Adaptation anime television of Rumiko Takahashi's manga has finally shared the latest details. The anime project MAO has just released the first full promotional video along with key visuals that reveal a lot of important information.
For fans of the creators of Inuyasha and Ranma 1/2, this announcement is certainly a much-anticipated update. The visuals and videos shared give a clear idea of the quality of animation that will be presented.
MAO Anime Showtime
Based on information from the latest live-stream, the anime will premiere on April 4, 2026.
The interesting thing is the viewing format chosen for this project. The anime is confirmed to run for two consecutive cours.
This means that viewers will get a full half-year's worth of new episodes. There will be no breaks between cours as is often the case with other modern anime projects.
In addition to the release schedule, this trailer also gives a preview for the theme song that will accompany the adventures of the characters. Boy band Kis-My-Ft2 is trusted to perform the opening theme song entitled HEARTLOUD.
As for the ending theme song, TRUE singers will perform a song called Juai, which means doomed love.
Story Synopsis
This story offers a time-traveling supernatural adventure full of mystery. The story centers on Nanoka who time travels to the Taisho era in the early 20th century.
There, she is saved from a terrible yokai attack by an exorcist named Mao. After returning to the present, Nanoka realizes that she has an extraordinary new ability.
She decides to go back in time to find answers for her abilities. Nanoka then becomes involved in investigating a series of mysterious murder cases. The two of them eventually work together to find answers to the mystery that surrounds them.
It was revealed that the exorcist and his sword were cursed by a cat demon named Byoki. Anyone other than the original owner who tries to use the sword will meet their demise.
However, when the exorcist's life was in danger, Nanoka managed to lift and swing the sword to save him.
Production Staff
Studio Sunrise handled the animation production for this series by involving many experienced talents. Some of them have worked on Rumiko Takahashi's previous adaptation projects.
Here are the main production staff and their job titles:
- Director: Teruo Sato (Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon, Aikatsu Stars!)
- Series Script Supervisor: Yuko Kakihara (Urusei Yatsura 2022, Cells at Work!)
- Character Designer & Chief Animation Director: Yoshihito Hishinuma (Inuyasha, Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon)
- Art Directors: Hiroshi Kato and Izumi Hoki
- Color Key Artist: Masumi Otsuka
- CG Director: Tomohiro Fujie
- Compositing Director of Photography: Akane Fushihara
- Editing: Kazuhiro Nii
- Sound Director: Hiromi Kikuta
- Music: Shu Kanematsu (My Next Life as a Villainess)
Here is the full list of voice actors involved:
- Yuki Kaji as Mao
- Natsumi Kawaida as Nanoka Kiba
- Hiro Shimono as Hyakka
- Toshiyuki Toyonaga as Kamon
- Momoka Terasawa as Otoya
- Kazuyuki Okitsu as Shiranui
- Motoko Kumai as Funa Uozumi
- Yoko Hikasa as Tenko
- Risa Shimizu as Sana
- Reina Ueda as Yurako
- Takashi Matsuyama as Byoki
About MAO Manga and the Creator
The manga was first released in Publisher Shogakukan's Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine in May 2019. Shogakukan published the 26th volume of the compilation book on November 18.
For the global release, Viz began publishing the manga in English in 2021. Viz describes the series as an epic cross-era supernatural adventure.
Throughout her career that spans over three decades, Rumiko Takahashi has created many popular works. Some of her iconic titles include Urusei Yatsura, Maison Ikkoku, Mermaid Saga, Rumic Theater, Ranma 1/2, One-Pound Gospel, RIN-NE, and Inuyasha.
Many of his works have gained international popularity and received anime and live-action adaptations. This latest anime project is expected to provide a satisfying quality adaptation for the loyal fans of his works.
