Rumiko Takahashi’s latest supernatural mystery manga, MAO, is officially set to receive a television anime adaptation, slated for release in Spring 2026. The highly anticipated series will be animated by Sunrise, the renowned studio behind many iconic productions, including Takahashi’s own beloved Inuyasha franchise. The announcement marks another significant milestone for the legendary mangaka, as her contemporary work joins a growing list of her celebrated titles receiving new anime projects.
An Era-Spanning Dark Fantasy Unfolds
MAO plunges viewers into a captivating narrative that blends dark fantasy with time-slip mystery. The story centers on Nanoka Kiba, a seemingly ordinary middle school student from the modern Reiwa era. Her life takes an extraordinary turn after a mysterious sinkhole accident transports her back in time to Japan’s Taisho era (1912-1926). It is there she encounters Mao, a enigmatic onmyoji (exorcist) who bears a 900-year-old curse inflicted by a powerful cat demon known as Byoki.
Together, Nanoka and Mao form an unlikely alliance, embarking on a perilous journey to investigate bizarre supernatural phenomena and gruesome murders. Their quest is not merely to combat demons but also to unravel the deep, intertwined thread of fate that connects them both to the ancient curse and Nanoka’s own past accident. Viz Media, the manga’s English publisher, describes the series as an “era-spanning supernatural adventure” where the duo seeks answers and confronts formidable demonic threats.
The manga, which began serialization in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday in May 2019, has already amassed 24 tankōbon volumes as of May 2025, building a rich world and an intricate plot for the upcoming anime to explore. Critics and fans have noted MAO‘s thematic similarities to Inuyasha, particularly its premise of a modern girl traveling to a past era to team up with a cursed, supernatural male protagonist. However, MAO distinguishes itself with a darker tone, a slower-burning mystery, and a more refined narrative approach, focusing on a smaller core group of characters.
The Enduring Legacy of Rumiko Takahashi
Rumiko Takahashi is an undisputed titan in the world of manga, with a career spanning decades and an influence that has shaped the industry. Known for her distinctive “Rumic World” — a blend of comedy, romance, fantasy, and martial arts — her works have garnered immense global popularity. Her extensive bibliography includes universally recognized hits such as Urusei Yatsura, Maison Ikkoku, Ranma 1/2, and the aforementioned Inuyasha.
Takahashi’s consistent success is underscored by multiple accolades, including two Shogakukan Manga Awards for Urusei Yatsura (1981) and Inuyasha (2002), and her induction into the Will Eisner Comic Awards Hall of Fame in 2018. The anime adaptation of MAO arrives amidst a renewed interest in her vast catalog, following the successful reboot of Urusei Yatsura and the anticipated second season of the Ranma 1/2 anime. This trend highlights the timeless appeal and enduring relevance of Takahashi’s storytelling.
Sunrise: A Studio with a Storied History
The choice of Sunrise as the animation studio for MAO is particularly fitting and exciting for fans. Sunrise, now operating under Bandai Namco Filmworks, has a long and illustrious history in the anime industry, founded in 1972 by former Mushi Production staff. The studio is renowned for its high-quality animation, often referred to as “Sunrise Smooth,” and its extensive portfolio of critically acclaimed and popular original series and adaptations.
Perhaps most notably for MAO, Sunrise was also the studio responsible for the original Inuyasha anime series and its sequel, Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon. This prior collaboration with Takahashi’s work suggests a deep understanding of her unique style, character designs, and the fantastical worlds she creates. Sunrise has proven its versatility across genres, from its iconic mecha franchises like Mobile Suit Gundam and Code Geass to action-packed series like Cowboy Bebop and City Hunter. Their expertise in fantasy action and their familiarity with Takahashi’s narratives position them well to bring MAO‘s intricate supernatural world to life with visual flair and faithful adaptation.
Key Production Talent and Voice Cast Revealed
The creative team tasked with animating MAO brings a wealth of experience to the project. Directing the series will be Teruo Sato, known for his work on Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon, making him a familiar face in the Takahashi anime universe. The series script supervisor is Yūko Kakihara, who has worked on notable titles such as Cells at Work!. Esteemed character designer and chief animation director Yoshihito Hishinuma, who also contributed to Inuyasha, will be responsible for translating Takahashi’s distinctive art style to animation. Art direction will be handled by Hiroshi Katō and Izumi Hoki, with Shū Kanematsu composing the music.
The main voice cast features a lineup of prominent talents:
- Mao will be voiced by Yuki Kaji, a celebrated voice actor known for roles such as Eren Yeager in Attack on Titan. Kaji had previously voiced Mao in a promotional commercial for the manga and expressed his interest in participating in an eventual anime adaptation, making his casting a full-circle moment for fans.
- Nanoka Kiba will be portrayed by Natsumi Kawaida.
- Hyakka will be voiced by Hiro Shimono.
- Kamon will be brought to life by Toshiyuki Toyonaga.
The casting choices, including actors who previously lent their voices to promotional materials, suggest a deep commitment to the source material and a desire to meet fan expectations. Rumiko Takahashi herself has expressed her satisfaction with the adaptation, commenting, “Thank you for making it into an anime. It turned out as well as I expected, the voice actors are wonderful, and I think everyone will enjoy it. Be sure to check it out!” Yuki Kaji also shared his excitement, stating his long-standing connection to the project and his happiness that “the time has come to deliver the happy news that ‘MAO’ will be made into an anime!”
With a proven studio, an experienced staff, and a talented voice cast, MAO is poised to become another compelling addition to Rumiko Takahashi’s animated legacy. Fans worldwide eagerly await Spring 2026 to delve into this new chapter of supernatural adventure and mystery.
