Context:

Viz Media has secured North American and select international streaming rights for the anime adaptation of Rumiko Takahashi’s Mao, with the series debuting on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Latin America, while NHK General TV in Japan airs it the same week and Hulu Japan streams it shortly after. The two-cour, uninterrupted run is produced by Sunrise and ties into a broader celebration of Shogakukan’s centenary, building on Takahashi’s long-running influence and the manga’s expansion to 27 volumes. The project blends Takahashi’s renowned Rumic World universe with a two-era tale following Nanoka Kiba and the cursed onmyoji Mao, as they confront dark forces entangling their fates. Viz’s involvement extends across TV, home video, EST and VOD in multiple regions, reinforcing the comeback of the author’s work across media. The deal signals continued momentum for Takahashi’s IP as new adaptations roll out alongside established fan interest.

Dive Deeper:

• Viz Media will stream Mao in North America and select international markets on Hulu (U.S.) and Disney+ (Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America), with NHK General TV premiering the series in Japan and Hulu Japan carrying it from April 5.

• The show is designed as a continuous two-cour run with no midseason break, aligning with a broad promotional push tied to Shogakukan’s centenary and Takahashi’s enduring popularity.

• Mao is produced by Sunrise, with Bandai Namco Filmworks originally announcing the project last year; Takahashi’s manga began in Weekly Shōnen Sunday in May 2019 and has 27 compiled volumes as of February 2026.

• Directing is led by Teruo Sato, known for Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon, with series composition by Yuko Kakihara and character design by Yoshihito Hishinuma, supported by a veteran team across art, color, CG, and sound.

• The opening theme is performed by Kis-My-Ft2 and the ending by True; Yuki Kaji voices Mao and Natsumi Kawaida voices Nanoka Kiba, supported by a cast including Hiro Shimono and Toshiyuki Toyonaga.

• Viz’s rights cover TV, home video, electronic sell-through and video-on-demand across North America, Latin America and Australia/New Zealand, expanding the English-language reach established since 2021 with simultaneous English chapter releases beginning in May 2023.