It has been announced that the TV anime "MAO," based on the latest work by Rumiko Takahashi , known for manga such as " Urusei Yatsura ," "Ranma 1/2," and "Inuyasha," will be broadcast on NHK General TV every Saturday at 11:45 PM starting April 4th. It will be broadcast over two consecutive seasons. It was also announced that singer TRUE will be performing the ending theme "Juai." The popular group Kis-My-Ft2 will be performing the opening theme "HEARTLOUD." The first promotional video using the opening and ending themes has been released.
Seven additional cast members have also been announced: Momoka Terasawa as Otoya, Kazuyuki Okitsu as Shiranui, Motoko Kumai as Uozumi Funa, Yoko Hikasa as Tenko, Reina Ueda Shimizu as Shana, Reina Ueda as Yurako, and Takashi Matsuyama as Nekooni.
In addition to Mao, Kiba Nanaka, Otoya, Momoka, and Hanamon, a key visual featuring Nekooni, a cat demon who can control lifespans, as well as an original illustration by the original author, Takahashi, have been released.
Momoka Terasawa, who will be playing Otoya, commented, "I never thought I would be able to play a character in a work by Rumiko Takahashi, so when it was decided I was filled with joy and glad that I had continued working as a voice actor! Otoya is a small and cute Shikigami who works as a servant for Mao. Contrary to his appearance, he is calm and collected, and is such a reliable person that he might be the most sensible person in this work. He is a brave and cute boy! I look forward to working with him!"
Okitsu, who plays Shiranui, said, "More is more important than more important, and more important than celebration. Both are two sides of the same coin, but I am playing the role in a fun and entertaining way, while being conscious of the underlying terrifying aura. The mysterious water onmyoji, Shiranui, is finally making her appearance. Please look forward to it."
Kumai, who plays Uozumi Funa, commented, "How are all the MAO fans across Japan?! Have you caught a cold?! I'm Kumai Motoko, and I play Uozumi Funa. I'm very happy to be involved in an anime based on the original work by Rumiko Takahashi(^^♪ She has a blank expression, but for some reason she's very expressive?! It's a mysterious role, and it's a lot of fun to play! In preparation for the recording, various monsters and spirits are involved, so all the cast members received purification at a shrine. Even as a fan, I'm curious to know how the story goes on, so I always check the script with excitement. Like everyone else, I'm really looking forward to it airing! Stay tuned!"
Hikasa, who plays Tenko, said, "I was shocked when the sound director told me to feel the vibrant atmosphere of this era, where Japanese and Western elements mix together. The atmosphere of the times and the atmosphere of the city are not created by themselves, but are created by the people. I will enjoy playing the role with this sophisticated atmosphere, adding a bright flower to Mao-sensei, Nanoka, and the entire work!"
Shimizu, who plays Sana, said, "It's truly a dream come true and an honor to be able to appear in a work by Rumiko Takahashi...Sana is the daughter of Mao's master in the Heian period. I would like to play her as a kind-hearted and intelligent girl with care. I would also like to carefully weave the story of 'MAO' together with the wonderful cast and staff. Please look forward to the broadcast of the TV anime 'MAO'!"
Ueda, who plays Yurako, commented, "This is a story about secret onmyoji, so I enjoyed the dark world they create while recording. I played the role while being conscious of the murky things inside my heart, so I hope you will pay attention to who Yurako is and what kind of person she is, and watch until the end."
Matsuyama, who plays Nekooni, commented, "It was the first day of recording. After I entered the studio and exchanged greetings with Kaji (Yuki), the first thing he said was, 'I understand. I had been wondering for a long time who would be playing Nekooni, and then I thought, 'Ah, it's Matsuyama... I understand.' Kaji... you're the kind of guy... that's why everyone likes you. Be careful,' I thought to myself as I answered, 'I'm honored!' Now that I've been convinced, I have to continue to be convinced. It's a tough road."
TRUE said, "I am truly grateful to have been able to play a part in this wonderful work through my music. 'MAO' is a work that depicts extraordinary things such as spirits and curses, but perhaps 'curses' are not so far away from us. In the midst of an irresistible flow of fate, people still think of someone and continue to move forward. I felt that this is precisely the beautiful 'curse' called love. The ending theme, 'Noai', is also a song with a bewitching allure, and I would be happy if it leaves an aftertaste in the depths of your heart after you have finished watching the anime, and becomes a song that is etched into your memory along with the story."
"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.
◇Cast (titles omitted)
Mao: Yuki Kaji ▽Kouba Nanaka: Kawaida Natsumi▽Otoya: Momoka Terasawa ▽Hyakubi: Hiro Shimono ▽Kamon: Toshiyuki Toyonaga ▽Shiranui: Okitsu Kazuyuki▽Uozumi Funa: Kumai Motoko▽Tenko: Hikasa Yoko▽Sana: Shimizu Risa▽Yurako: Reina Ueda ▽Cat Demon: Matsuyama Takashi
