Key Facts

• MAO anime adaptation to air on NHK General TV in spring 2026
• Animated by Sunrise, known for adapting Takahashi’s Inuyasha
• Main cast includes Yuki Kaji, Natsumi Kawaida, Hiro Shimono, Toshiyuki Toyonaga
• Based on Rumiko Takahashi’s ongoing manga in Weekly Shonen Sunday
• Teaser visual, PV, and full staff list have been revealed

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Rumiko Takahashi’s ongoing manga MAO will be adapted into a television anime scheduled to air on NHK General TV in spring 2026. The animation will be produced by Sunrise, marking their return to Takahashi’s works for the first time since Inuyasha. Alongside the announcement, a teaser visual, promotional video, and full staff and cast list were unveiled.

What the Announcement Includes

The anime adaptation of MAO was officially announced with a broadcast scheduled for spring 2026 on NHK General TV. This adaptation will be handled by Sunrise, the studio behind Takahashi’s earlier anime series Inuyasha.

The series is based on Rumiko Takahashi’s manga that began serialization in Weekly Shonen Sunday in 2019. It tells the story of Mao, an onmyoji who has lived for over 900 years, and Nanoka Kiba, a modern-day junior high school student who finds herself transported to the Taisho era. Together, they unravel a centuries-old curse that spans time and mystery.

Characters and Cast

The character Mao, a 900-year-old onmyoji who confronts supernatural cases tied to an ancient curse, will be voiced by Yuki Kaji. Nanoka Kiba, a girl from the Reiwa era who slips into the Taisho period after a mysterious accident, will be voiced by Natsumi Kawaida.

Hyakka, Mao’s former senior apprentice who uses fire-based techniques, will be played by Hiro Shimono. Kamon, a handsome man from a wealthy family who controls wood-based techniques, will be voiced by Toshiyuki Toyonaga.

The character cast and roles were previously introduced in promotional videos for the manga and are now confirmed for the TV anime adaptation as well.

Production Team and Staff

The anime will be directed by Teruo Sato. Yuko Kakihara is in charge of series composition. Character design and chief animation direction are handled by Yoshihito Hishinuma. Art direction will be led by Hiroshi Kato and Izumi Hoki. Masumi Otsuka will be responsible for color design, while Tomohiro Fujie is the CG director.

Cinematography is managed by Akane Fushihara, with editing by Kazuhiro Arai. Hiromi Kikuta serves as sound director, and music is composed by Shu Kanematsu. The production is by Sunrise, with overall coordination by the MAO Production Committee.

Author Rumiko Takahashi commented, “Thank you for the anime adaptation. It turned out just as I had hoped, and the voice actors are wonderful. I think everyone will enjoy it. Please be sure to watch it!”

Anime MAO Teaser Movie

FAQ

Q: When will the MAO anime air?
A: The anime is scheduled to air in spring 2026 on NHK General TV.

Q: Who is animating the MAO anime adaptation?
A: Sunrise is producing the animation.

Q: Who are the main voice cast members?
A: Yuki Kaji (Mao), Natsumi Kawaida (Nanoka Kiba), Hiro Shimono (Hyakka), Toshiyuki Toyonaga (Kamon).

Q: What is the original source of the anime MAO?
A: It is based on Rumiko Takahashi’s manga serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday since 2019.

Q: Has a teaser or trailer been released?
A: Yes, a teaser visual and promotional video have been released alongside the announcement.

Source : ORICON NEWS