Rumiko Takahashi’s MAO Anime Promises a Supernatural Thrill Ride in 2026

Get ready to return to the world of supernatural suspense, as legendary manga creator Rumiko Takahashi brings her latest work, MAO, to the small screen. Announced in July 2025, the long-anticipated anime adaptation will be produced by Sunrise Studios and is set to premiere on NHK General TV in spring 2026.

Originally serialized in Weekly Shōnen Sunday since 2019, MAO has become a fan favorite for its eerie blend of historical drama, demon lore, and time travel. The story follows Nanoka Kiba, a seemingly ordinary high school girl who, after a life-altering accident, finds herself transported to Japan’s Taishō era.

There, she meets the mysterious Mao, a cursed onmyōji (spiritual practitioner) haunted by a demonic past. Together, they face deadly spirits, unravel ancient curses, and search for the truth behind their shared destinies.

The anime boasts a seasoned production team led by Teruo Satō (Yashahime), with scripts by Yūko Kakihara and character design from Yoshihito Hishinuma, a trio who previously brought Takahashi’s Inuyasha universe to life. This continuity promises a faithful yet refreshed adaptation.

The voice cast features fan favorites: Yūki Kaji (Attack on Titan) as Mao, Natsumi Kawaida as Nanoka, Hiro Shimono as Hyakka, and Toshiyuki Toyonaga as Kamon. The first teaser trailer and visuals, released alongside the casting news, sparked immediate excitement across anime platforms and social media.

In Spain, MAO has already found a foothold thanks to Planeta Cómic, with eight volumes published and more on the way. For many global fans, the upcoming anime offers a long-awaited opportunity to dive into one of Takahashi’s most layered, atmospheric tales yet.

With MAO, Takahashi’s legacy of fusing folklore, romance, and danger continues, proving that some stories are truly timeless.