It has been announced that the popular group Kis-My-Ft2 will be performing the opening theme "HEARTLOUD" for the TV anime "MAO," which is based on the latest work by Rumiko Takahashi, who is known for manga such as "Urusei Yatsura," "Ranma 1/2," and "Inuyasha."
Miyata Toshiya of Kis-My-Ft2 commented, "I've always loved Takahashi Rumiko's work since I was a child, so it's a real honor. A few years ago I read the entire 'MAO' manga in one go and thought the story was great! The battle scenes were so cool! I can't wait to see how beautiful, gorgeous, and creepy the anime will be. I hope Kis-My-Ft2's music will make the work even more wonderful!"
A special program announcing the latest information on the series, "Tonight the seal of news is broken! TV anime 'MAO' big announcement live broadcast," will be streamed on YouTube from 8:00 PM on March 2nd. Appearances will include Kaji Yuki, who plays Mao, Kawaida Natsumi, who plays Oba Nanoka, Shimono Hiro, who plays Momoka, and Toyonaga Toshiyuki, who plays Hanamon, as well as the unannounced cast member for Otoya.
"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 Oba Nanaka who has wandered from the Reiwa era, and approaches a 900-year-old "curse." It is a dark fantasy and time-slip mystery.
The anime will be directed by Teruo Sato and produced by Sunrise. It will be broadcast on NHK General TV from spring 2026.
