MAO Episode 21 Release Date Time Streaming Details

The anime MAO is getting its 21st episode this week. The show, based on the popular manga by Rumiko Takahashi, continues to build its dark fantasy story. Episode 21, titled “Soma,” will arrive on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Here is everything you need to know about the release time, streaming platforms, and what happened in the previous episode.

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MAO Episode 21 Release Time for Different Regions

MAO episode 21 will first air in Japan on NHK General at 11:45 PM JST. For viewers outside Japan, the release time depends on your time zone. Here is the exact streaming schedule for major locations around the world:

Japan: Saturday, August 22 at 11:45 PM JST
USA (East Coast): Saturday, August 22 at 10:45 AM ET
USA (West Coast): Saturday, August 22 at 7:45 AM PT
UK: Saturday, August 22 at 3:45 PM BST
Canada (East): Saturday, August 22 at 10:45 AM ET
Australia (East): Sunday, August 23 at 12:45 AM AEST
India: Saturday, August 22 at 8:15 PM IST

The episode runs for about 25 minutes, from 11:45 PM to 12:10 AM JST. These times are based on the live broadcast. Streaming platforms may have the episode available shortly after the airing ends.

Where to Watch MAO Episode 21 Online

MAO is available on multiple streaming services. The official broadcast happens on NHK General in Japan. For online viewers, these platforms will carry the episode:

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U-NEXT
Hulu
ABEMA
Bandai Channel
Niconico

The official website also lists that catch-up streaming begins every Sunday at noon JST. Paid streaming services start releasing episodes every Friday at midnight JST. Some platforms offer the first 13 episodes available from August 20, 2026. The second batch of episodes (14 to 26) will start on October 2, 2026.

For viewers outside Japan, these streaming services are accessible with a subscription. Check your local provider for availability.

MAO Episode 20 Recap: “Sana’s Heart”

Episode 20, titled “Sana’s Heart,” aired on August 15, 2026. The episode focused on the aftermath of Shiranui’s actions. Kamon vowed to retrieve the remains of Masago, which Shiranui had taken away. This promise showed Kamon’s determination to protect those important to him.

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Meanwhile, Natsuno shared a critical piece of information with Mao and the others. She revealed that the black evil energy released by Yurako was the same type of energy that had taken Sana’s heart 900 years ago. This connection linked past events to the present danger. The episode deepened the mystery surrounding Yurako and her true identity. The dark energy from 900 years ago is now back, and it poses a serious threat.

The episode also showed Nanoka’s feelings. She felt upset because she thought Mao did not care about her. This emotional moment added a personal layer to the ongoing supernatural conflicts.

What to Expect in MAO Episode 21: “Soma”

Episode 21 is called “Soma”. The preview summary reveals a tense situation. Kashin Ichima caused a series of random murder incidents. He was under the control of a beast that the heads of the Kashin family have kept inside their bodies for generations. This beast ate away at Ichima’s heart and drove him to violence.

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Mao fought against Ichima, who is his brother. During the battle, a young boy named Soma got hurt. Mao took the injured Soma to his clinic for treatment. However, Soma escaped while Mao was not looking. The preview images show Soma receiving treatment at Mao’s clinic and Mao performing an exorcism to remove the beast.

This episode will likely explore the relationship between the two brothers and the curse that affects their family. Soma’s disappearance adds a new layer of urgency to the story.

About the MAO Anime Series

MAO is a dark fantasy and time-slip mystery anime. The story follows Mao, a mysterious onmyoji who has lived for 900 years due to a curse. He lives in the Taisho era. The other main character is Nanoka Kiba, a middle school girl from the Reiwa era. She lost her family in an accident and survived alone. One day, she walks through a gate at the accident site and ends up in the Taisho era, where supernatural beings called “Ayakashi” exist.

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Mao tells Nanoka that she is a “monster”. This is when she realizes she is also under a curse. Together, they face the chain of curses that connect their fates. The anime is produced by Sunrise, the studio behind Inuyasha. The director is Teruo Sato, and the series composition is by Yuko Kakihara.

The manga has sold over 200 million copies worldwide. Rumiko Takahashi is the creator of famous works like Urusei Yatsura, Maison Ikkoku, Ranma 1/2, and Inuyasha.

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