Mao (manga)

Japanese manga series by Rumiko Takahashi

Mao

First tankōbon volume cover, featuring Mao

Genre|

* Adventure[1]
* Dark fantasy[2]
* Supernatural[1]

Manga
Written by| Rumiko Takahashi
Published by| Shogakukan
English publisher|

* NA: Viz Media

Imprint| Shōnen Sunday Comics
Magazine| Weekly Shōnen Sunday
Demographic| Shōnen
Original run| May 8, 2019 – present
Volumes| 20

Mao (stylized in all caps) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi. It has been serialized in Shogakukan's Weekly Shōnen Sunday magazine since May 2019, with its chapters collected in 20 tankōbon volumes as of May 2024. In North America, the series is licensed for English release by Viz Media.

## Plot[edit]

Eight years ago, Nanoka Kiba was saved from the wreckage of a fatal accident at Gogyō Town Shopping Center. Drawn to the abandoned passage of storefronts on her walk home from school in present day, she becomes inexplicably transported to Japan's Taishō period where she meets the mysterious Mao, a fellow traveler whose arrival at a ghost-inhabited village is simultaneous with hers. Together, they investigate the bizarre events that begin to occur around them, and Nanoka soon pieces together her broken memories of the accident and how she and Mao may have something more sinister in common.

## Characters[edit]

Mao (摩緒)
The wielder of a deadly longsword, Hagunsei (破軍星), Mao is a man cursed in many ways. Known as an onmyōji, he searches for the whereabouts of the byōki, a powerful kodoku created from a terrifying ritual. He is also able to lend some of his blood to Nanoka as they share byōki blood. Mao sees himself as sort of a guardian to Nanoka. He is one of the Kou Clan Manor disciples from 900 years ago and lives as a doctor in the Taishō era.
Nanoka Kiba (黄葉 菜花, Kiba Nanoka)
A plucky third-year middle school student. She died when she was eight years old, but miraculously still lives on. Now fifteen, she uses an abandoned shopping district passage to travel to the Taishō era and investigate mysterious killings, cults, and disappearances with Mao. Like Mao, she is also cursed by the byōki and can therefore wield the Hagunsei and lend some of her blood to Mao. She currently wields the Akanemaru (地血丸), a sword that sucks blood from its wielder. She seems to have developed a crush on Mao.
Otoya (乙弥)
A shikigami and Mao's assistant. He is very knowledgeable about medicine and is rational, helping in battle.
Uozumi (魚住)
A shikigami sent by Mao to look after Nanoka. She creates the "disgusting" shakes that suppress Nanoka's byōki energy.
Byōki (猫鬼)
A demon with similar appearance to the cat once known as Haimaru (灰丸), who cursed Mao and Nanoka to be its unwilling vessels. It has visited Nanoka and provided information a few times, thought its goal is unknown.
Tenko (貂子)
A friend of Mao's who operates a dining establishment and through a network of connections provides him with the latest gossip in the Taishō period.
Hyakka (百火)
A fire element user who was on friendly terms with Mao and his senior when they lived at the Kou Clan Manor in the Heian period. Hyakka was once in love with Sana and was led to believe Mao was guilty in ending her life.
Kuchinawa (朽縄)
A wood element user who occasionally joins forces with Mao when it is convenient for him. Known in the Heian period as Kamon (華紋), both he and Mao were disciples of the Kou Clan Manor. He has an interest in Masago's fate.
Masago (真砂)
A kind and powerful water element user and disciple of the Kou Clan Manor. Although dead, she was captured by Shiranui for her powers. She saves Kamon, who was about to die underwater in battle, by kissing him before she passes away.
Shiranui (不知火)
A water element user who has an obsessive interest in Mao. He was also a rather lackluster disciple of the Kou Clan Manor.
Captain Shirasu (白洲)
A cunning metal element user and disciple of the Kou Clan Manor formerly known as Hakubi (白眉). He previously fought against Hyakka in the Russo-Japanese War, holding a grudge against him, and has an old alliance with Yurako.
Yurako (幽羅子)
A mysterious woman who bears resemblance to Sana. She was confined to a cave to become a vessel for other poisonous curses and have sutras inked on her skin before she escaped. It is at this time that she first met Mao. She reveals her past and true appearance to Nanoka.
Sana (紗那)
Daughter of the Kou Clan Master, who Mao knows to have been in love with another. As a result of the master's wishes, Mao and Sana believed themselves to be betrothed. However, Sana was in love with Daigo. Her cat was Haimaru (灰丸).
Daigo (大五)
An orphan and older brother figure to Mao. After leaving the orphanage where they were both raised, he recommends Mao to join the Kou Clan as he did. During his time in the Kou clan, he grew to be one of the best earth element users. He was in love with Sana but soon died an ominous death.
Natsuno (夏野)
A laid-back earth element user and disciple of the Kou Clan Manor who Mao occasionally calls upon for help. She is looking for an earthen golem she made a pact with 900 years ago when she fell ill.
Renji (蓮次)
Working under Shiranui as an assassin known as Okuribi no Renji, he uses a Yuechin (月琴) as a medium to store the fire flies powered by a kodoku from a Life Extension Garden called Enmei no Niwa (延命の庭). He has a fondness for prostitutes, providing them money and being kind, stemming from his childhood abuse. His presumably kind parents adopted children to make them earn money, abused them, and sold them off, including their biological son, Renji. His adopted sister, Tsuyu, was Renji's only solace. She played the Yueqin and treated his wounds. Later, she sold herself in place of Renji, was abused by her husband till her death, who buried her in the garden soil "like trash" with her Yueqin, and paid a large sum to the parents to avoid any suspicion. Renji vowed to avenge her and burned the house his parents were in as well as the households that abused the sold-off, adopted children. Mao has cut his right arm twice to prevent him from playing the Yueqin that releases fireflies that go through any gap into humans and burn them from inside. His arm is always healed by Mei, who takes care of the Enmei no Niwa. He is from the Taishō period.
Mei Mitazono (芽生)
From the Taishō period, Mei also works under Shiranui as a doctor managing a Life Extension Garden called Enmei no Niwa (延命の庭).

