Anime adaptation of Rumiko Takahashi's "MAO" announced

The manga series "MAO" by Rumiko Takahashi ("InuYasha", "Ranma ½") is receiving a TV adaptation. The broadcast is scheduled for spring 2026. Initial visual previews as well as information about the main production team and the voice cast have been released.

The story follows Nanoka Kiba, a ninth-grade student. She carries the traumatic memory of being the sole survivor of an accident that took her entire family. On her way home with friends, she unintentionally steps onto the site of the past incident and suddenly finds herself in a cityscape from the Taishō era. There, she meets the young Yin-Yang master Mao, who suspects her of being a demon. Shortly afterward, Nanoka discovers that she herself possesses supernatural powers. The story combines elements of historical and supernatural themes and is described as an unusual fate-driven drama.

The voice cast includes:

- Kaji Yūki as Mao (the 900-year-old Yin-Yang master)

- Kawaita Natsumi as Nanoka Kiba (the present-day student)

- Shimono Hiro as Hyakka (Mao's former senior classmate, skilled in fire techniques)

- Toyonaga Toshiyuki as Kamon (an elegant Yin-Yang master from a wealthy family, specialized in wood techniques)

The direction is handled by Satō Teruo. The animation production is led by Studio Sunrise, which was also responsible for Takahashi's "InuYasha" series.

The manga artist shared a written statement regarding the upcoming adaptation of her work. Kaji Yūki expressed his appreciation for being able to participate once again in an adaptation of Rumiko Takahashi's work. He assured that every episode has been crafted with the utmost care and expressed his confidence in the outstanding quality of the production under director Satō's leadership.

The manga previews are published in "Weekly Shōnen Sunday" (Shogakukan). So far, 24 compiled volumes are available.