It has been announced that the manga MAO by Rumiko Takahashi will be adapted into a TV anime that will air in spring 2026. The animation will be handled by Sunrise, making this their first Rumiko Takashi work since Inuyasha. Together with the announcement, a teaser visual and teaser PV was also released.
In addition, the author Rumiko Takahashi sent a handwritten comment.
Rumiko Takahashi’s Handwritten Comment:I’m thankful for the anime adaptation. It lived up to my expectations, the voice actors are also fantastic and I think everyone will enjoy it. Please watch it!
Summary:Mao is a young man who lives in the Taisho era. He’s a mysterious exorcist who has been alive for 900 years due to a curse. Nanoka Kiba is a middle school girl who lives in the current Reiwa era. When she was younger she was involved in an accident with her family and she was the only survivor.
One day Nanoka passes through the gates of the shopping street where the accident took place and wanders into the Taisho era that’s inhabited by ayakashi (an all-encompassing term for supernatural monsters, demons and spirits). Nanoka encounters Mao who says…
“You must be an ayakashi.”
After Mao tells her this, Nanoka realizes that she has changed.
The two of them both have the same curse!!Mao and Nanoka fight against the curse that connects them.
Rumiko Takahashi’s latest work MAO is getting a long awaited anime adaptation!The immersive dark fantasy and time travel mystery is finally about to begin!
“It is a curse that devours time”
The cast and character information has also been unveiled. Comments were sent from Yuki Kaji, Natsumi Kawaida, Hiro Shimono and Toshiyuki Toyonaga.
Mao voiced by Yuki Kaji
Character bio: An onmyoji who has been alive for 900 years. He is pursuing a cat ayakashi that controls lifespans. He faces off against various mysterious incidents related to curses.
Mao role: Yuki Kaji’s Comment:I am Yuki Kaji, the one responsible for voicing Mao. Finally…finally we can announce this! It’s been 5 and a half years since I was first interviewed about this work. It’s been 4 years since I first put my voice to the character. It’s been 1 year and a half since beginning the final recordings. The time has finally come where we can share the happy news about MAO being made into an anime with everyone! I’m truly truly happy from the bottom of my heart. I reflected on the feelings of gratitude that I have from getting to be involved with the work of Rumiko Takahashi whom I love and I played the role of Mao with great care in every single episode. Under the supervision of director Teruo Sato, this anime was produced by a team overflowing with love and passion. Most of all, I can proudly say that the final result is magnificent! Please look forward to the broadcast!
Nanoka Kiba voiced by: Natsumi Kawaida
Character bio: A third year middle schooler living in the Reiwa era. She lost her parents in a shopping street cave-in. When she passes through the gates of the shopping street where the accident happened, somehow finds herself in the Taisho era. There Mao tells her, “You must be an ayakashi.”...
Nanoka Kiba role: Natsumi Kawaida’s Comment:This is Natsumi Kawaida who plays the role of Nanoka Kiba. Just being able to audition was like a dream but who would have thought I’d be entrusted with the role of Nanoka?! I was trembling with excitement when I passed. Being able to walk through the world of MAO together with her who doesn’t feel like a stranger to me makes me truly happy. I poured all my energy into this performance! Please look forward to the broadcast!
Hyakka voiced by: Hiro Shimono
Character bio: An onmyoji who uses fire magic. Formerly a senior classmate of Mao.
Hyakka role: Hiro Shimono’s Comment:Previously, when I voiced the MAO original comic promotional video I said, “At this rate, if it gets an anime adaptation I definitely want to keep playing this role!” but I didn’t really think I would get to continue to voice Hyakka so I was surprised and extremely happy! Just like in the original comic promotional video I’m looking forward to performing together with Kaji who plays Mao and Toyonaga who plays Kamon!
Kamon voiced by: Toshiyuki Toyonaga
Character bio: A gentle-natured man who undertakes the dirty work for a wealthy family. An onmyoji who uses wood magic.
Kamon role: Toshiyuki Toyonaga’s Comment:I voiced the character in the original comic’s promotional video and in the original broadcast program but I was so happy when it was decided that I would continue my role in the anime and I breathed a sigh of relief. I am truly looking forward to being able to interact once again with Kamon, immerse myself in the world of MAO and take on this challenge as an actor. Thank you for your support!
This TV anime is based on MAO, the most recent work of Rumiko Takahashi who continues to produce hits like Urusei Yatsura, Maison Ikkoku, Ranma 1/2, Inuyasha and Rin-ne. We look forward to more information.
Original work: Rumiko Takahashi "MAO" (serialized in Shogakukan's "Weekly Shonen Sunday")©Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakukan, MAO Production CommitteeAdapted with permission from SPICE