Daemons of the Shadow Realm’s Director Produced This Beautiful Forgotten 2010s Shojo Anime

The Spring 2026 anime season is full of fantastic shows, from the beloved Witch Hat Atelier getting its first season to the return of the fan-favorite isekai Re:Zero. Another popular new anime adaptation is Daemons of the Shadow Realm, based on the manga of the same name by Hiromu Arakawa. As the author is famous for creating the phenomenon Fullmetal Alchemist, many longtime fans are very excited about the new series' debut. On top of that, the anime is also being directed by Masahiro Ando, who has been known for working on Ghost in the Shell, Wolf's Rain, and even Cowboy Bebop: The Movie.

However, what some anime fans may not know is that Ando acted as the director for Snow White with the Red Hair, a fantasy/romance anime based on the manga of the same name. Whereas Daemons of the Shadow Realm is part of the shōnen genre, Snow White with the Red Hair is a shojo anime. It is also loosely based on the classic fairy tale Snow White, as the name implies. However, the similarities the anime has with the original fairy tale only really apply to the first episode, after which it becomes a narrative truly all its own.

What Is Snow White With the Red Hair About?

A Herbalist Continues To Chart Her Own Path

Created by Sorata Akiduki (sometimes credited as Sorata Akizuki), Snow White with the Red Hair follows Shirayuki, a young woman working hard as a herbalist in her home kingdom of Tanbarun. Though many know Shirayuki for her compassion and intelligence, those who catch sight of her are also quick to remark on how extraordinary her bright red hair is. Rumors of Shirayuki and her unique hair color soon reach the ears of Prince Raj, a nobleman known for his foolishness, even among his subjects. When he orders Shirayuki to become his latest concubine, the herbalist is repulsed and decides to leave her home behind in hopes of choosing her own destiny. Before she leaves, however, she leaves behind a bundle of her hair as a cheeky "parting gift".

During her travels, Shirayuki meets Zen, a young man who is joined by his aides Kiki and Mitsuhide. As it turns out, Zen is actually Prince Zen Wisteria of the neighboring kingdom of Clarines. With Zen's aid, Shirayuki is no longer sought out by Raj, but as she is interested in Zen and his home, wishes to stay in Clarines and become a court herbalist. While Shirayuki finds her footing and even becomes a local hero thanks to her hardworking nature, she soon finds herself falling in love with Zen.

A Breathtaking First and Second Season

The Narrative Varies Between Being Cozy and Action-Packed

Shirayuki and Zen Wisteria (Snow White with the Red Hair)

Snow White with the Red Hair only has two seasons, yet they are both an absolute treat to watch. Aside from being directed by Masahiro Ando, the animation was done by Bones. A wonderful, sometimes ethereal yet all-the-same whimsical soundtrack is brought to life by Michiru Ōshima, who also composed for anime such as Anne Shirley, Little Witch Academia, and even the original Fullmetal Alchemist anime. With all of these elements combined, Snow White with the Red Hair truly creates a beloved fairy tale-like atmosphere that fans continue to adore. For the most part, the narrative that follows Shirayuki and Zen remains a rather calm one, albeit with medical mysteries and revelations that neither protagonist has had an easy life, yet neither decides to stray from their dreams.

The second season of Snow White with the Red Hair, in comparison to the first season, is more intense, involving a subplot with cruel pirates while exploring Shirayuki's mysterious past. However, Shirayuki and Zen refuse to give up on one another, especially when the other party needs their help. Aside from getting to know Shirayuki and Zen, especially as they fall in love, they will also better get to know the loyal Mistuhide and Kiki, the mischievous yet compassionate Obi, and even Izana Wisteria, Zen's older brother and the crown prince of Clarines.

Who’s That Character?

Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

5.0s

0/10

Who’s That Character?

Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

Easy (7.5s)Medium (5.0s)Hard (2.5s)Permadeath (2.5s)

How Can Fans Keep up With the Story?

The Manga Is Still Ongoing and Expanding on Characters New and Old

Sadly, like other shojo manga series' anime adaptations, the animated version of Snow White with the Red Hair only covers a small part of the earlier volumes. However, if fans wish to know what happens next in Shirayuki and Zen's story (especially in relation to their romance), then continuing with the manga from where the anime ended is highly recommended. New storylines are also added for beloved secondary characters such as Kiki, Obi and Mitsuhide, and the work of Shirayuki and her fellow herbalists is also shown to get a new spotlight that changes her path forever. Like the anime, the manga is often mellow in nature, yet one should also expect a high-stakes battle from time to time, one that will surely leave the audience on the edge of their seat.

Aside from being a wonderful manga for fans of The Apothecary Diaries, Yona of the Dawn, and even classic Disney films, Snow White with the Red Hair is also a wonderful choice for those unfamiliar with anime and looking into the medium. One should also expect the story to only share two things in common with the classic fairy tale, that being the heroine's name and the one-time debut of the feared poison apple. Despite her name and how others may perceive her, Shirayuki is very much her own character, smart and a bit reckless, compassionate and with a very strong sense of justice. Her overall character development and her adorable love story with Zen is a treat to behold, and just another aspect of why Snow White with the Red Hair is such a great anime directed by Masahiro Ando, a tale that surely deserves more attention.