Ojamajo Doremi is a popular magical girl anime series that aired in Japan from 1999 to 2003. The show centers around a group of young girls who discover they have the potential to become witches. In order to become witches, they must attend the Maho-do, a special witch school. However, the school is not open to just anyone. To enroll in the Maho-do, the girls must go through a process known as scouting. Scouting is the act of searching for and selecting talented individuals to join a particular organization or group.
We actually engineered a situation where Doremi must do her best to convincingly pretend to eat steak for a studio audience. Amazing
I ve heard that a big part of the Japanese film industry is basically just TV stars doing soap operas, so this would definitely work for that sort of thing. Viewed entirely as a self-contained episode, this was one of Doremi s better pure farce adventures, and once again made great use of the rivalry between Doremi and Tamaki.
Scouting is the act of searching for and selecting talented individuals to join a particular organization or group. In the case of Ojamajo Doremi, the witches of the Maho-do are tasked with scouting for potential witch students. The main characters, Doremi, Hazuki, Aiko, and Onpu, are themselves former witch students who have successfully completed their training and become apprentice witches.
Ojamajo Doremi – Episode 35
Settle in folks, it is absolutely past time for another dash of Doremi. I’m currently sitting near the end of a long and stressful workday, but my spirits have legitimately been kept high all day by knowing I’ve got a new Doremi episode waiting at the end. This show’s world is so inviting, cast so charming, and stories so suffused with empathy that it’s hard not to smile while watching. Doremi is a genuinely thoughtful and often dramatically creative children’s show, but it’s also just the most inviting comfort food of all time, and I’m always happy to return.
The show wasn’t really in comfort food mode last week, though – in fact, Aiko’s failed reunion with her mother was another of Doremi’s signature tearjerkers, and its nuanced, dramatically somber finale felt like one of the most painfully real moments of the show so far. After having her trust betrayed by her father and finding herself incapable of greeting her mother, Aiko ended up simply reflecting on her childhood memories, her friends by her side. Life can be frustrating like that; we’re often burdened with feelings that demand some sort of cathartic, coherent resolution, but the real world rarely offers neat conclusions for our personal stories. We’re often forced to find solace much in the way Aiko did; by accepting that the past is the past, our stories are still being written, and we can always rely on the support of our friends.
Anyway! Last episode was a truly great one, but given we just passed a big dramatic highlight, I’m guessing we’re in for some also-welcome farcical nonsense this time. Let’s get right to it!
We open on… the grill of a truck that has an actual music note on it? IS DOREMI’S OVERARCHING MUSIC MOTIF FINALLY GOING TO MAKE SENSE.
Oh right, I believe they mentioned last week that a famous pop idol was going to be joining their class. It looks like we’re being introduced to her now, with her manager’s dialogue giving her profession away. And then there’s the inherent mystery hook of Majo Rika just sitting there on her lap
Majo Rika curling and drying her non-hair is an extremely good gag
Apparently there’s a “super talented new apprentice” who’s been racing up the witch rankings
“The Transfer Student is a Witch Apprentice!?” That doesn’t leave too much room for ambiguity, huh
“I have prepared signed photos of the famous actress, Tamaki Reika.” I am sorry you exist as a continuous living punchline, Tamaki, but I thank you for your service. Go with god as you yet against step directly on top of another rake
We’ve reached the point where all of the class clowns now immediately start riffing on Tamaki whenever she says anything. I mean, she’s earned this, but how the mighty have fallen
Apparently Segawa Onpu is the new girl
Tamaki profoundly miscalculates her classmates’ enthusiasm for Segawa Onpu
It’s a little hard to convey a uniquely graceful character with Doremi’s minimalist, leg-noodle designs, but the show does an admirable job of portraying Segawa as a visually self-possessed person
“Don’t treat school like showbiz.” So she’s a permanent performer
And only Tamaki realizes it! Amazing. What a perfect use of Tamaki’s character – the one person who’s always desperate to be the center of attention is the only one who can see a fellow performer playing a crowd
Just using Tamaki to create an initial conflict with Onpu seems smart in general. Tamaki is one of Doremi’s most useful dramatic resources – she’s never “solved” as a person, she’s a perpetual source of friction who can be applied to almost any situation. Not all characters need to experience clean growth and stable resolutions, and Tamaki is a funny, endearing, and dramatically convenient character as-is
“How do you know our names?” “I heard from Seki-sensei.” Oh man, is Onpu actually the apprentice of Rika’s old rival or something? She’s definitely plotting something
“Since you’re an actress, do you eat steak every day?” Doremi with the important questions
Onpu continues to play the crowd through lunch
“Is your audition for ‘Love’s Call,’ perhaps?” No Tamaki no! You’re just setting up the next rake!
Oh my god, this extended ojou laugh from Tamaki. She is truly a force to be reckoned with
“Showbiz is not so simple as you think.” Onpu literally schools Tamaki on the complex mechanics of film casting, leaving Tamaki nothing but a dejected “ara ara ara” as response
Onpu skillfully employs some charm to get out of cleaning duty, prompting Aiko to begrudgingly admit “she’s pretty good, huh”
Of course Oyajide is in Onpu’s fan club
I appreciate that Oyajide pretty much only exists now for the girls to briefly consider bringing him along, and then think better of it the moment he starts talking
It’s a public audition? Huh. Is that actually a thing in Japan?
