What is MAO About?
MAO tells the story of Nanoka Kiba, who travels through a portal to the Taisho era. There, she is saved by Mao, an exorcist, from a dangerous yokai (a type of Japanese monster). When Nanoka returns to her own time, she finds she has new and amazing abilities. She goes back to the past to find answers and gets involved in Mao’s investigation of a series of terrible murders.
As Nanoka searches for answers about herself, she learns that Mao is cursed by a cat demon named Byoki, and so is his sword. Only Mao can use the sword without being harmed. However, when Mao’s life is in danger, Nanoka picks up the sword and fights!
Who is Making the Anime?
Teruo Sato, who recently worked on the first season of Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon (a sequel to Inuyasha), is the director of MAO at Sunrise. The main staff members include:
- Director: Teruo Sato
- Series Composition: Yuko Kakihara
- Character Design/Chief Animation Director: Yoshihito Hishinuma
- Art Director: Hiroshi Kato, Izumi Hoki
- Color Design: Masumi Otsuka
- CG Director: Tomohiro Fujie
- Director of Photography: Akane Fusehara
- Editor: Kazuhiro Arai
- Sound Director: Hiromi Kikuta
- Music: Shu Kanematsu
- Animation Production: Sunrise
- Production: “MAO Production Committee
Who are the Voice Actors?
The anime has a talented cast of voice actors:
- Mao: Voiced by Yuki Kaji (Eren Yeager in Attack on Titan)
- Nanoka Kiba: Voiced by Natsumi Kawaida (Himari Momochi in The Demon Prince of Momochi House)
- Hyakka: Voiced by Hiro Shimono (Zenitsu Agatsuma in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba)
- Kamon: Voiced by Toshiyuki Toyonaga (Takuma Kosugi in My Wife Has No Emotion)
What Does Rumiko Takahashi Think?
Rumiko Takahashi herself has shared a message about the anime adaptation:
“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!”
Where Can You Read the Manga?
Rumiko Takahashi’s original MAO manga has been published in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine since May 2019. There are currently 24 volumes available. VIZ Media publishes the manga in English.
Why is This Anime Exciting?
The upcoming anime adaptation of MAO is generating significant buzz among fans of Rumiko Takahashi and the dark fantasy genre. Takahashi, a legendary manga artist known for her iconic works such as Ranma 1/2 and Inuyasha, has a unique storytelling style that blends action, humor, and supernatural elements. MAO promises to deliver a captivating narrative with its intriguing characters, mysterious plot, and stunning visuals.
The selection of Sunrise as the animation studio further adds to the excitement. Sunrise is renowned for its high-quality animation and experience in adapting popular manga series into successful anime adaptations. With Teruo Sato at the helm as director, fans can expect a faithful and visually impressive adaptation of Takahashi’s manga.
The voice cast is another highlight of the anime adaptation. Yuki Kaji, known for his portrayal of Eren Yeager in Attack on Titan, will bring his talent and experience to the role of Mao. Natsumi Kawaida, Hiro Shimono, and Toshiyuki Toyonaga, all accomplished voice actors, will complete the main cast, adding depth and personality to their respective characters.
What to Expect from the Anime
The MAO anime is expected to capture the essence of Rumiko Takahashi’s manga, bringing its dark fantasy world to life with vibrant animation, engaging storytelling, and memorable characters. Fans can anticipate a thrilling adventure filled with action, mystery, and supernatural elements, as Nanoka and Mao unravel the secrets of the Taisho era and confront the forces of darkness.
The anime will likely explore the themes of fate, destiny, and the power of human connection, as Nanoka and Mao navigate their intertwined destinies and face the challenges that lie ahead. The series will also delve into the complexities of the human condition, exploring the characters’ inner struggles, motivations, and relationships.
With its talented staff, experienced animation studio, and captivating storyline, the MAO anime has the potential to become a major hit in the anime community. Fans of Rumiko Takahashi and the dark fantasy genre should mark their calendars for the spring of 2026, as MAO promises to be an unforgettable anime experience.
The anime adaptation of MAO is not just a new series; it’s a continuation of Rumiko Takahashi’s legacy in the world of manga and anime. Her unique blend of humor, action, and supernatural elements has captivated audiences for decades, and MAO is poised to continue that tradition. With a strong team behind it and a compelling story to tell, the anime is set to be a must-watch for fans old and new.
The release of the teaser trailer and visual has already generated significant excitement online, with fans eagerly discussing the characters, animation style, and potential plot points. The official website and social media accounts are expected to provide further updates and behind-the-scenes content as the premiere date approaches, keeping fans engaged and informed.
As the spring of 2026 draws closer, the anticipation for the MAO anime will only continue to grow. With its intriguing premise, talented cast, and experienced production team, the series has all the ingredients to become a major success and a worthy addition to Rumiko Takahashi’s impressive body of work. Get ready to step into the dark and mysterious world of MAO!
Rumiko Takahashi’s MAO Manga Gets TV Anime Adaptation in Spring 2026