## Publication[edit]

Mao is written and illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi and was announced in Shogakukan's Weekly Shōnen Sunday in December 2018.[3][4] The manga started in Weekly Shōnen Sunday on May 8, 2019.[5][6][7] A 2-part interview between Takahashi and Satoru Noda, author of Golden Kamuy, was published in Weekly Shōnen Sunday and Shueisha's Weekly Young Jump to celebrate the then upcoming first volume of Mao and the new volume of Golden Kamuy in September 2019.[8][9] Shogakukan has collected the manga chapters into individual tankōbon volumes. The first volume was published on September 18, 2019.[10] A promotional commercial for the fifth volume release, narrated by Inuyasha's character Sesshomaru (Ken Narita), was posted in August 2020.[2] A promotional commercial for sixth volume release, narrated by Inuyasha's characters Inuyasha (Kappei Yamaguchi) and Kagome (Satsuki Yukino), was posted in October 2020.[11] On July 7, 2021, the series reached 100 chapters and a promotional commercial, featuring Yuki Kaji as Mao (who previously expressed his interest to participate in an eventual anime adaptation of the series),[12] Hiro Shimono as Hyakka and Toshiyuki Toyonaga as Kamon, was posted.[13] As of May 17, 2024, 20 volumes have been released.[14]

In February 2021, Viz Media announced that they licensed the series for English release in North America and the first volume was published on September 14, 2021.[15][16][17] On May 9, 2023, Viz Media launched their Viz Manga digital manga service, with the series' chapters receiving simultaneous English publication in North America as they are released in Japan.[18]

The series has also been licensed in France by Glénat,[19][20] in Italy by Star Comics,[21] and in Indonesia by Elex Media Komputindo.[22]

### Volumes[edit]

No. | Original release date  | Original ISBN  | English release date  | English ISBN

|
|
|
|

1|  September 18, 2019[10]| 978-4-09-129310-7| September 14, 2021[17]| 978-1-9747-2052-1

1. "Nanoka" (菜花)
2. "Mao" (摩緒)
3. "The Other Side of the Gate" (ゲートの向こう, Gēto no Mukō)
4. "The Faceless Viscount" (顔のない子爵, Kao no Nai Shishaku)

5. "Spider Lady" (蜘蛛女, Kumo On'na)
6. "The Accursed" (呪われた者, Norowareta Mono)
7. "The Sinkhole" (陥没事故, Kanbotsu Jiko)
8. "Power Over Life and Death" (寿命を操る, Jumyō wo Ayatsuru)

2|  November 18, 2019[23]| 978-4-09-129446-3| November 9, 2021[24]| 978-1-9747-2058-3

9. "Origin of the Demon" (鬼神の出処, Kishin no Shussho)
10. "Behind the Cult" (教団の裏側, Kyōdan no Uragawa)
11. "Reverse Curse" (呪い返し, Noroi Gaeshi)
12. "The Prophecy of Lady Shoko" (鐘呼さまの予言, Shouko-sama no Yogen)
13. "Keystone" (要石, Kanameishi)

