The dark fantasy time-slip mystery MAO, based on Rumiko Takahashi’s manga, is set to enter its second cour on July 4, 2026. Alongside the reveal of a new key visual, the production has announced additional cast members and the opening theme for the upcoming arc.
Second Cour Key Visual and New Cast
The newly unveiled second key visual places Mao, Kyouka Nanaha, Otsuya, and the cat demon Nekomata in the foreground. Behind them, stained-glass depictions of characters from the Heian era—including Kamo, Hyakka, Natsuno, Hakubi, Shiranui, Mao’s former love Sana, and the mysterious Yurako—hint at the tangled fates and curses that will unfold. The visual’s tagline, “Cursing each other, meeting again,” encapsulates the themes of the second cour.
Joining the cast for the second cour are five new characters. Sato Takuya voices Hakubi, Mao’s former senior disciple who manipulates metal techniques. Kugimiya Rie plays Natsuno, a former senior disciple skilled in earth techniques. Koyasu Takehito takes on the role of Daigo, another former senior disciple specializing in earth techniques. Kaito Tsubasa portrays Kaso Soma, the second son of the Kaso family who controls beasts sealed in scrolls. Shimoji Shino voices Hojyo Kagari, a daughter of the curse-working Hojyo family and a user of cursed needles.
Cast Comments
Sato Takuya as Hakubi
“I never dreamed I would be involved in a work by Rumiko Takahashi sensei. Hakubi manipulates the energy of metal, and he has a fate that forces him to fight against Mao and the others. I will absolutely not lose! I will give my all.”
Kugimiya Rie as Natsuno
“I am Kugimiya Rie, and I will be playing Natsuno. It has been quite a while since I auditioned, so I am very happy to finally be able to announce this to everyone. I will do my best to portray her, so please look forward to it!”
Koyasu Takehito as Daigo
“Hello everyone. I am Koyasu Takehito, and I will be voicing Daigo in MAO. I never thought I would be involved in another Takahashi sensei work! If my younger self knew, he would be rolling on the floor with joy! Please take care of me!”
Kaito Tsubasa as Kaso Soma
“I am Kaito Tsubasa, voicing Kaso Soma. It is a great honor to be part of a Takahashi sensei work that draws you into its world with every page turn. I hope you enjoy seeing how Soma interacts with the other characters!”
Shimoji Shino as Hojyo Kagari
“When I heard I would be in a Takahashi sensei work, I couldn’t believe it. Even after recording and as the broadcast approaches, I still can’t believe it. Kagari is a role I haven’t played much before, but unraveling her actions one by one was very interesting. The recording studio was warm, and the interactions with Mao and Nanaha were fun. I’m looking forward to the broadcast. Please continue to support MAO in its second cour!”
Broadcast and Staff Information
The second cour of MAO will air every Saturday from July 4, 2026, at 23:45 on NHK General. The opening theme for the second cour is “Bokura ga Uwagesuru Sekai” by 20th Century (Sakamoto Masayuki, Nagano Hiroshi, Inohara Yoshihito), marking their return to a Takahashi anime theme after 26 years since Inuyasha. A non-credit version of the opening video has been released early on YouTube.
| Staff | Name |
|---|---|
| Director | Sato Teruo |
| Series Composition | Kakiwara Yuko |
| Character Design / Chief Animation Director | Hishinuma Yoshihito |
| Art Director | Kato Hiroshi, Hoki Izumi |
| Color Design | Otsuka Masumi |
| CG Director | Fujie Tomohiro |
| Director of Photography | Fushihara Akane |
| Editor | Nii Kazuhiro |
| Sound Director | Kikuta Hiroshi |
| Music | Kanematsu Shu |
| Animation Production | Sunrise |
| Production | “MAO” Production Committee |
| Cast | Character |
|---|---|
| Kaji Yuki | Mao |
| Kawada Natsumi | Kyouka Nanaha |
| Terazawa Momoka | Otsuya |
| Shimono Hiro | Hyakka |
| Toyonaga Toshiyuki | Kamo |
| Okiyu Kazuyuki | Shiranui |
| Sato Takuya | Hakubi |
| Kugimiya Rie | Natsuno |
| Suwabe Junichi | Masago |
| Koyasu Takehito | Daigo |
| Shimizu Risa | Sana |
| Ueda Reina | Yurako |
| Kaito Tsubasa | Kaso Soma |
| Shimoji Shino | Hojyo Kagari |
| Hidaka Rina | Tenko |
| Kumai Motoko | Uozumi Funa |
| Matsuyama Takashi | Nekomata |
Original work: Rumiko Takahashi “MAO” (Shogakukan “Weekly Shonen Sunday” serialization)
(C) Rumiko Takahashi / Shogakukan / “MAO” Production Committee
