Great news for fans of legendary mangaka Rumiko Takahashi! Her ongoing manga series, Mao, is officially getting a television anime adaptation. An official website has just opened, dropping details on the main cast, production staff, a teaser visual, and when we can expect to see it hit the screens.
Anime Premiere and Studio
Mark your calendars! The TV anime adaptation of Mao is scheduled to begin airing on NHK G in Spring 2026. The animation studio bringing this supernatural tale to life will be Sunrise. The official website was opened by Bandai Namco Filmworks.
Meet the Cast
Some talented voice actors have been announced to voice the main characters in the Mao anime:
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Mao | Kaji Yuuki (known for Ishura) |
| Nanoka Kiba | Kawaida Natsumi (known for Momochi-san Chi no Ayakashi Ouji) |
| Hyakka | Shimono Hiro (known for Koroshi Ai) |
| Kamon | Toyonaga Toshiyuki (known for Buddy Daddies) |
Production Staff
Here’s a look at the key staff members working on the series:
| Role | Staff Member |
|---|---|
| Director | Satou Teruo (worked on Hanyou no Yashahime: Sengoku Otogizoushi) |
| Series Composition | Kakihara Yuuko (worked on Urusei Yatsura (2022)) |
| Character Design, Chief Animation Director | Hishinuma Yoshihito (worked on InuYasha) |
| Art Director | Katou Hiroshi, Hoki Izumi (Katou Hiroshi worked on Kidou Senshi Gundam: GQuuuuuuX, Hoki Izumi worked on Net-juu no Susume) |
| Color Design | Ootsuka Masumi (worked on Rock wa Lady no Tashinami deshite) |
| CG Director | Fujie Tomohiro (worked on Kidou Senshi Gundam Thunderbolt) |
| Director of Photography | Fushihara Akane (worked on Takt Op. Destiny) |
| Editing | Nii Kazuhiro (worked on Kami no Tou) |
| Sound Director | Kikuta Hiromi (worked on Yubisaki to Renren) |
| Music | Kanematsu Shuu (worked on Hametsu no Oukoku) |
| Studio | Sunrise |
About the Manga
Rumiko Takahashi started serializing the supernatural adventure manga Mao in Weekly Shounen Sunday magazine back in May 2019. Shogakukan published the 24th volume in Japan on May 16, and the 25th volume is expected to be released on August 18.
For international readers, VIZ Media licensed the manga for English release in February 2021. They shipped the 20th English volume on May 13, with the 21st volume planned for an August 12 release.
Synopsis
Here’s the story description provided by VIZ Media:
Nanoka passes through a portal into the Taisho era, where exorcist Mao reluctantly rescues her from the jaws of a grotesque yokai. When Nanoka gets back to the present, she discovers she has some new, incredible abilities. She returns to the past looking for answers, only to get caught up in Mao’s investigation of a series of gruesome murders. As her questions about herself multiply, Nanoka learns that Mao is cursed by a cat demon named Byoki—and so is his sword. If anyone but Mao attempts to wield it, they are doomed. But when Mao’s life is in jeopardy, Nanoka picks up his blade and swings!
Where to Find More Info
You can check out the official anime website at https://www.anime-mao.com/. You can also follow the official X (formerly Twitter) account for updates: @MAOanimation.
The original announcement came via Comic Natalie.
Find out more about Mao.