14. "Guardian of the Barrier" (結界の守人, Kekkai no Moribito)
15. "Decoy" (囮, Otori)
16. "Water Jaw" (水の顎, Mizu no Agito)
17. "Memories of that Day" (あの日の記憶, Ano hi no Kioku)
18. "The Beginning" (始まり, Hajimari)

3|  January 17, 2020[25]| 978-4-09-129547-7| January 11, 2022[26]| 978-1-9747-2082-8

19. "Byoki" (猫鬼, Byōki)
20. "Seven-Branched Tails" (七又の尾, Nanamata no o)
21. "New Vessel" (新しい器, Atarashī utsuwa)
22. "The Protection Shikigami" (守護の式神, Shugo no Shikigami)
23. "Lady Uozumi" (魚住さん, Uozumi-san)

24. "Ryōunkaku" (凌雲閣)
25. "Senior Apprentice Hyakka" (兄弟子百火, Anideshi Hyakka)
26. "Sword of Bad Omen" (不吉の太刀, Fukitsu no Tachi)
27. "Haimaru" (灰丸)
28. "Kuchinawa" (朽縄)

4|  May 18, 2020[27]| 978-4-09-850078-9| March 8, 2022[28]| 978-1-9747-2353-9

29. "The Man's Name" (男の名は, Otoko no na wa)
30. "The Shikigami from the West" (西から来た式神, Nishi kara kita Shikigami)
31. "Soil and a Paper Doll" (土と形代, Tsuchi to Katashiro)
32. "The Shikigamis' Master" (式神の主, Shikigami no Aruji)
33. "Mokuzu" (藻久不)

34. "The Kodoku Hole" (蟲毒の穴, Kodoku no Ana)
35. "Taizan Fukun" (泰山府君)
36. "Visitor in the Rain" (雨の訪問者, Ame no Hōmon-sha)
37. "The Kodoku Jar" (蠱毒の壺, Kodoku no Tsubo)
38. "Mixing of Blood" (血の交わり, Chi no Majiwari)

5|  August 18, 2020[29]| 978-4-09-850174-8| May 10, 2022[30]| 978-1-9747-2452-9

39. "Masago" (真砂)
40. "Shiranui" (不知火)
41. "Warning" (警告, Keikoku)
42. "Three Men Talk" (鼎談, Teidan)
43. "The One Who Gives" (与える者, Ataerumono)

44. "Misunderstandings" (すれ違い, Sure Chigai)
45. "Iron Mask" (鉄仮面, Tekkamen)
46. "Yurako" (幽羅子)
47. "Sana's End" (沙那の最期, Sana no Saigo)
48. "The Gold Shikigami" (金の式神, Kin no Shikigami)

6|  October 16, 2020[31]| 978-4-09-850266-0| July 12, 2022[32]| 978-1-9747-2453-6

49. "White Bone Cave" (白骨洞, Byakkoddō)
50. "Shiranui's Legs" (不知火の足, Shiranui no Ashi)
51. "Nanoka's Doubts" (菜花の疑念, Nanoka no Ginen)
52. "House of Curses" (呪いの家, Noroi no Ie)
53. "Under the Mask" (仮面の下, Kamen no Shita)

54. "Hakubi" (白眉)
55. "The Woman of the Kou Clan" (御降家の女, Go Kou ke no Onna)
56. "Beyond the Rivalry" (相剋の外, Sōkoku no Soto)
57. "Don't Wake Up" (覚めない, Samenai)
58. "Maogui" (マオグイ, Maogui)

7|  January 18, 2021[33]| 978-4-09-850385-8| September 13, 2022[34]| 978-1-9747-3004-9

59. "The Orphanage" (捨童子の家, Sutedōji no ie)
60. "Dirt Medicine" (土薬, Tsuchi kusuri)
61. "Natsuno" (夏野)
62. "Daigo's Death" (大五の死, Daigo no Shi)
63. "Spirit Channeling" (魂おろし, Tama Oroshi)

64. "The Underwater Shrine" (海底の社, Kaitei no Sha)
65. "Five-Color Shrine Ring" (五色堂の輪, Goshikidō no Wa)
66. "Amidst the Evil Aura" (邪気の中, Jyaki no Naka)
67. "Divine Protection" (加護, Kago)
68. "Undecaying Corpse" (朽ちない亡骸, Kuchinai Nakigara)

8|  March 17, 2021[35]| 978-4-09-850395-7| November 8, 2022[36]| 978-1-9747-3005-6

