by Rumiko Takahashi’s Supernatural Anime Introduces New Characters Ahead of the Second Cour
The TV anime MAO, based on the hit supernatural manga by legendary creator Rumiko Takahashi, has unveiled a wealth of new information ahead of its highly anticipated second cour. Fans can look forward to a new key visual, five additional cast members, a non-credit opening sequence, and exciting previews for the story’s next major arc.
The anime continues to air every Saturday at 11:45 PM (JST) on NHK General, with the second cour promising to introduce powerful new allies and dangerous enemies as Mao and Nanoka’s battle against mysterious curses intensifies.
New Second Key Visual Revealed
The newly released second key visual highlights the growing scale of the story.
At the center are:
- Mao
- Nanoka Kiba (Kiyoha Nanoka)
- Otsuya
- Haimaru, the cat demon in feline form
Behind them stands an elegant stained-glass backdrop featuring several important characters connected to the prestigious Mikage Onmyoji Clan, including Mao’s former senior disciples, his former love Sana, and the mysterious woman Yurako.
The artwork hints at the conflicts and hidden relationships that will take center stage during the anime’s second cour.
Five New Cast Members Join MAO
Several well-known voice actors are joining the cast as key characters from the manga’s next storyline.
Takuya Sato as Hakubi
Hakubi is a former senior disciple of Mao and a powerful Onmyoji who specializes in Gold Element Magic.
His complicated history with Mao turns him into one of the story’s most dangerous opponents.
Rie Kugimiya as Natsuno
Natsuno is another former disciple of the Mikage school and possesses mastery over Earth Magic.
Her appearance expands the mystery surrounding Mao’s past and the secrets of the Mikage family.
Katsuyuki Konishi as Daigo
Daigo is an experienced Onmyoji who also manipulates Earth-based techniques.
His arrival further deepens the conflict involving Mao’s former comrades and the cursed powers that bind them together.
Tsubasa Kaito as Soma Kagami
Soma Kagami is the second son of the influential Kagami family.
He possesses the rare ability to control a powerful beast sealed inside an ancient scroll.
Shino Shimoji as Kagari Hosho
Kagari Hosho belongs to the prestigious Hosho family, a clan known for its mastery of cursed needle techniques.
She introduces another unique combat style that will play an important role in the upcoming story.
Voice Cast Shares Their Excitement
The newly announced cast members expressed their enthusiasm about joining one of Rumiko Takahashi’s latest anime adaptations.
Takuya Sato (Hakubi)
Sato described joining a Rumiko Takahashi series as a dream come true.
He explained that Hakubi’s history with Mao creates an intense rivalry and joked that he “won’t lose” while bringing the character to life.
Rie Kugimiya (Natsuno)
Kugimiya revealed that quite some time had passed since her audition.
She shared her happiness at finally being able to announce her role publicly and promised fans she would do her best to portray Natsuno faithfully.
Katsuyuki Konishi (Daigo)
Konishi said he never imagined he would one day appear in another Rumiko Takahashi production.
He added that his younger self would have been thrilled to hear the news and encouraged fans to look forward to Daigo’s appearance.
Tsubasa Kaito (Soma Kagami)
Kaito expressed his admiration for Takahashi’s storytelling, saying her works have a unique ability to draw readers into their worlds.
He hopes viewers will enjoy seeing how Soma interacts with Mao and the other characters.
Shino Shimoji (Kagari Hosho)
Shimoji admitted she initially couldn’t believe she had been cast in a Rumiko Takahashi anime.
She described Kagari as a challenging yet fascinating role, explaining that every line and action carries hidden meaning.
She also praised the warm atmosphere among the cast during recording sessions and said she is excited for fans to experience the second cour.
New Opening Theme Released
Ahead of the second cour’s broadcast, the anime has released its non-credit opening sequence on YouTube.
The opening features the song:
“The World We Overwrite” by the 20th Century
The video combines energetic animation with emotional moments and previews several of the major battles and character relationships that will define the upcoming episodes.
Episode 13 Preview
Alongside the new opening, preview images have also been released for Episode 13, titled:
“Cat Demon”
The episode serves as the dramatic conclusion to the first cour and lays the groundwork for the larger conflicts awaiting Mao and his companions.
Fans can expect new mysteries, supernatural encounters, and revelations that directly connect to the events of the second cour.
More Announcements Coming Soon
The production committee has also confirmed that another major announcement is scheduled for June 28.
Upcoming reveals will include:
- The second promotional video (PV)
- The artist performing the second cour ending theme
- Additional information about the upcoming episodes
A promotional calendar featuring future announcements has also been released for fans following the series.
About MAO
MAO is the latest supernatural fantasy manga by legendary creator Rumiko Takahashi, best known for iconic works such as:
- InuYasha
- Ranma ½
- Urusei Yatsura
- Maison Ikkoku
The story follows Nanoka Kiba, a modern-day middle school student who mysteriously travels back to Japan’s Taisho era, where she encounters the mysterious exorcist Mao.
Together, they investigate dangerous curses, battle powerful yokai, and uncover long-buried secrets connected to Mao’s tragic past.
Blending mystery, romance, historical fantasy, and supernatural action, MAO has become one of Takahashi’s most acclaimed recent works.
Production Staff
Original Work: Rumiko Takahashi (Weekly Shonen Sunday, Shogakukan)
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 Niwa
Sound Director: Hiromi Kikuta
Music: Shu Kanematsu
Animation Production: Sunrise
Main Voice Cast
- Yuki Kaji as Mao
- Natsumi Kawaida as Nanoka Kiba
- Momoka Terazawa as Otsuya
- Hiro Shimono as Hyakka
- Toshiyuki Toyonaga as Kamon
- Kazuyuki Okitsu as Shiranui
- Takuya Sato as Hakubi
- Rie Kugimiya as Natsuno
- Emiri Suyama as Masago
- Katsuyuki Konishi as Daigo
- Risa Shimizu as Sana
- Reina Ueda as Yurako
- Tsubasa Kaito as Soma Kagami
- Shino Shimoji as Kagari Hosho
- Yoko Hikasa as Tenko
- Motoko Kumai as Funa Uozumi
- Takashi Matsuyama as Nekoki
Broadcast Information
Title: MAO
Broadcast: NHK General
Schedule: Every Saturday at 11:45 PM (JST)
Original Work: Rumiko Takahashi
Animation Studio: Sunrise
Final Thoughts
With a striking new key visual, an impressive lineup of additional voice actors, and fresh story developments on the horizon, MAO is preparing for an exciting second cour. The introduction of former Mikage disciples, powerful Onmyoji, and mysterious new characters promises to deepen both the action and emotional stakes of Rumiko Takahashi’s supernatural saga.
As the anime enters its next chapter, longtime fans of Takahashi’s work and newcomers alike have plenty to look forward to, making MAO one of the standout supernatural anime series of the season.
