It has been revealed that "MAO", the latest work by manga artist Rumiko Takahashi , known for works such as " Urusei Yatsura Yatsura", "Ranma 1/2" and "Inuyasha", will be adapted into a TV anime and will be broadcast on NHK General TV from spring 2026. The anime will be directed by Sato Teruo and produced by Sunrise. It was also announced that the main cast will include Yuki Kaji as Mao, Kawaida Hiro Shimono as Oba Nanoka, Shimono Hiro as Momoka, and Toshiyuki Toyonaga as Hanamon. A teaser visual and teaser PV featuring Mao have also been released.
"MAO" is Takahashi's latest work, which has been serialized in "Weekly Shonen Sunday" (Shogakukan) since May 2019. Set in the Taisho era, a young onmyoji (exorcist) named Mao meets a girl named Kiba Nanoka who has wandered in from the Reiwa era, and approaches a 900-year-old "curse." It is a dark fantasy x time-slip mystery.
Takahashi commented, "Thank you for making it into an anime. It turned out as well as I expected, the voice actors are wonderful, and I think everyone will enjoy it. Be sure to check it out!"
Kaji, who plays Mao, said, "Finally...we can finally announce it! It's been five and a half years since I first answered an interview about the series. It's been four years since I first voiced the character. It's been a year and a half since dubbing began. Finally, the time has come to deliver the happy news that 'MAO' will be made into an anime! I am truly, truly happy from the bottom of my heart. I have cherished every episode of the role of Mao, savoring the gratitude of being able to be involved in the work of my beloved Rumiko Takahashi-sensei. This series was produced by a team full of love and passion under the direction of director Sato Teruo. I can confidently say that it has turned out to be incredibly wonderful! Please look forward to the broadcast with anticipation!"
Kawaida, who plays Kiba Nanoka, commented, "It was like a dream to even be able to audition, but to think that I would be entrusted with the role of Nanoka! I was trembling with excitement when I passed the audition. I am truly happy to be able to walk through the world of 'MAO' alongside her, who does not feel like a stranger in any way. I will put all my energy into the role! Please look forward to the broadcast!"
Shimono, who plays Momoka, Mao's former senior apprentice, said, "When I previously acted in the promotional video for the original 'MAO' comic, I said, 'If it's made into an anime as is, I'd love to continue playing the role!' I never thought I'd actually be able to continue playing Momoka, so I was surprised and really happy! I'm also looking forward to Kaji-kun playing Mao and Toyonaga-kun playing Hanamon together, just like in the promotional video for the original comic!"
Toyonaga, who plays Hanamon, an onmyoji who controls tree magic, commented, "I have played the role in the promotional videos for the original comics and in the original streaming program, so I was really happy when I found out I would be continuing in the anime...I breathed a sigh of relief. I am really looking forward to interacting with Hanamon once again, immersing myself in the world of 'MAO', and taking on the challenge of being an actor! I look forward to your continued support!"
◇Staff (titles omitted)
Director: Teruo Sato▽Series Composition: Yuko Kakihara▽Character Design and Chief Animation Director: Yoshihito Hishinuma▽Art Director: Hiroshi Kato, Izumi Hoki▽Color Design: Masumi Otsuka▽CG Director: Tomohiro Fujie▽Director of Photography: Akane Fushihara▽Editor: Kazuhiro Arai▽Sound Director: Hiromi Kikuta▽Music: Shu Kanematsu▽Animation Production: Sunrise
