The second season of the TV anime "MAO," based on the latest work by Rumiko Takahashi , known for manga such as " Urusei Yatsura Yatsura" and "Inuyasha," will begin airing on NHK General on July 4th, and a second key visual has been released. The visual expresses the catchphrase for the second season, "A curse, a chance encounter," and depicts cat demons in the form of Mao, Koyo Nanoka, Otsuya, and Haimaru, as well as the senior and senior disciples of the Gokouke family, a prestigious family of Onmyoji (exorcists) that Mao served in the Heian period, Mao's former love interest Sana, and the mysterious woman Yurako.
The cast for the new characters appearing from the second cour has also been announced. Takuya Sato Sato will play Hakubi, Rie Kugimiya will play Natsuno, Katsuyuki Konishi will play Tasuku Kaito Kagami, and Shino Shimoji will play Kagari Hojo.
"MAO" has been serialized in "Weekly Shonen Sunday" (Shogakukan) since May 2019. Set in the Taisho era, it is a dark fantasy x time-slip mystery in which Mao, an onmyoji (exorcist) who has lived for 900 years, meets Koyo Nanaka, a girl who has wandered in from the Reiwa era, and together they confront a chain of curses. The anime is directed by Teruo Sato and produced by Sunrise. It is currently airing on NHK General every Saturday at 11:45 p.m. The 13th and final episode of the first season will air on June 27th.
◇Comment from Takuya Sato, who plays the role of Hakubi
I'm Takuya Sato, and I'll be voicing Hakubi. I never dreamed that I'd have the opportunity to be involved in a work by Rumiko Takahashi. Hakubi wields the power of gold. He has a fated rivalry with Mao and the others, and they must fight each other. I will absolutely not lose! I won't be defeated! I will do my absolute best.
◇Comment from Rie Kugimiya, who plays the role of Natsuno
I'm Rie Kugimiya, and I'll be playing the role of Natsuno. It's been quite a long time since my initial audition, so I'm really happy to be able to share this news with everyone! I'll do my best in the role, so please support me!
◇Comment from Katsuyuki Konishi, who plays Daigo
Hello everyone. I'm Katsuyuki Konishi, and I'll be voicing Daigo in "MAO." I never imagined I'd be involved in another work by Rumiko Takahashi sensei! If my younger self knew, he would have been jumping for joy! I look forward to working with you all!
◇Comment from Tasuku Kaito, who plays the role of Soma Kagami
I'm Tasuku Kaito, and I'll be voicing Kagami Souma in the TV anime "MAO." It's a great honor to be involved in the works of Rumiko Takahashi, whose world draws you in with every turn of the page! Please look forward to seeing how Souma interacts with the other characters in this world!
◇Comment from Shino Shimoji, who plays the role of Kagari Hosho
When I was cast as Kagari in a work by Rumiko Takahashi, I couldn't believe it, and even now, with recording finished and the broadcast approaching, I still can't believe it. It was a role I hadn't played much before, but I found it very interesting to unravel each and every one of Kagari's words and actions, and it left a strong impression on me. Also, everyone at the recording studio welcomed me warmly, and I really enjoyed the interactions with Mao and Nanaka, so I'm really looking forward to the broadcast. Please continue to support "MAO" in the second season!
