Kamome Shirahama’s enchanting manga Witch Hat Atelier has achieved another milestone by winning the 2025 Harvey Award for Best Manga, marking its second victory after first claiming the honor in 2020. The announcement was made at New York Comic Con, one of the biggest events celebrating global pop culture and comics.
A Historic Second Win
Published in English by Kodansha USA and translated by Stephen Kohler, Witch Hat Atelier has captivated readers worldwide with its breathtaking art and imaginative storytelling. Its second Harvey Award places it alongside some of the most respected works in the history of manga, a testament to Shirahama’s exceptional talent and creativity.
This year, the series triumphed over other acclaimed titles such as The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn’t a Guy at All by Sumiko Arai, The Summer Hikaru Died by Mokumokuren, Tokyo These Days by Taiyo Matsumoto, and Wind Breaker by Satoru Nii.
Expressing her gratitude on social media, Shirahama thanked fans for their continued love and support, writing, “I am deeply honored. This award belongs to everyone who has supported Witch Hat Atelier from the beginning. Thank you so much.”
A Magical Tale That Captures Hearts
First serialized in Kodansha’s Morning Two magazine in 2016, Witch Hat Atelier follows the story of Coco, a curious young girl who dreams of becoming a witch in a world where only those born with magic can wield it. When she accidentally uses forbidden spellcraft and turns her mother to stone, Coco embarks on a journey of redemption and discovery under the mentorship of the enigmatic witch Qifrey.
The manga’s stunningly detailed artwork, inventive magic system, and emotional storytelling have earned it critical acclaim. Its combination of fairy-tale charm, moral depth, and creative wonder has resonated with readers around the globe.
Global Recognition and Future Adaptation
Over the years, Witch Hat Atelier has sold more than 5.5 million copies worldwide and received numerous international honors, including the Eisner Award for Best U.S. Edition of International Material (Asia) and accolades from France, Spain, and Korea.
The excitement continues as the series is set to receive its long-awaited anime adaptation by Bug Films in 2026. Fans are eagerly anticipating how the intricate world of Shirahama’s hand-drawn magic will be brought to life on screen.
The Harvey Awards, established in 1988, are among the most prestigious recognitions in the comics industry. Voted on by professionals, the awards celebrate excellence in storytelling and artistry across genres. The Best Manga category, introduced in 2018, has previously honored titles like My Hero Academia, Chainsaw Man, and Delicious in Dungeon.
With its second Harvey Award, Witch Hat Atelier continues to stand as a shining example of how manga can combine art, emotion, and imagination into something truly timeless.
Follow Anime Insider on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates on manga awards, anime releases, and everything happening in the world of Japanese pop culture.
