A highly anticipated announcement has confirmed that Rumiko Takahashi’s acclaimed dark fantasy manga, MAO, will receive a television anime adaptation, set to premiere on NHK General TV in spring 2026. The series will be animated by Studio Sunrise, marking their significant return to a Takahashi work for the first time since the beloved Inuyasha. This news fulfills a long-standing wish for fans and completes the remarkable milestone of all of Takahashi’s Weekly Shōnen Sunday serialized works now having anime adaptations.
A New Era for Rumic World Enthusiasts
Rumiko Takahashi, a legendary mangaka with a career spanning over four decades, has created numerous iconic series that have left an indelible mark on the manga and anime landscape. Her works, including Urusei Yatsura, Maison Ikkoku, Ranma ½, Inuyasha, and RIN-NE, are celebrated worldwide for their unique blend of comedy, romance, action, and supernatural elements. The announcement of MAO‘s anime adaptation is particularly noteworthy as it signifies that every one of her manga serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shōnen Sunday magazine has now transitioned to the animated screen.
MAO began its serialization in Weekly Shōnen Sunday in May 2019, quickly captivating readers with its intriguing premise and Takahashi’s signature storytelling style. As of May 2025, the manga has collected 24 tankōbon volumes, providing a substantial foundation for the upcoming anime series. Viz Media has licensed the series for English release in North America, making the manga accessible to a global audience even before its animated debut.
Unraveling the Threads of Fate: MAO‘s Dark Fantasy Narrative
At its core, MAO is an adventure and dark fantasy narrative infused with supernatural and horror elements. The story centers on Nanoka Kiba, a spirited middle school student who, eight years prior, miraculously survived a fatal car accident at the Gogyō Town Shopping Center. Drawn back to the eerie, abandoned passage of storefronts on her way home, Nanoka finds herself inexplicably transported to Japan’s Taisho period, specifically the year 1923.
In this supernatural early 20th-century setting, Nanoka encounters the enigmatic Mao, a powerful onmyoji—a practitioner of ancient Japanese occultism—who has lived for over 900 years. Mao is burdened by a profound curse inflicted upon him by a malevolent cat demon known as Byoki. Nanoka soon discovers that she, too, shares a sinister connection to this curse, as well as a burgeoning set of mysterious abilities.
Together, Mao and Nanoka form an unlikely duo, embarking on a journey to investigate bizarre supernatural occurrences and unravel the complex, centuries-old curse that inextricably links their destinies. Their investigations often involve gruesome murders and confrontations with terrifying yokai, as Nanoka pieces together her fragmented memories of the past accident and confronts the hidden truths of her own survival. Fans of Takahashi’s earlier works, particularly Inuyasha and Mermaid Saga, will find familiar thematic elements, such as time travel, curses, and a duo solving supernatural mysteries, all presented with her distinctive character designs and art style.
Studio Sunrise: A Legacy of Animation Excellence
The choice of Studio Sunrise to animate MAO has been met with significant enthusiasm, given their prestigious history and their previous success in adapting Takahashi’s works. Founded in September 1972, Sunrise has established itself as one of Japan’s most renowned animation studios, responsible for some of anime’s most iconic franchises. While widely recognized for their groundbreaking mecha series like Mobile Suit Gundam and Code Geass, Sunrise’s diverse portfolio also includes critically acclaimed titles such as Cowboy Bebop and the enduringly popular comedy Gintama.
Their track record with Rumiko Takahashi’s creations is particularly strong, most notably with the immensely successful Inuyasha anime, which ran from 2000 to 2004, followed by Inuyasha: The Final Act in 2009 to conclude the manga’s story. Sunrise is known for its fluid animation and attention to detail, qualities that have even led to the industry term “Sunrise smooth” to describe their high production standards. This expertise bodes well for MAO, promising a visually compelling adaptation that will faithfully capture the manga’s blend of action, mystery, and supernatural intrigue.
Key Talent Bringing MAO to Life
The animation production will be helmed by a talented team, ensuring a faithful and high-quality adaptation. The series director will be Teruo Sato, with Yūko Kakihara overseeing the series’ scripts. Yoshihito Hishinuma will take on the dual role of Character Designer and Chief Animation Director, a crucial position for bringing Takahashi’s distinctive character designs to life on screen. Art direction will be handled by Hiroshi Katō and Izumi Hoki, with Masumi Ōtsuka as the Color Key Artist. Tomohiro Fujie is credited as CG Director, while Akane Fushihara will serve as Compositing Director of Photography. Kazuhiro Nii is in charge of editing, and Hiromi Kikuta will be the Sound Director. The musical score for the series will be composed by Shū Kanematsu.
The main voice cast for MAO features a lineup of experienced and popular voice actors who have previously lent their talents to numerous beloved anime characters:
- Mao will be voiced by Yuki Kaji, a celebrated actor known for his roles such as Eren Yeager in Attack on Titan and Shoto Todoroki in My Hero Academia. Kaji had previously expressed interest in an anime adaptation of MAO, making his casting a fitting choice.
- Nanoka Kiba will be portrayed by Natsumi Kawaida, known for roles like Kirie in Aharen-san wa Hakarenai.
- Hyakka, a fire element user and Mao’s former senior from the Kou Clan Manor, will be voiced by Hiro Shimono.
- Kamon, an orphan and older brother figure to Mao, will be voiced by Toshiyuki Toyonaga.
With a veteran studio like Sunrise at the helm and a dedicated production team and talented cast, the MAO anime is poised to be a significant addition to the spring 2026 anime season. Fans of Rumiko Takahashi’s enduring works and newcomers alike can look forward to a captivating journey into a world where ancient curses, mysterious powers, and the threads of destiny intertwine across time.
