TV Anime "MAO" Broadcast Start Confirmed for April 4! First KV & PV Released Along with TRUE as ED Theme Song Artist and Additional Cast Announcement

Full Comments from Artist & Additional Cast Members

[TRUE Comment]
Nice to meet you. I'm TRUE, and I will be performing the ending theme. I am deeply grateful to be able to contribute to a part of this wonderful work through music. "MAO" is a work that depicts the extraordinary, such as yokai and curses, but perhaps "curses" are not so far removed from our own existence. In the flow of an inescapable destiny, people still think of someone and continue to walk forward. I felt that such a figure is itself a beautiful "curse" called love. The ending theme "Juai" is also a bewitching song, but I would be happy if, after watching the anime, it leaves a lingering impression deep in your heart and becomes a piece that is engraved in your memory along with the story.

[Momoka Terasawa as Otoya Comment]
I'm Momoka Terasawa, and I will be voicing Otoya! I never thought I would be able to play a character in a work drawn by Rumiko Takahashi-sensei, and when it was decided, I was filled with joy, thinking how glad I was to have continued as a voice actor! Otoya-kun is a small and adorable shikigami who does menial work for Mao. Despite his appearance, he is calm and composed, and such a reliable character that he might be the most sensible person in this work. He's a devoted and adorable child! Thank you very much!

[Kazuyuki Okitsu as Shiranui Comment]
Rather than Hare, it's Ke; rather than celebration, it's curse—both are two sides of the same coin, but I'm performing the role in an amusing and entertaining way while being conscious of the underlying terror. The mysterious water onmyoji "Shiranui" is finally making his appearance. Please look forward to it☆

[Motoko Kumai as Funa Uozumi Comment]
To all the "MAO" fans across Japan, how are you doing!! Are you staying healthy!! I'm Motoko Kumai, playing Funa Uozumi. I'm very happy to be involved in an anime based on Rumiko Takahashi-sensei's original work this time (^^♪ It's a mysterious role that is expressionless yet somehow expressive?! and I'm having a lot of fun performing it! For the recording, since various yokai and spirits are involved, all the cast members went to a shrine for purification before starting. As a fan myself, I'm always excited to check the script, wondering what will happen next in the story. Like all of you, I'm really looking forward to the broadcast!! Stay tuned!!

[Yōko Hikasa as Tenko Comment]
I was shocked when the sound director told me to feel the atmosphere of this era where Japanese and Western elements are mixed together and full of vitality. The atmosphere of the era and the city is not created on its own but is created by people. With such a stylish atmosphere, I will enjoy performing in a way that adds a bright and cheerful touch to Mao-sensei, Nanoka, and the entire work!

[Risa Shimizu as Sana Comment]
I'm Risa Shimizu, and I will be playing Sana. Being able to appear in a work by Rumiko Takahashi-sensei is truly like a dream, and I'm honored... Sana is the daughter of Mao's master from the Heian period. I want to cherish and carefully portray this kind-hearted and intelligent character. And I want to carefully weave the story of "MAO" with the wonderful cast and staff. Please look forward to the broadcast of the TV anime "MAO"!

[Reina Ueda as Yurako Comment]
Since this is a story about the onmyoji of the underworld, I approached the recording while enjoying the dimly lit world they create. I performed while being conscious of the murky feelings within the heart, so I would be grateful if you could pay attention to who Yurako-san is and what kind of person she is, and watch until the end.

[Takashi Matsuyama as Byōki Comment]
First day of recording. After entering the studio and exchanging greetings with Kaji-kun, his first words were, "I was convinced. I had been wondering for a long time who would play Byōki, but ah, Matsuyama-san... I was convinced." Kaji-kun... you... that's why everyone likes you. Be careful. While thinking that, I answered, "I'm humbled!" Well, since I've been deemed convincing, I must continue to be convincing. It's a challenging path ahead.

原作／高橋留美子「MAO」（小学館「週刊少年サンデー」連載）
(C)高橋留美子／小学館／「MAO」製作委員会