Beyond the Legend: NHK’s "ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION" Spotlights Rumiko Takahashi’s Dark Fantasy Masterpiece, MAO!

If you're looking for a deep dive into the creative minds behind your favorite series, NHK World-Japan has the ultimate treat for you. Their documentary program ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION—renowned for pulling back the curtain on the world’s most popular Japanese titles—is turning its spotlight onto a modern masterpiece: MAO by the legendary Rumiko Takahashi.

While the show is primarily a global English-language production, this special episode is making waves with a dual release. In addition to the international broadcast, NHK has confirmed that the Japanese version will also air on NHK General and NHK E-Tele.

ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION Presents: A Special Feature on the Manga and Anime "MAO"!

Rumiko Takahashi, "MAO" has been captivating readers as a dark fantasy epic since its serialization began in 2019. The story follows Mao, an Onmyoji (diviner) burdened by a 900-year-old Curse, and Nanoka Kiba, a girl from the modern Reiwa era who slips through time to the Taisho period. Together, they unravel the mysteries of their intertwined fates.

In this upcoming episode, the program features a rare, exclusive written interview with Rumiko Takahashi. Fans will get a chance to see her handwritten responses, detailing her personal thoughts and the passion she poured into the world of "MAO".

We’ll explore the appeal of "MAO" through Mr. Takahashi’s answers, covering topics such as the story’s curse-themed plot and the unique dynamic between the “cool protagonist whose sense of humor has been sealed away” and the heroine, who is his complete opposite—a pairing not seen in Takahashi’s previous works.

We’ve also gone behind the scenes to cover the production of the "MAO" anime, which premieres on NHK General on April 4. Ahead of the anime’s broadcast, we’ll be sharing a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous production process.

At the helm is Director Teruo Sato, whose impressive resume includes work on the iconic "Inuyasha". Sato-san’s vision is centered on respecting the original source material while masterfully adapting its pacing for the screen. The program highlights the specific visual techniques and creative flourishes he’s implemented to ensure anime fans get the best experience possible.

The key to translating Takahashi’s iconic art style into animation lies with Yoshihito Hishinuma, the Character Designer and Chief Animation Director.

With a staggering 40-year career in the industry, Hishinuma-san makes his very first television appearance to discuss the evolution of the character designs and his obsession with quality. In a world where characters must move fluidly through complex angles, detailed "Settei" (setting sheets) are vital. With a team of roughly 160 animators working on the project, Hishinuma-san explains how he meticulously unified the height, expressions, and clothing details to stay true to the manga. He also shares the profound philosophy of an animator: the constant, never-ending search for the "perfect" line.

The documentary also checks in with the background art team, who are tasked with building the distinct atmospheres of the Heian, Taisho, and Modern eras. We also hear from the Cinematographer (Director of Photography), whose role is crucial in setting the moody, dark fantasy tone of the series.

This is a must-watch look at how a manga world is painstakingly rebuilt for television by a team of elite creators. Don't miss it!

For international viewers, NHK World-Japan will provide free VOD (Video on Demand) streaming starting the day after the broadcast.

As a special treat for domestic fans in Japan, the Japanese version will air on NHK General and E-Tele with a familiar voice leading the way—Yuki Kaji, the voice of Mao himself, will serve as the narrator!

Broadcast Information

● International Broadcast (NHK WORLD-JAPAN)
March 22, 2026 (Sunday)(JST) 12:10, 18:10, 23:10, and Monday 05:10*28-minute program, 4 broadcast slots.*The program will be available for free VOD streaming on the NHK WORLD-JAPAN website starting the following day.

【Cast/Staff Featured】
Teruo Sato (Director)
Yoshihito Hishinuma (Character Design / Chief Animation Director)
Hiroshi Kato (Art Director)
Izumi Hoki (Art Director)
Akane Fushihara (Director of Photography)

【Narrators】
Michael Turpin (International Version)
Yuki Kaji (Japanese Version)

ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION Official Website Official "MAO" Anime Website Official "MAO" Anime X (@MAOanimation)

*Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation

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