Rumiko Takahashi’s (Inuyasha, Ranma 1/2, Urusei Yatsura) MAO had it’s full promotional video and key visual for its anime adaptation dropped on Monday. The news came from a live-stream program from Japanese animation studio, Sunrise and revealed more of the cast and debut for the anime.
MAO tells the story of Nanoka, a modern day girl who travels to the Taishō era (early 20th-century) eight years after a fatal car accident. There, she meets the mysterious and aloof Mao, an onmyōji. Together, they work to discover what ties them to one another and to rediscover Nanoka’s memories.
MAO began its serialisation on Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday on May 2019.and went on to have 1 million copies in circulation by July 2021. As of February 2026, MAO has 27 volumes released.
Here are the key takeaways from the video:
- The animes premiere will be on 4, April 2026 on NHK-General at 10:45 a.m. EST;
- The anime will run for a continuous two-cours without breaks;
- The opening and ending of the anime has also been revealed with “HEARTLOUD” by Kis-My-Ft2, and “Juai” by TRUE being the opening and ending respectively.
Now for the cast!
Prior to the reveal of the video, we had some of the main cast revealed already with Kaji Yūki and Kawaida Natsumi as the titular Mao and Kiba Nanoka our heroine, respectively. Additionally, we have Shimono Hiro as Hyakka the fire element user as well as Toyonaga Toshiyuki as Kamon the wood element user.
The additional cast as revealed by the video are:
- Terasawa Momoka as Otoya;
- Okitsu Kazuyuki as Shiranui;
- Kumai Motoko as Uozumi Funa;
- Hikasa Yōko as Tenko;
- Shimizu Risa as Sana;
- Ueda Reina as Yurako; and
- Matsuyama Takashi as Byōki
Behind the Scenes
MAO will also have, amongst others, Sato Teruo who has worked on various Gundams, Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon, Aikatsu Stars!, etc. serving as director for the film and Kanematsu Shu who has worked on Clockwork Planet, The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses, etc. in charge of music.
More information about the series can be found on the MAO official website.