And of course Doremi accidentally finds herself auditioning, and immediately runs into Tamaki. This episode is fantastic
I really appreciate how adding a third party like Onpu immediately makes Tamaki even more sympathetic. Tamaki has always come across as more sad and desperate than genuinely threatening, but seeing her square off against an actual professional actress with genuine self-confidence makes her own vulnerability that much more clear
“A lot of people get scouted to become idols when they accidentally join their friends’ auditions.” Doremi, I have to at least admire your optimism
This slow motion sequence of Doremi inflating her head through over-inhaling is wonderful. God, this show just lets itself get so strange and silly in the greatest ways
Doremi looks very convincingly nervous here. We’re getting a lot of strong, unique expression work this episode
We actually engineered a situation where Doremi must do her best to convincingly pretend to eat steak for a studio audience. Amazing
I’m not really sure why there’s like, a talent component to this. Is the audition process itself part of the promotional engine for some Japanese films? I’ve heard that a big part of the Japanese film industry is basically just TV stars doing soap operas, so this would definitely work for that sort of thing
All three of our heroines make it to the next round, leading into a wonderful montage of them demonstrating their “talents.” I like the contrast in their dance styles – Tamaki does a graceful dance with a fan, Onpu does an energetic breakdancing routine, and Doremi just does that noodle-limb thing she does whenever she’s nervous
Doremi’s reaction to passing is amazing. This show’s character acting is so friggin’ good – even when the expressions are highly exaggerated, they’re suffused with such clear and universal emotional intent
Now they need to put on their favorite costumes and act out their favorite roles, meaning Tamaki at last gets to OHOHOHO in an actual ballroom gown
Doremi decides to be Princess Kaguya for some reason, and now she’s running down the hall in her endless robes. Wonderful
I like that it took until the final three for them to finally design a test that actually assessed their acting ability
Onpu comes out just straight-up dressed in the witch uniform
“Why didn’t you vote for me, Dad!?” “Onpu’s just too cute.” “Reika’s going home.” Very earned, Tamaki
Yep, she’s Majo Ruka’s apprentice. And of course, Ruka’s apprentice is willing to do stuff like cast “you all vote for me and I win forever,” because there are in truth no actual laws in this world
“Girls, I hope we can still be friends.” Onpu you fiend!
Whew, that was great. Viewed entirely as a self-contained episode, this was one of Doremi’s better pure farce adventures, and once again made great use of the rivalry between Doremi and Tamaki. Onpu’s presence actually made Tamaki feel a lot more sympathetic than usual here, and both the early bickering and dramatic escalation of the audition were excellent. As for its implications regarding Doremi’s overall structure, I didn’t expect to actually welcome Majo Ruka back, but pairing her with Onpu goes a long way towards selling her return. Having an antagonistic witch who can engage with Doremi and her friends on their own level is a fundamentally exciting turn for this story, and I’m thrilled to see a cunning, morally ambiguous heroine add some new wrinkles to the group dynamic. This was a fun episode, Onpu is a welcome addition to the cast, and I’m eager to see where their battle goes from here!
This article was made possible by reader support. Thank you all for all that you do.
Share this:
- Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
- Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
- Click to print (Opens in new window)
And only Tamaki realizes it! Amazing. What a perfect use of Tamaki’s character – the one person who’s always desperate to be the center of attention is the only one who can see a fellow performer playing a crowd
Scouting in the world of Ojamajo Doremi involves the witches using their magic to observe and evaluate young girls who show signs of potential witchhood. They often look for girls who display kindness, determination, and a sense of justice. Once a potential witch student is identified, the witches of the Maho-do approach the girl and offer her the opportunity to become a witch. The scouting process in Ojamajo Doremi is not without challenges. Some girls are hesitant to accept the offer, as they may feel overwhelmed or frightened by the prospect of becoming witches. In these situations, the witches must reassure the girl and explain the benefits and responsibilities that come with being a witch. They also emphasize the supportive and nurturing environment that the Maho-do provides. Overall, the process of scouting for witch students in Ojamajo Doremi is a crucial aspect of the series. It highlights the importance of mentorship, friendship, and personal growth. Through scouting, the witches of the Maho-do are able to pass on their knowledge and skills to the next generation of witches, ensuring that the world is filled with magical girls who use their powers for the greater good..
Reviews for "Are You a Witch in Training? Ojamajo Doremi's Scouting Process"
1. Sarah - 2 stars
I found "Ojamajo doremi scouting for witch students" to be quite disappointing. The storyline felt incredibly cliché and lacked originality. The characters were one-dimensional and their development was virtually nonexistent. Additionally, I found the animation to be subpar, with poorly designed backgrounds and lackluster visuals. Overall, I was not impressed with this series and would not recommend it to others.
2. John - 1 star
I couldn't even make it through the first few episodes of "Ojamajo doremi scouting for witch students". The dialogue was cringe-worthy, filled with unnecessary expository conversations and childish humor. The voice acting was also grating, making it difficult to tolerate the characters. The premise of young witches-in-training could have been interesting, but the execution was sloppy and felt like a cheap cash grab. I ended up dropping the series and don't plan on picking it up again.
3. Emily - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Ojamajo doremi scouting for witch students" based on the synopsis, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The pacing was incredibly slow, with little action or plot progression. The episodes felt repetitive, following a formulaic structure that quickly became tiresome. Additionally, the lack of character development made it difficult to connect or care about any of the witches-in-training. Overall, I found this series to be lackluster and unengaging.