Rumiko Takahashi’s MAO is officially getting a TV anime by studio SUNRISE in Spring 2026, revealing a teaser visual, trailer, as well as the main voice cast and staff. SUNRISE is the same studio responsible for the Inuyasha series, another one of Takahashi’s works. Teruo Sato will direct.
MAO began serialization in Weekly Shonen Sunday in 2019. The story follows Mao, an onmyoji who has lived for 900 years, and Nanoka Kiba, a middle school student from the Reiwa era. After a sinkhole accident in her hometown, Nanoka finds herself transported to the Taisho era, where she encounters Mao. Together, they investigate supernatural phenomena connected to a curse.
The main voice cast includes:
- Yuki Kaji as Mao
- Natsumi Kawaida as Nanoka Kiba
- Hiro Shimono as Hyakka
- Toshiyuki Toyonaga as Kamon
Each of the cast members made a comment on the MAO anime announcement:
Yuki Kaji (Mao):
I’m Yuki Kaji, and I have the honor of voicing Mao.
At long last… we can finally make the announcement! It’s been five and a half years since I first gave an interview about this project, four years since I first recorded the character, and a year and a half since we started the recording sessions. Now, I’m thrilled to finally share the happy news of MAO’s anime adaptation with everyone!
I’m truly, truly happy from the bottom of my heart. I’ve cherished the opportunity to be involved in a work by the beloved Rumiko Takahashi-sensei, and I’ve approached each episode with great care as I portrayed Mao.
Under the direction of Teruo Sato, and with a team filled with love and passion, this project has been brought to life with tremendous dedication. I can say with full confidence that it’s turned out to be something wonderful.
Please look forward to the broadcast!
Natsumi Kawaida (Nanoka Kiba):
I’m Natsumi Kawaida, and I’ll be voicing Nanoka Kiba.
Just being given the chance to audition felt like a dream—but to actually be cast as Nanoka?! When I found out, I was literally trembling with excitement.
I feel so fortunate to walk through the world of MAO alongside a character who somehow doesn’t feel like a stranger to me.
I’ll put everything I have into this role. Please look forward to the broadcast!
Hiro Shimono (Hyakka):
When I had the chance to voice Hyakka for the MAO manga’s promotional video,
I said something like, “If this ever becomes an anime, I’d love to keep playing him!” But I never actually thought I’d get to. So I was both surprised and truly happy!
I’m also really looking forward to working alongside Kaji-kun as Mao and Toyonaga-kun as Kamon again, just like we did in the manga PV!
Toshiyuki Toyonaga (Kamon):
I had the chance to voice Kamon in both the MAO manga’s promotional video and the official streaming program, so when I found out I’d be continuing the role in the anime, I was genuinely happy, and honestly, relieved.
I’m truly looking forward to reconnecting with Kamon-sama, immersing myself in the world of MAO, and taking on this role again as an actor.
Thank you so much for your support!
You can hear them all in the announcement trailer below:
Also check out the teaser visual for the anime:
The full anime staff includes:
- Director: Teruo Sato
- Series Composition: Yuko Kakihara
- Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Yoshihito Hishinuma
- Art Directors: Hiroshi Kato, Izumi Hoki
- Color Design: Masumi Otsuka
- CG Director: Tomohiro Fujie
- Director of Photography: Akane Fushihara
- Editing: Kazuhiro Nii
- Sound Direction: Hiromi Kikuta
- Music: Shu Kanematsu
- Animation Studio: Sunrise
This is coming following successful anime reboots of Rumiko Takahashi’s older major manga, URUSEI YATSURA, which finished its reboot broadcast in June 2024, and Ranma 1/2, which will premiere Season 2 in October.
Source: MAO Official Website
© Rumiko Takahashi / Shogakukan / “MAO” Production Committee
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