Rumiko Takahashi’s New Anime “MAO” Set for Two Consecutive Cours Beginning in April; PV Reveals Seven Additional Cast Members

The television anime MAO, based on the original manga by Rumiko Takahashi, will premiere on April 4 and air for two consecutive cours on NHK General (Saturdays at 11:45 p.m.(JST)). Along with the broadcast announcement, a key visual, the first promotional video, details on the ending theme artist, seven additional cast members, and a newly illustrated autograph board from Takahashi were unveiled.

The newly released key visual features Mao, Nanoka Kiba, Otoya, Hyakka, and Kamon depicted from a bold low-angle perspective. Looming behind them is the ominous cat demon Byoki, who possesses the power to manipulate lifespans, creating a dynamic and intense composition.

The first PV showcases brand-new footage and previews both the opening and ending theme songs. The opening theme, “HEARTLOUD,” is performed by Kis-My-Ft2, while the ending theme, “Juai (呪愛),” is performed by TRUE. The video also reveals voice samples from the seven newly announced cast members.

Cast

Otoya: Momoka Terasawa
Shiranui: Kazuyuki Okitsu
Funa Uozumi: Motoko Kumai
Tenko: Yoko Hikasa
Sana: Risa Shimizu
Yurako: Reina Ueda
Byoki: Takashi Matsuyama

About MAO

Serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday since 2019, MAO is set in the Taisho era. The story follows Mao, a young onmyoji (spiritualist), who encounters Nanoka Kiba, a girl who has wandered into his time from the Reiwa era. Together, they confront a curse that has persisted for 900 years. Blending dark fantasy with time-slip mystery elements, the series explores themes of love and hatred across centuries.

Animation production will be handled by Sunrise, marking the studio’s return to adapting a Rumiko Takahashi work for television for the first time since the Inuyasha series.

Source : ORICON NEWS