The supernatural anime MAO, based on the manga by legendary creator Rumiko Takahashi (Inuyasha, Ranma ½), is set to release its 23rd episode on September 5, 2026. The episode, titled “Yoru Aruku Kanja” (The Patient Who Walks at Night), continues the dark fantasy series that has kept viewers engaged with its mix of mystery, time travel, and supernatural elements.
When Does MAO Episode 23 Release?
The official broadcast schedule for MAO episode 23 has been confirmed by the anime’s production team. The episode will air in Japan on NHK General TV at 11:45 p.m. JST on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
For international viewers, the episode will be available on streaming platforms at the following times:
| Location | Time Zone | Release Time |
|---|---|---|
| USA (Pacific) | PDT | 2:15 p.m. |
| USA (Mountain) | MDT | 3:15 p.m. |
| USA (Central) | CDT | 4:15 p.m. |
| USA (Eastern) | EDT | 5:15 p.m. |
| UK | GMT | 9:15 p.m. |
| Europe (CET) | CET | 10:15 p.m. |
For viewers in Australia, the episode will be available on September 6, 2026 due to the time zone difference, with availability expected in the early morning hours. UAE viewers can expect the episode around 1:15 a.m. GST on September 6.
Where to Watch MAO Episode 23
MAO is available on multiple streaming platforms depending on your location:
- United States: Hulu
- Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America: Disney+
- Japan: NHK General TV (broadcast) and various streaming services including Hulu, U-NEXT, and Netflix
The series features 26 episodes in total across two consecutive cours, with new episodes releasing weekly on Saturdays.
MAO Episode 23 Preview and Story Details
Episode 23, titled “The Patient Who Walks at Night”, picks up with a mysterious situation at a hospital. A patient who has not been eating secretly leaves the hospital every night. Mao, Nanoka, and Otoya follow the patient and witness something disturbing — the patient is eating grave soil and then vomiting it back out.
Mao is shocked by the powerful curse and earth-based sorcery involved in this case. Just as they are trying to understand what is happening, Natsuno appears on the scene, adding another layer of intrigue to the investigation.
What Happened in Previous Episodes
The story so far has followed Mao, a young man from Japan’s Taisho period who has lived for 900 years under a curse. He meets Nanoka Kiba, a middle school girl from the modern Reiwa era who is the sole survivor of a childhood accident that claimed her family.
When Nanoka passes through a gate at the shopping center where her accident occurred, she is transported to the Taisho era, a world filled with ayakashi (supernatural beings). Mao tells her, “You’re a demon, aren’t you?” — making Nanoka realize something has changed within herself. Both characters share a connection through the same curse.
Recent episodes have seen Mao and his companions face various challenges. In Episode 22 (“Risk My Life”), which aired on August 29, 2026, Mao took the injured Soma to a clinic after battling Ichima Kagami, but Soma slipped away. Episode 21 (“Soma”) dealt with the aftermath of that battle. Episode 20 (“Sana’s Heart”) saw Kamon seeking Masago’s stolen body, while Natsuno linked Yurako’s evil energy to Sana’s death. Episode 19 (“The Undersea Shrine”) had Mao and his crew heading for the Undersea Shrine, with Kamon being driven into a corner by Shiranui’s sorcery.
Key Characters in MAO
The main cast of MAO includes:
- Mao (voiced by Yūki Kaji)
- Nanoka Kiba (voiced by Natsumi Kawaida)
- Otoya (voiced by Momoka Terasawa)
- Hyakka (voiced by Hiro Shimono)
- Kamon (voiced by Toshiyuki Toyonaga)
- Shiranui (voiced by Kazuyuki Okitsu)
- Natsuno (voiced by Rie Kugimiya)
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Production Team
The anime is produced by Sunrise and directed by Teruo Satō. The series composition is handled by Yūko Kakihara, with character design and chief animation direction by Yoshihito Hishinuma. The music is composed by Shū Kanematsu.
The opening theme song “HEARTLOUD” is performed by Kis-My-Ft2, and the ending theme song “Juai (Cursed Love)” is performed by TRUE.
What to Expect Next
With only a few episodes remaining in the 26-episode season, Episode 23 is expected to push the story toward its climax. The appearance of Natsuno and the revelation of the patient’s curse could provide important clues about the larger mysteries surrounding Mao and Nanoka’s connection.
Episode 24 is scheduled for September 12, 2026, followed by Episode 25 on September 19 and the season finale Episode 26 on September 26.
Also Read: MAO Episode 21 Release Date and Time: When and Where to Watch the New Episode
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