MAO Anime Adaptation by Rumiko Takahashi Set for Spring Premiere
The MAO anime adaptation, based on the supernatural manga by Rumiko Takahashi, has officially been announced by Bandai Namco Filmworks. The TV anime will be produced by Sunrise and is scheduled to air on NHK-General in Japan during the spring season.
MAO anime adaptation brings together a well-known cast of voice actors:
- Yūki Kaji as Mao
- Natsumi Kawaida as Nanoka Kiba
- Hiro Shimono as Hyakka
- Toshiyuki Toyonaga as Kamon
A teaser visual and promo video have also been released to celebrate the announcement of the MAO anime adaptation.
The production team is stacked with experienced names from the anime industry:
- Director: Teruo Sato (Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon, Aikatsu Stars!)
- Series Composition: Yūko Kakihara (Urusei Yatsura 2022, Aikatsu Friends!, Cells at Work!)
- Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Yoshihito Hishinuma (Inuyasha, Yashahime)
- Art Directors: Hiroshi Katō, Izumi Hoki
- Color Design: Masumi Ōtsuka
- CG Director: Tomohiro Fujie
- Director of Photography: Akane Fushihara
- Editing: Kazuhiro Nii
- Sound Director: Hiromi Kikuta
- Music Composer: Shū Kanematsu (The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses, My Next Life as a Villainess)
The MAO anime adaptation is based on the manga serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday since May 2019. The series currently has 24 volumes released, with volume 25 scheduled for August 18 in Japan.
Story Synopsis
The story follows Nanoka, a girl who accidentally slips through a portal into the Taisho era, a mystical version of early 20th century Japan. There, she encounters Mao, a cold and mysterious exorcist who saves her from a terrifying yokai. After returning to her own time, Nanoka discovers she has gained strange new powers. Driven to understand her transformation, she travels back again and becomes entangled in Mao’s investigations into a string of brutal murders.
As the mystery unfolds, Nanoka learns that Mao is cursed by a powerful cat demon named Byoki—along with the sword he wields. If anyone other than Mao uses the sword, they face certain doom. But when Mao’s life hangs in the balance, Nanoka picks up the cursed blade and fights back.
Rumiko Takahashi, known for iconic works like Inuyasha, Ranma ½, and Urusei Yatsura, returns with another supernatural tale that blends historical fantasy, action, and mystery. With the MAO anime adaptation, her unique storytelling once again reaches the screen.
buy the MAO manga here.
