Mao Anime Reveals Trailer, April 4 Premiere Date
The previously announced anime adaptation of Rumiko Takahashi's MAO revealed a first trailer, key visual, and an April 4, 2026, premiere date. The anime will run for two consecutive cours. Studio Sunrise is animating the adaptation.
Kis-My-Ft2 is performing the opening theme song "HEARTLOUD" while TRUE is performing the ending theme song, titled "Juai."
Yuki Kaji will be leading the cast as Mao. Kaji will be joined by Natsumi Kawaida as Nanoka Kiba, Hiro Shimono as Hyakka, and Toshiyuki Toyonaga as Kamon. The staff for the MAO anime includes:
- Director: Teruo Sato (Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon)
- Series Composition: Yuko Kakihara (Blue Box)
- Character Designer / Chief Animation Director: Yoshihito Hishinuma (City Hunter: The Movie - Shinjuku Private Eyes)
- Art Director: Hiroshi Kato (Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX), Izumi Hoki (The Foolish Angel Dances With the Devil)
- CG Director: Tomohiro Fujie (Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway)
- Music: Shu Kanematsu (The Cafe Terrace and Its Goddesses)
Viz Media is publishing MAO in English and describes the plot:
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!
In addition to MAO, Rumiko Takahashi is also known for works such as Urusei Yatsura and Ranma ½, both of which recently got new anime adaptations.
Source: NHK
©Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan/"MAO" Production Committee
