Fans of renowned manga artist Rumiko Takahashi (known for classics like Ranma 1/2 and Inuyasha) have reason to celebrate as her dark fantasy series, MAO, is officially getting a TV anime adaptation. The highly anticipated series is set to premiere in Spring 2026 on NHK General TV in Japan. Check out the detailed information about Rumiko Takahashi’s “MAO” Manga below.
Rumiko Takahashi’s “MAO” Manga
The announcement was accompanied by the launch of the anime’s official website and X (formerly Twitter) account, offering a glimpse into the mystical world of MAO with a teaser trailer and a striking visual.
The main voice cast has also been revealed, featuring a lineup of prominent talents:
- Mao will be voiced by Yuki Kaji, widely recognized as Eren Yeager from Attack on Titan.
- Nanoka Kiba will be brought to life by Natsumi Kawaida, who voiced Himari Momochi in The Demon Prince of Momochi House.
- Hyakka is voiced by Hiro Shimono, known for his role as Zenitsu Agatsuma in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.
- Kamon will be voiced by Toshiyuki Toyonaga, who played Takuma Kosugi in My Wife Has No Emotion.
Rumiko Takahashi herself shared her excitement, stating in a handwritten message, “Thank you for the anime adaptation. It is as good as I expected, the voice actors are great, and I am sure everyone will enjoy it. Please watch it!”
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Teruo Sato, who recently directed the first season of Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon (a sequel to the Inuyasha anime also based on Takahashi’s work), will be at the helm as director for MAO at Sunrise.
The core production team for MAO includes:
- Series Composition: Yuko Kakihara
- Character Design/Chief Animation Director: Yoshihito Hishinuma
- Art Director: Hiroshi Kato, Izumi Hoki
- Music: Shu Kanematsu
- Animation Production: Sunrise
MAO, serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine since May 2019, currently boasts 24 tankobon volumes. VIZ Media, the English publisher, describes the manga’s premise as Nanoka, a girl who inexplicably travels to the Taisho era and becomes entangled with an exorcist named Mao. As she gains mysterious abilities and Mao investigates gruesome murders, Nanoka uncovers a deeper connection to Mao’s curse from a cat demon, Byoki, and his cursed sword.
- Source: “MAO” TV anime official website / X (formerly Twitter)
- Copyright: ©Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan/”MAO” Production Committee
