The prolific and revered manga artist Rumiko Takahashi, celebrated for her iconic works such as Inuyasha and Ranma ½, is set to see her latest serialized manga, MAO, receive a highly anticipated television anime adaptation. The renowned animation studio Sunrise, recognized for its extensive catalog including many of Takahashi’s previous adaptations, will produce the series, with its premiere slated for Spring 2026 on NHK General TV. This announcement has ignited excitement among fans globally, eager to witness Takahashi’s unique blend of supernatural adventure, dark fantasy, and romance brought to life on screen once more.
MAO: A Journey Through Time and Curses
MAO, which began its serialization in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shōnen Sunday magazine in May 2019, has quickly garnered a dedicated following for its intricate plot and compelling characters. As of May 2025, the manga has been collected into 24 tankōbon volumes, with Viz Media handling its English publication, making it accessible to a broad international readership.
The story centers on Nanoka Kiba, a plucky third-year middle school student who, at the tender age of eight, survived a fatal car accident at the Gogyō Town Shopping Center. Eight years later, drawn back to the abandoned passage of storefronts at the accident site, Nanoka is inexplicably transported to Japan’s Taishō period (1912-1926). This temporal displacement thrusts her into a world teeming with yokai and ancient curses, where she encounters the enigmatic Mao.
Mao, a mysterious onmyoji, is a man burdened by curses, having lived for over 900 years since the Heian period. He is on a relentless quest to find the byōki, a powerful cat demon and a horrifying kodoku (poisonous curse) created from a terrifying ritual, which has entangled his fate with Nanoka’s. As they navigate bizarre supernatural events and gruesome murders, Nanoka begins to piece together her fragmented memories of the accident, realizing a sinister connection between her past, Mao’s ancient curse, and the byōki. The narrative intricately weaves elements of adventure, dark fantasy, and horror, setting it apart from some of Takahashi’s more comedic earlier works, yet retaining her signature character-driven storytelling.
The Legacy of Sunrise: Bringing Takahashi’s Worlds to Life
The selection of Sunrise as the animation studio for MAO is a significant vote of confidence, given their long-standing relationship with Rumiko Takahashi’s works. Sunrise, also known as Bandai Namco Filmworks, is the same esteemed studio responsible for the beloved Inuyasha anime series, which ran for nearly 200 episodes across its initial run and sequel, Inuyasha: The Final Act. This prior collaboration instills a strong sense of familiarity and trust among fans, many of whom associate Sunrise with the authentic adaptation of Takahashi’s distinctive art style and storytelling nuances.
Founded in 1972, Sunrise has cemented its reputation as one of Japan’s largest and most influential animation studios, housing over 10 separate sub-studios working on diverse projects. While widely celebrated for pioneering the mecha genre with iconic franchises like Gundam and producing other critically acclaimed titles such as Cowboy Bebop, their extensive portfolio demonstrates a versatile command over various genres. The studio is particularly renowned for its fluid and high-quality animation, often referred to by fans as “Sunrise Smooth.” This technical prowess, combined with their historical success in adapting Takahashi’s fantastical narratives, bodes well for MAO‘s visual and narrative fidelity.
Key Production Team and Voice Cast
The success of an anime adaptation heavily relies on its creative team, and MAO boasts an impressive roster of talent:
- Director: Teruo Sato
- Series Script Supervisor: Yūko Kakihara
- Character Designer, Chief Animation Director: Yoshihito Hishinuma
- Art Director: Hiroshi Katō, Izumi Hoki
- Color Key Artist: Masumi Ōtsuka
- CG Director: Tomohiro Fujie
- Compositing Director of Photography: Akane Fushihara
- Editing: Kazuhiro Nii
- Sound Director: Hiromi Kikuta
- Music: Shū Kanematsu
Equally crucial to bringing characters to life is the voice cast. The main voice actors announced for MAO include:
- Yuki Kaji as Mao
- Natsumi Kawaida as Nanoka Kiba
- Hiro Shimono as Hyakka
- Toshiyuki Toyonaga as Kamon
These seasoned voice actors bring their expertise to the forefront, promising compelling performances that will undoubtedly resonate with the characters’ depth and the series’ emotional beats.
The Undiminished Influence of Rumiko Takahashi
Rumiko Takahashi stands as a titan in the manga and anime industry, recognized globally as one of Japan’s wealthiest and most successful manga artists. Her career, spanning over four decades, has seen her pen countless commercially successful works, with her creations selling well over 100 million copies worldwide. Her distinct “Rumic World,” characterized by its blend of romantic comedy with sci-fi, fantasy, or adventure elements, has left an indelible mark on popular culture.
Takahashi’s influence is evident through the numerous accolades she has received, including the Shogakukan Manga Award (twice, for Urusei Yatsura and Inuyasha), the Seiun Award (for Urusei Yatsura and Mermaid Saga), and the prestigious Grand Prix de la ville d’Angoulême in 2019, making her only the second woman and second Japanese artist to win the prize. In 2020, the Japanese government further recognized her contributions to the arts with the Medal with Purple Ribbon.
Her “big three” global phenomena—Urusei Yatsura, Ranma ½, and Inuyasha—are cornerstones of the anime world, having significantly contributed to the perception and acceptance of anime as a global medium. The enduring popularity of her works is further highlighted by recent successful reboots, such as the Urusei Yatsura anime in 2022 and the upcoming second season of Ranma ½ in October.
MAO itself is seen by many as a synthesis of Takahashi’s past triumphs. It draws parallels to Inuyasha with its themes of time travel, a modern-day protagonist transported to a historical setting, and a partnership with a supernatural male lead to fight demons and curses. Furthermore, the darker, more horror-tinged elements and the presence of a shared, ancient curse evoke her cult classic Mermaid Saga. This convergence of familiar tropes, reinterpreted through a fresh narrative lens, showcases Takahashi’s continued evolution as a storyteller while paying homage to her celebrated stylistic elements. Her distinctive rounded art style and knack for intricate character relationships remain central to MAO‘s appeal.
Anticipation and Future Prospects
The announcement of MAO‘s anime adaptation by Sunrise for Spring 2026 marks a significant event for the anime community. With a seasoned studio at the helm and a stellar cast and staff, the adaptation is poised to faithfully capture the essence of Takahashi’s compelling narrative and breathtaking artwork. The series’ blend of time-traveling mystery, dark fantasy, and the signature Takahashi touch promises a captivating viewing experience.
As fans eagerly await its premiere, MAO stands ready to join the esteemed ranks of Rumiko Takahashi’s animated legacy. Its unique premise, coupled with the proven track record of its creative team, sets the stage for what could be one of the most exciting anime releases of Spring 2026, further cementing Takahashi’s unparalleled influence on the global entertainment landscape.
