Rumiko Takahashi‘s Mao manga is getting a TV anime adaptation produced by Sunrise. A teaser trailer and teaser visual have been released.
The anime is set for a Spring 2026 anime season debut.
The announced staff and cast include:
Staff
• Director: Teruo Sato (Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon Season 1)
• Series composer: Yuko Kakihara (Blue Box)
• Character designer and chief animation director: Yoshihito Hishinuma (Inuyasha, Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon animation character designer)
Cast
• Yuki Kaji as Mao
• Natsumi Kawaida as Nanoka Kiba
• Hiro Shimono as Hyakka
• Toshiyuki Toyonaga as Kamon
The Mao manga debuted in 2019 in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday and has 24 volumes as of May 2025. Viz Media describes the first volume as:
Nanoka passes through a portal into the Taisho era, where exorcist Mao reluctantly rescues her from the jaws of a grotesque yokai. When Nanoka gets back to the present, she discovers she has some new, incredible abilities. She returns to the past looking for answers, only to get caught up in Mao’s investigation of a series of gruesome murders. As her questions about herself multiply, Nanoka learns that Mao is cursed by a cat demon named Byoki—and so is his sword. If anyone but Mao attempts to wield it, they are doomed. But when Mao’s life is in jeopardy, Nanoka picks up his blade and swings!
Previous Takahashi manga that inspired anime include Ranma ½, Inuyasha, Urusei Yatsura, Rin-ne, and Maison Ikkoku. Some of these anime have received remakes as well.
Source: @nhk_animeworld