by The highly anticipated TV anime adaptation of MAO, created by legendary manga artist Rumiko Takahashi, has officially been announced. The series will begin broadcasting on NHK General TV starting April 4, 2026, airing every Saturday at 11:45 PM.
Along with the broadcast announcement, the production team revealed the first key visual, the initial promotional video (PV), theme songs, and additional cast members. The anime is also confirmed to run as a two-cour series (two consecutive seasons).
Fans of Takahashi’s works such as Inuyasha and Ranma ½ are eagerly awaiting this new supernatural mystery.
A Dark Fantasy About a 900-Year-Old Curse
The anime is based on the ongoing manga currently serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday.
MAO blends elements of dark fantasy, supernatural horror, and time-travel mystery.
Story Overview
The story follows Mao, a powerful onmyoji (exorcist) living during the Taisho era, and Nanoka Kiba, a modern girl from the Reiwa era.
After a mysterious accident, Nanoka is transported into a supernatural world connected to a 900-year-old curse.
Together, Mao and Nanoka investigate supernatural incidents involving demons, curses, and ancient magic while gradually uncovering the truth behind a terrifying power that has existed for centuries.
The story combines:
•Time-travel mysteries
•Exorcism battles
•Dark supernatural lore
•Emotional character relationships
First Key Visual and Promotional Video Released
The newly revealed key visual features Mao and Nanoka standing at the center, surrounded by a mysterious atmosphere.
Behind them appears Nekooni, a cat-like demon capable of manipulating human lifespans.
The visual highlights the eerie tone of the series while also emphasizing the bond between the two protagonists.
Meanwhile, the first promotional video (PV) introduces:
•Several scenes from the upcoming anime
•Glimpses of supernatural battles
•The Taisho-era setting
•The mysterious curse that drives the story
The trailer also previews parts of both the opening and ending theme songs.
Opening and Ending Theme Songs
Two well-known artists will perform the anime’s theme songs.
Opening Theme
“HEARTLOUD” by Kis-My-Ft2
Member Toshiya Miyata commented that he has loved Rumiko Takahashi’s works since childhood and feels honored to contribute to the series.
Ending Theme
“Nouai” by TRUE
TRUE expressed her hope that the song will remain in viewers’ hearts alongside the emotional story of the anime.
Main Voice Cast
The production team also revealed the main voice actors bringing the characters to life.
Main Characters
•Mao — voiced by Yuki Kaji
•Nanoka Kiba — voiced by Natsumi Kawaida
Additional cast members include:
•Otoya — Momoka Terasawa
•Kamun — Hiro Shimono
•Shiranui — Kazuyuki Okitsu
•Funa — Motoko Kumai
•Tenko — Yoko Hikasa
•Shana — Risa Shimizu
•Yurako — Reina Ueda
•Nekooni — Takashi Matsuyama
This talented voice cast brings together many well-known performers from popular anime series.
Anime Production Staff
The anime will be produced by Sunrise, the studio famous for animating the Inuyasha franchise.
Key Production Staff
•Director — Teruo Sato
•Series Composition — Yuko Kakihara
•Character Design & Chief Animation Director — Yoshihito Hishinuma
•Art Directors — Hiroshi Kato & Izumi Hoki
•Music — Shu Kanematsu
•Sound Director — Hiromi Kikuta
The involvement of experienced creators suggests that the anime will stay faithful to the original manga’s tone.
Original Illustration by Rumiko Takahashi
To celebrate the anime announcement, Rumiko Takahashi released a special original illustration.
The artwork showcases Mao and Nanoka in Takahashi’s signature style and has already generated excitement among fans online.
The illustration serves as both a celebration of the anime adaptation and a thank-you message to longtime readers.
Why MAO Is Highly Anticipated
The anime adaptation has generated considerable buzz for several reasons.
A New Work by Rumiko Takahashi
Takahashi is one of the most influential manga creators of all time.
Darker Tone Compared to Previous Works
While her earlier series often focused on comedy, MAO explores darker supernatural themes.
Unique Time-Travel Setting
The combination of the Taisho era and modern Japan creates a compelling mystery.
Strong Production Team
Sunrise’s involvement brings high expectations for animation quality.
About Rumiko Takahashi
Rumiko Takahashi is one of the best-selling manga artists in history.
Her famous works include:
•Inuyasha
•Ranma ½
•Urusei Yatsura
•Maison Ikkoku
Her storytelling style often combines humor, romance, and supernatural elements.
MAO represents one of her most mature and suspenseful stories.
Broadcast Information
The anime will premiere on April 4, 2026 with weekly episodes airing on NHK General TV.
Broadcast Schedule
•Network: NHK General
•Day: Every Saturday
•Time: 11:45 PM
The series will run for two consecutive cours, meaning viewers can expect around 24 episodes.
Final Thoughts
The anime adaptation of MAO promises to bring Rumiko Takahashi’s dark supernatural mystery to life with stunning visuals and a talented voice cast.
With its mix of historical fantasy, demon battles, and time-travel intrigue, the series has the potential to become one of the standout anime of the 2026 season.
As the April premiere approaches, fans around the world are eagerly waiting to see how this mysterious 900-year-old curse unfolds on screen.
