Bandai Namco Filmworks announced on July 14, 2025 that MAO, the latest manga from mangaka Rumiko Takahashi – whose works include Inuyasha, Ranma 1/2 and Urusei Yatsura, will be adapted into a television anime.
The anime will be produced by the studio Sunrise and is scheduled to air on Japan’s NHK-General channel in the spring of 2026. A new trailer and key visual were released to commemorate the announcement. Check them out below:
The project brings together a staff who are familiar with Takahashi’s works. MAO’s anime adaptation will be directed by Teruo Sato, with Yoshihito Hishinuma serving as character designer and chief animation director. Both of these staff members had worked on Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon.
Additionally, Yuko Kakihara, who was the script supervisor for the 2022 remake of Urusei Yatsura, will serve in the same role for MAO. Shu Kanematsu is in charge of composing the music.
Yuki Kaji, famous for his role as Eren in Attack on Titan, will be voicing the titular character of Mao whereas Natsumi Kawaida (Laid Back Camp, Higehiro) will be voicing Nanoka Kiba.
Other cast announced includes Hiro Shimono as Hyakka, and Toshiyuki Toyonaga as Kamon.
Takahashi launched the MAO manga in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine in May 2019. The 24th compiled volume was published on May 16, 2025, with the 25th scheduled for release on Aug. 18, 2025.
Takahashi has an enduring presence in pop culture, having successfully stood the test of time. Her works have sold over 230 million copies worldwide.
Recent anime reboots of her classic titles have found new audiences; the new Urusei Yatsura anime began airing in 2022, and the 2024 remake of Ranma 1/2 appeared in Netflix’s global Top 10 charts for non-English television for three weeks as the anime aired.
Source: Official Website
