The queen of shōnen manga returns to TV! Rumiko Takahashi’s supernatural manga MAO will officially receive an anime adaptation by Sunrise, set to premiere in Spring 2026. Known for classics like Inuyasha and Ranma ½, Takahashi’s newest tale explores curses, reincarnation, and a haunted past.
Story Synopsis
MAO follows Nanoka Kiba, a high school girl who miraculously survives a fatal accident. After returning to the scene, she’s transported to the Taishō era, where she meets the mysterious exorcist Mao. Together, they unravel a series of supernatural events tied to curses, yokai, and the dark force that bound their fates long ago.
Mao himself is cursed with immortality and is on a personal quest to uncover the truth behind the death of his loved ones. As Nanoka navigates her dual life between the modern world and the cursed past, she begins to uncover a hidden power within herself that may be the key to lifting both their curses.
Anime Adaptation Details
On July 13, 2025, it was announced that MAO will be adapted into a TV anime by Sunrise (known for Gundam and Inuyasha). The anime is slated for a Spring 2026 release, bringing Takahashi’s signature blend of action, mysticism, and romance to life with modern animation techniques.
The announcement has stirred excitement across fan communities, as many consider MAO a spiritual successor to Inuyasha. The production team and voice cast are expected to be revealed in the coming months.
Character Summaries
Nanoka Kiba
A brave and curious high school girl who survives a mysterious accident. Nanoka soon discovers she is bound to a strange fate and can traverse between the modern world and Taishō Japan. Her role in the supernatural world grows as she awakens latent powers and confronts dark spirits alongside Mao.
Mao
A stoic exorcist with a tragic past and an immortal curse. Mao is driven by a need to uncover the entity behind the curse that changed his life. Though distant and cold at first, his bond with Nanoka brings out his protective side, and the two form a strong partnership over time.
Bonus Section: Did You Know?
- MAO debuted in 2019 in Weekly Shonen Sunday, and has over 20 volumes published.
- Rumiko Takahashi is one of Japan’s most influential manga creators, with multiple anime adaptations under her belt.
- MAO shares spiritual and visual similarities with Inuyasha, including time travel, yokai, and cursed weapons.
- The story blends Taishō-era aesthetics with dark supernatural elements rarely explored in mainstream shōnen.
