MAO Anime Sneak Preview: Rumiko Takahashi’s Supernatural Story

Rumiko Takahashi’s manga series MAO is set to receive an anime adaptation, with the series premiering on NHK General TV in Japan in spring 2026. The announcement was officially made on July 13, 2025, and the adaptation is being produced by the animation studio Sunrise.

MAO, which began serialization in Japan in May 2019, follows the story of Nanoka Kiba, a young girl who survives a tragic accident and is transported back in time to the Taisho era upon returning to the scene of the incident. There, she encounters Mao, a practitioner of magic investigating a ghostly village. The series blends supernatural action and mystery, drawing on themes familiar from Takahashi’s earlier works such as Inuyasha and Ranma 1/2.

The anime adaptation was first revealed through a promotional video shared on X (formerly Twitter), which featured imagery from several of Takahashi’s previous series before focusing on Nanoka’s journey. The trailer confirmed a 2026 release window, generating anticipation among fans of the creator’s long-running catalog.

Sunrise, the studio behind the adaptation, is known for its work on major anime franchises, though specific prior projects were not detailed in the current announcement. The studio’s involvement marks a significant production effort for what is being positioned as a spiritual successor to Inuyasha, one of Takahashi’s most internationally recognized works.

Takahashi, a pioneering figure in manga and anime, has maintained a consistent presence in the industry for decades, with her works frequently adapted for television. The English translation of MAO began in 2021, allowing international readers to follow the series as it approached its sixth year of serialization at the time of the anime announcement.

As of the announcement date in mid-2025, no further details regarding episode count, voice cast, or international distribution platforms had been disclosed. The series is expected to air weekly on NHK General TV, consistent with the broadcaster’s history of airing anime adaptations of prominent manga properties.

The adaptation represents a continuation of Takahashi’s influence on modern anime, bridging her classic storytelling with contemporary production values. Fans and industry observers have noted the thematic and tonal similarities to her earlier successes, while acknowledging MAO’s distinct narrative centered on time travel and historical supernatural investigation.