Reference

Sally the Witch (魔法使いサリー, Mahōtsukai Sarī) is widely recognized as the first shōjo anime series, primarily due to its pioneering role in the magical girl genre. The anime adaptation aired from December 1966 to 1968 and was created by Mitsuteru Yokoyama. Although there were earlier manga titles like Himitsu no Akko-chan, Sally the Witch is significant because its anime debuted before Akko-chan's adaptation, making it the first animated series aimed specifically at a shōjo audience.

The characteristics of Sally the Witch set the foundation for future shōjo works, combining themes of magic and adventure with a focus on young female characters. This blend resonated with audiences and inspired a surge in shōjo anime throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, eventually leading to a boom in this genre. Notable figures in the anime industry, such as Yasuo Yamaguchi, have cited Sally the Witch as pivotal in establishing the shōjo genre and its conventions.

For further details, you can explore the following sources:

• Sally the Witch on Shogakukan Wiki
• Mahoutsukai Sally on MyAnimeList

Here are some images related to Sally the Witch:

These images highlight the iconic character design and the show's cultural impact.