Rumiko Takahashi, the revered manga artist behind iconic series such as Urusei Yatsura, Ranma ½, and Inuyasha, sees her latest work, MAO, officially slated for a television anime adaptation. Produced by the renowned animation studio Sunrise, the series is set to premiere in Spring 2026 on NHK General TV. This announcement marks a significant milestone, as MAO becomes the final serialized manga by Takahashi in Weekly Shonen Sunday to receive an anime adaptation.
The Highly Anticipated Adaptation
The news of MAO‘s anime debut has been met with considerable excitement among fans of Rumiko Takahashi’s extensive bibliography and the broader anime community. The series promises a compelling blend of dark fantasy, supernatural mystery, and adventure, a hallmark of Takahashi’s unique storytelling prowess. A teaser visual and promotional video have already been unveiled, offering a first glimpse into the animated world of MAO.
A Return to Form for Sunrise
The animation production for MAO will be handled by Sunrise, a studio with a storied history of bringing Takahashi’s works to life. Notably, Sunrise was responsible for the beloved Inuyasha anime, making this a much-anticipated reunion after more than two decades. This collaboration signals a potential return to the distinctive visual style and narrative pacing that defined their previous successful partnership. Sunrise’s reputation for high-quality animation, evident in series like Mobile Suit Gundam and Code Geass, bodes well for MAO‘s faithful adaptation.
The production team assembled for MAO includes a mix of seasoned veterans and talented artists. Teruo Sato, known for his work on Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon, will serve as the director. The series script supervision is entrusted to Yuko Kakihara, who previously contributed to Cells at Work!. Character designs and chief animation direction will be overseen by Yoshihito Hishinuma, a name familiar to Inuyasha fans. The artistic vision will be further shaped by Art Directors Hiroshi Kato and Izumi Hoki, with Masumi Otsuka as the Color Key Artist. Rounding out the core staff are Tomohiro Fujie as CG Director, Akane Fushihara as Compositing Director of Photography, Kazuhiro Nii handling editing, Hiromi Kikuta as Sound Director, and Shu Kanematsu composing the music.
Unraveling the Tale of MAO
MAO delves into an era-spanning supernatural adventure, weaving together elements of time travel, ancient curses, and demonic encounters. The story centers on Nanoka Kiba, a junior high school student from the present day who, eight years after surviving a mysterious accident, finds herself inexplicably transported to Japan’s Taisho era (early 20th century). Her unwitting journey through an abandoned shopping district passage leads her into a world brimming with supernatural occurrences.
In this unfamiliar past, Nanoka encounters Mao, a enigmatic onmyoji—an ancient Japanese occultist—who has endured for over 900 years. Mao is burdened by a profound curse and is relentlessly pursuing a powerful, life-manipulating cat demon known as Byoki. As their paths intertwine, Nanoka and Mao begin to investigate a series of bizarre incidents, including gruesome murders and disappearances, all seemingly connected to a centuries-old curse. Nanoka soon discovers that her own past accident and new-found abilities are deeply linked to Mao’s ancient predicament, and she even finds herself capable of wielding Mao’s cursed sword, Hagunsei. The manga, which began serialization in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday in May 2019, has already accumulated 24 tankōbon volumes, with Viz Media publishing the English release.
Key Characters and Their Voices
The anime adaptation features a talented voice cast bringing the compelling characters to life:
- Mao, the ancient onmyoji, will be voiced by Yuki Kaji. Kaji expressed his long-standing connection to the project, revealing that he had voiced the character four years prior and that dubbing began a year and a half before the announcement, stating his profound happiness at the anime’s confirmation.
- Nanoka Kiba, the modern-day protagonist thrust into the past, will be voiced by Natsumi Kawaida. Kawaida commented on the dream-like opportunity of joining the cast.
- Hyakka, Mao’s former senior apprentice skilled in fire techniques, will be voiced by Hiro Shimono.
- Kamon, a resourceful onmyoji from a wealthy background who utilizes wood techniques, will be voiced by Toshiyuki Toyonaga.
The Creative Minds Behind the Animation
The choice of Teruo Sato as director, along with the experienced scriptwriter Yuko Kakihara, suggests a commitment to translating Takahashi’s intricate narrative with care. Yoshihito Hishinuma’s involvement in character design and chief animation direction is particularly reassuring for fans, given his previous work on Inuyasha, which ensures a consistent visual quality reminiscent of past Takahashi adaptations. The musical score by Shu Kanematsu is expected to enhance the dark fantasy and mysterious elements of the series.
A Milestone in Rumiko Takahashi’s Illustrious Career
The anime adaptation of MAO carries particular significance within Rumiko Takahashi’s legendary career. With this announcement, all of her manga series serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday have now received the animated treatment. This remarkable achievement underscores her enduring influence and popularity in the manga and anime industries.
Takahashi’s works are celebrated for their distinctive “Rumic World,” characterized by endearing characters and a skillful blend of comedy, romance, fantasy, and martial arts. While MAO leans more heavily into the supernatural and dark fantasy genres, it has been noted by critics and fans alike for sharing thematic and narrative similarities with her earlier dark fantasy classic, Mermaid Saga, and the widely popular Inuyasha, particularly in its premise of a modern girl traveling to a past filled with demons and mysteries.
Anticipation Builds for Spring 2026
As Spring 2026 approaches, the anticipation for MAO‘s anime premiere is set to grow. The combination of Rumiko Takahashi’s storytelling, Sunrise’s animation expertise, and a talented cast and staff promises an adaptation that will captivate both long-time fans and new audiences alike, further cementing MAO‘s place in the pantheon of beloved anime titles.
