“Magicians reclaim stolen Artifacts; Hatena reunites with childhood friend Makoto, now a boy, as they train together.”
Hatena Illusion
はてな☆イリュージョン
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AI-powered analysis tailored to your taste
Based on your preference for character-driven stories with layered emotional arcs, this title's exploration of identity and belonging would deeply resonate. The pacing mirrors series you've rated highly, and its thematic depth aligns with your appreciation for nuanced storytelling...
However, the slow initial episodes might test your patience given your history of dropping shows that don't hook you early. The art style shift in the middle arc could also be a concern...
Synopsis
Magicians reclaim stolen Artifacts; Hatena reunites with childhood friend Makoto, now a boy, as they train together.
Years ago, many magical "Artifacts" were stolen and scattered throughout the world. They fell into the hands of people who were not supposed to know of their existence, causing misfortune to those who abused their power. The Hoshisato family of magicians has special access to the Artifacts, and they take it upon themselves to return them to their rightful place. Despite her inexperience, Kana "Hatena" Hoshisato wishes to aid her parents Mamoru and Maeve in their quest, doing her best to improve. Meanwhile, her childhood friend Makoto Shiranui has come to their mansion to study magic under her father's tutelage as part of a promise they made years ago. Hatena is excited to see her friend again, only to be utterly disappointed when the person she thought to be a girl all these years turns out to be a boy, leading to a bitter reunion. Before long, Makoto comes to know of the Artifacts and the true identities of the magicians he admires. Unfazed, he continues to strive to fulfill his promises and stay true to why he learns magic—to ease the sadness of people around him and, most importantly, to become a person worthy of being Hatena's partner.
What people say
Community consensus
Derived from 12 sampled reviews
What 12 viewers settled on.
Mostly aligned
σ 1.75 · some divergence
3.3 pts
Recommenders 7.0 · others 3.8
↓ 1.33
Running avg · Jan 2020 → Jul 2025
- 7 “I loved the story, characters, and plot so much that I was completely hyped throughout, but the anime ends abruptly with no conclusion, which left me extremely sad and frustrated. Even though it...”
- 7 “Hatena Illusion offers neat ideas about magic fused with stage performance and mild, passable entertainment, but it squanders its premise through directionless plotting, pointless interpersonal...”
- 4 “Hatena Illusion might appeal to viewers who specifically enjoy slow-paced anime, but this is its only redeeming quality. The story is painfully simple-minded and unremarkable, earning a 2/10...”
Watch Order & Related
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See all credits →Production slate
A Tv Production · Winter 2020
Children's Playground Entertainment.Shueisha · bilibili
- Format 12 × 23′ eps × min
- Total runtime 4h 36m all episodes
- Aired Jan 2020 – Jun 2020 Winter 2020
- Source Tv media type
- Rated PG 13 - Teens 13 or older
- Ref. BS-12545 catalog
Produced by
- Shueisha Producer
- bilibili Producer
- Bandai Namco Arts Producer
Licensed by
- Funimation Licensor