69. "Sana's Heart" (紗那の心臓, Sana no Shinzō)
70. "Possession" (憑きもの落とし, Tsukimono Otoshi)
71. "Slasher" (通り魔, Tōrima)
72. "Beast" (獣, Kemono)
73. "The Kagami Clan's Heirloom" (加神家の家宝, Kagamike no Kahō)

74. "Sōma's Desire" (双馬の望み, Soma no Nozomi)
75. "The Puppet Needle" (傀儡の針, Kugutsu no Hari)
76. "Slay the Beast" (獣を斬る, Kemono wo Kiru)
77. "Sacrifice" (捨て身, Sutemi)
78. "The Sleepwalking Patient" (夜歩く患者, Yoru-Aruku Kanja)

9|  July 16, 2021[37]| 978-4-09-850531-9| January 10, 2023[38]| 978-1-9747-3006-3

79. "100th year" (百年目, Hyakunenme)
80. "Hidenin" (悲田院, Hidenin)
81. "Agreement" (契約, Keiyaku)
82. "Village Play Troupe" (村芝居の一座, Murashibai no Ichiza)
83. "Right Hand" (右手, Migite)

84. "Curse Play" (呪い遊び, Noroi Asobi)
85. "Kagari" (かがり, Kagari)
86. "Needle Marks" (針の跡, Hari no Ato)
87. "Ghost and Rakshasa" (幽鬼と羅刹, Yūki to Rasetsu)
88. "Yurako's World" (幽羅子の世界, Yurako no Sekai)

10|  October 18, 2021[39]| 978-4-09-850723-8| March 14, 2023[40]| 978-1-9747-3402-3

89. "Sympathy" (いたわり, Itawari)
90. "Words are a Curse" (言葉は呪い, Kotoba wa Noroi)
91. "Fiery Insect" (苛火虫, Kakachu)
92. "Renji" (漣次, Renji)
93. "Life or Death Choice" (生死の選択, Seishi no Sentaku)

94. "Life Extension Garden" (延命の庭, Enmei no Niwa)
95. "Ambition" (野望, Yabō)
96. "Hakubi's Intentions" (白眉の胸中, Hakubi no Kyōchū)
97. "Family Matters" (家の事情, Ke no jijō)
98. "The First Victim" (最初の被害者, Saisho no Higaisha)

11|  January 18, 2022[41]| 978-4-09-850867-9| May 9, 2023[42]| 978-1-9747-3645-4

99. "The Protective Sword" (護り刀, Mamori Katana)
100. "Curse Transfer" (呪い移し, Noroi Utsushi)
101. "Meimeido" (冥命堂, Meimeido)
102. "Soma's Mission" (双馬の使命, Soma no Shimei)
103. "Ready to Kill" (殺す覚悟, Korosu Kakugo)

104. "Akanemaru" (地血丸, Akanemaru)
105. "The Katana's Master" (刀の主, Katana no Aruji)
106. "Bargaining" (駆け引き, Kakehiki)
107. "Mao's Impatience" (魔緒の焦り, Mao no Aseri)
108. "Philanthropic Couple" (慈善家夫婦, Jizenkafufuu)

12|  March 17, 2022[43]| 978-4-09-851008-5| July 11, 2023[44]| 978-1-9747-3646-1

109. "Yueqin" (月琴, Gekkin)
110. "The Human Poison Jar" (人間の蟲毒, Ningen no Kodoku)
111. "Massive Cursing Tool" (巨大な呪具, Meimeido)
112. "Weak Point" (弱点, Jakuten)
113. "Bag's Hand" (鞄の手, Kaban no Tei)

114. "The Western-style Pharmacy" (西洋館の薬局, Seiyō-kan no Yakkyoku)
115. "Workplace" (作業場, Sagyouba)
116. "Bloody Blow" (血の一撃, Chi no Ichi Geki)
117. "Ceramic Bell" (土鈴, Dorei)
118. "Under the Floor" (床下, Yugashita)

13|  June 17, 2022[45]| 978-4-09-851151-8| September 12, 2023[46]| 978-1-9747-4046-8

119. "Empty Husk" (抜け殻, Nuke Gara)
120. "Glaring Fire" (睨み火, Nirami hi)
121. "The Real Thing" (本物, Honmono)
122. "The Blue Ball of Light" (青い光の玉, Aoi Hikari no Tama)
123. "Praying for Rain" (雨乞い, Amakoi)

124. "The Hijacker" (乗っ取り屋, Nottoriya)
125. "Soul's Seed" (魄の種, Haku no Tane)
126. "Mitazono Village" (御手園村, Mitazono Mura)
127. "Mei's Decision" (芽生の決意, Mei no Ketsui)
128. "The Wrath of the Deserted House" (廃屋の祟り, Haioku no Tatari)

