Rumiko Takahashi’s “MAO” Anime Reveals Cast, Songs, and Two-Cour Run

The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Rumiko Takahashi’s supernatural manga MAO has officially dropped its first full promotional video, unveiling a star-studded cast, theme songs, and a two-cour broadcast plan starting April 4, 2026.

The trailer, released during a special livestream, showcases the dark fantasy tone of the series and previews the opening theme “HEARTLOUD” by J-pop boy band Kis-My-Ft2, alongside the haunting ending theme “Juai” (“Cursed Love”) by singer TRUE.

Set to air on NHK General TV at 11:45 p.m. JST, MAO will run for two consecutive cours without seasonal breaks, promising a continuous narrative arc that fans of Takahashi’s previous epics like Inuyasha and RIN-NE will appreciate.

The newly announced voice cast includes:

• Momoka Terasawa as Otoya (Make Heroine ga Oosugiru!)
• Motoko Kumai as Uozumi Funa (Cardcaptor Sakura)
• Youko Hikasa as Tenko (High School DxD)
• Kazuyuki Okitsu as Shiranei (Fruits Basket)
• Risa Shimizu as Sana (Shingeki no Bahamut)
• Reina Ueda as Yurako (Chainsaw Man)
• Takashi Matsuyama as Byouki (DD Hokuto no Ken)

Viz publishes the manga in English, and it describes the “era-spanning supernatural adventure” story:

When Nanoka travels back in time to a supernatural early 20th century, she gets recruited by aloof exorcist Mao. What is the thread of fate that connects them? Together, they seek answers…and kick some demon butt along the way!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!