane Shimada himself.
III. Because I Swear In The Sky
The music video(full. ver) of “Luminous Witches” third single, “Because I swear in the sky,” was released on June 30, 2021.
We see the fantastic cast singing and dancing along vibrantly, cheering up the mood of anyone who listens to this melodious song.
7. Cast for Luminous Witches
In the visual, we see the cast cosplaying as the characters of Luminous Witches. In the table below, we see the cast names for their respective characters.
| Character | Cast |
| Eleonore Giovanna Gassion | Sayaka Tsuzuki |
| Lyudmila Andreyevna | Ami Aimoto |
| Virginia Robertson | Mai Narumi |
| Shibuya Inori | Minako Hosokawa |
| Aila Päivikki Linnamaa | Ryō Mamiya |
| Joanna Elizabeth Stafford | Kyō Tachibana |
| Sylvie Cariello | Miu Kotosaka |
| Maria Magdalene Dietrich | Momo Hanae |
| Manaia Matawhaura Hato | Misaki Yuuki |
8. Staff for Luminous Witches
| Position | Staff | Other Works |
| Director | Shouji Saeki | Gurren Lagann |
| Assistant Director | Kana Shundo | Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic |
| Character Draft | Fumikane Shimada | Strike Witches |
| Character Design | Kazuya Shiotsuki | Assault Lily Bouquet |
| Sound Director | Yukio Nagasaki | Dragon Ball Z Kai |
| Music Producer | Gō Wakabayashi | Overlord |
| Editing | Megumi Matsuhara | Beelzebub |
| Studio | SHAFT | Bakemonogatari |
9. Conclusion
The delay with the ‘Luminous Witches’ release may be a setback but knowing how popular the franchise is, I’m sure the series will hit the charts once it is out.
‘Luminous Witches’ is a story on the battlefield that does not focus on battles to win but on saving and healing the trauma left on the surviving warriors through music. As such, it’s hard to categorize it into one anime genre. This assures us for now, as we have something special to look forward to when it arrives.
10. Where to Watch Strike Witches
11. About Strike Witches
Sutoraiku Witchizu or Strike Witches is a media mix created by Fumikane Shimada.
The franchise has been adapted into numerous light novels, manga, anime series, and several video games.
The series revolves around teenage girls who use machines attached to their legs to indulge in fantastic aerial combats with well-done fanservice constantly running in the background.
The first episode, which was an OVA preview, was released on January 1, 2007. The TV anime adaptation, later on, was broadcasted in July 2008.
The first episode aired on July 3, 2008. The second installment arrived in July 2010, and the third season is scheduled for October 2020.
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