The supernatural mystery anime MAO is set to deliver a special double episode event on July 18, 2026. The series, based on the manga by legendary creator Rumiko Takahashi, will air episodes 15 and 16 back-to-back after a one-week delay.
The show follows Nanoka Kiba, a modern-day girl who travels to the Taisho era and meets Mao, a long-lived exorcist cursed by a powerful cat demon. Together, they investigate supernatural mysteries and confront a curse that has lasted 900 years. The anime premiered on April 4, 2026, and is scheduled for 26 episodes across two cours, running until September 2026.
Episode 15 Delay and Double Episode Announcement
MAO Episode 15 was originally scheduled for July 11, 2026, but the broadcast has been postponed. The delay happened because of a sports broadcast that took over the regular timeslot on Japanese television.
Instead of making viewers wait another full week for just one episode, the production team decided to air both Episode 15 and Episode 16 together on July 18, 2026. This double-feature format gives fans two episodes at once, making the extra wait worthwhile.
The official announcement was made on the anime’s X (formerly Twitter) account. This kind of scheduling change is common in the anime industry, where broadcast slots often compete with live sports events.
MAO Episodes 15 and 16 Release Date and Time
MAO Episodes 15 and 16 will air on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Japan. The show normally broadcasts on NHK General TV at 11:45 p.m. JST.
For viewers around the world, the release times are:
- Japan (JST): July 18, 11:45 p.m.
- United States (PDT): July 18, 7:45 a.m.
- United States (EDT): July 18, 10:45 a.m.
- United Kingdom (BST): July 18, 3:45 p.m.
- Europe (CEST): July 18, 4:45 p.m.
- India (IST): July 18, 8:15 p.m.
Where to Stream MAO Episodes 15 and 16
International audiences can watch MAO on multiple streaming platforms. The series is simulcast overseas, meaning episodes become available at nearly the same time as the Japanese broadcast.
Streaming platforms for MAO include:
- Crunchyroll โ Available in many regions worldwide
- Hulu โ Available in the United States
- Disney+ โ Available in Latin America, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand
- aniverse โ Available in Germany
The English dub of MAO is scheduled to premiere on Hulu on Disney+ starting August 24, 2026. The series is also available on NHK General TV in Japan.
What Happened Previously in MAO
The story of MAO follows Nanoka Kiba, a high school girl who was the sole survivor of a car accident when she was seven years old. She discovers she can travel between the modern Reiwa era and the Taisho era through a mysterious portal.
In the Taisho era, Nanoka meets Mao, an onmyoji (spiritualist) who has lived for over 900 years. Mao is cursed by Byoki, a powerful cat demon that can manipulate lifespans. The curse also affects Mao’s sword, which can only be wielded by him.
Episode 13, which aired on June 27, 2026, focused on an important meeting between Nanoka and Byoki. The cat demon appeared in Nanoka’s world and told her it had no intention of harming her. Byoki also claimed that Mao would need him someday and offered that Nanoka could call on him when necessary.
Nanoka carried Byoki’s message to Mao in the Taisho era. Meanwhile, Mao’s apprentices Kamon and Hyakka were at his clinic discussing recent events. Kamon revealed that Shiranui, the Water Onmyoji, was behind recent troubles.
Episode 14, which aired on July 4, 2026, continued the investigation into Shiranui’s activities. The episode also explored the identity of Yurako, revealing her connection to both Mao and Sana. Mao discovered that Sana was in love with someone else, which relieved Nanoka. After being attacked, Mao was sucked into a beast and disappeared, only to be greeted by Shiranui when he came to.
Main Cast and Characters
MAO features a talented voice cast:
- Yuki Kaji as Mao
- Natsumi Kawaida as Nanoka Kiba
- Momoka Terasawa as Otoya
- Kazuyuki Okitsu as Shiranui
- Motoko Kumai as Funa Uozumi
- Yoko Hikasa as Tenko
- Risa Shimizu as Sana
- Reina Ueda as Yurako
- Takashi Matsuyama as Byoki
New cast members joining for the second cour include Takuya Sato as Hakubi, Rie Kugimiya as Natsuno, Katsuyuki Konishi as Daigo, Tasuku Kaito as Soma Kagami, and Shino Shimoji as Kagari Hosho.
Production Staff
The anime is produced by Studio Sunrise, marking their return to adapting a Rumiko Takahashi work for television since the Inuyasha series. The creative team includes:
- Director: Teruo Sato (known for Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon)
- Series Composition: Yuko Kakihara
- Character Design: Yoshihito Hishinuma
- Music: Shu Kanematsu
The opening theme, “HEARTLOUD,” is performed by Kis-My-Ft2, and the ending theme, “Juai (ๅชๆ),” is performed by TRUE.
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About the Series
MAO is based on the manga by Rumiko Takahashi, the legendary creator of Inuyasha, Ranma ยฝ, and Urusei Yatsura. The manga has been serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday since May 2019, with 25 collected volumes released as of August 2025.
The series blends dark fantasy with time-slip mystery elements. It explores themes of love and hatred across centuries, as Nanoka and Mao work together to break the chain of curses threatening both the past and the present. The show captures an animation style reminiscent of 1990s anime, staying true to Takahashi’s signature storytelling approach.
The second cour of the series began on July 14, 2026. With the double episode airing on July 18, the series will continue its weekly schedule through September 2026.
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