14|  October 12, 2022[47]| 978-4-09-851262-1| November 14, 2023[48]| 978-1-9747-4125-0

129. "The Well's Miasma" (井戸の邪気, Ido no Jaki)
130. "Cursed God" (祟り神, Tatari Gami)
131. "Earth Spirit" (地の気, Chi no Ki)
132. "Straight Talk" (まっすぐ言葉, Massugu Kotoba)
133. "The Curse Shop Sisters" (呪い屋の姉妹, Noroi ya no Shimai)

134. "The Needle and the Sword" (針と刀, Hari to Katana)
135. "The Difference in Power" (力の差, Chikara no Sa)
136. "Older Sister's Point-of-View" (姉の立場, Ane no Tachiba)
137. "The Mask of Judgement" (裁きの面, Sabaki no Men)
138. "Threat of Fire" (火脅, Hi Odoshi)

15|  January 18, 2023[49]| 978-4-09-851534-9| January 9, 2024[50]| 978-1-9747-4293-6

139. "Sasuga" (流石, Sasuga)
140. "Dealing With the Mask" (面の始末, Men no Shimatsu)
141. "The Strange Occurrence at the Hideout" (隠れ家の異変, Kakure ka no Ihen)
142. "The True Face" (本当の顔, Hanto no Kao)
143. "Twin Roles" (双子の役割, Futago no Yakuwari)

144. "The Medicine Dispenser" (配剤し, Haizaishi)
145. "A Gift from Heaven" (天からの授かりもの, Ten Kara no Sazukarimono)
146. "Controlling Life and Death" (生死を握る, Seishi o Nigiru)
147. "Cat Monster" (化け猫, Bake Neko)
148. "The Imprisoned Man" (囚われた男, Torawareta Otoko)

16|  April 18, 2023[51]| 978-4-09-852029-9| March 12, 2024[52]| 978-1-9747-4365-0

149. "Chance Meeting" (邂逅, Kaigō)
150. "Byoki's Plan" (猫鬼の企み, Byoki no Takurami)
151. "Missing Person" (尋ね人, Tazune Bito)
152. "Hazuki" (羽月, Hazuki)
153. "The Otori Prayer Hall" (鳳家の祈祷所, Otori-ke no Kitōjo)

154. "Uncle" (おじさん, Ojisan)
155. "The Suzaku Stone" (朱雀石, Suzaku Ishi)
156. "Replacement" (代替わり, Daigawari)
157. "The Predecessor's Curse" (先代の呪い, Sendai no Noroi)
158. "Descendant" (末裔, Matsuei)

17|  August 18, 2023[53]| 978-4-09-852614-7| June 11, 2024[54]| 978-1-9747-4599-9

159. "Official Work" (正式な仕事, Seishikina Shigoto)
160. "Pretext for Preparedness" (覚悟の理由, Kakugo no Riyū)
161. "The Life and Death of Natsuno" (夏野の生死, Natsuno no Seishi)
162. "Gift of the Soul" (魂の礼物, Tamashī no Reimotsu)
163. "Request for Treatment" (治療の依頼, Chiryō no Irai)

164. "Poisoned Words" (言葉の毒, Kotoba no Doku)
165. "Light" (光, Hikari)
166. "The Chest of Metamorphosis" (化生の匣, Kasei no Hako)
167. "The Whereabouts of the Chest" (匣の行方, Hako no Yukue)
168. "The Moving Curse" (移動する呪具, Idōsuru Jugu)

18|  November 17, 2023[55]| 978-4-09-853012-0| September 10, 2024[56]| 978-1-9747-4884-6

169. "Endless Tragedy" (終わらぬ惨劇, Owaranu Sangeki)
170. "Siege" (包囲, Hōi)
171. "The Chest's Master" (匣の主, Kushige no Omo)
172. "Growing Up" (成長, Seichō)
173. "Paper Fox" (紙の狐, Kami no Kitsune)

174. "The Black Needle" (黒い針, Kuroi Hari)
175. "The Pain of the Curse" (呪いの痛み, Noroi no Itami)
176. "Kagari's Choice" (かがりの選択, Kagari no Seitaku)
177. "The Village of Human Sacrifice" (人身御供の村, Hitomigoku no Mura)
178. "The Ritual" (儀式, Gishiki)

19|  February 16, 2024[57]| 978-4-09-853112-7| —| --

179. "Water Current" (水流, Suiryu)
180. "Condemnation" (断罪, Danzai)
181. "The Chosen Path" (選んだ道, Eranda Michi)
182. "Shinobazu Pond" (不忍池, Shinobazu no Ike)
183. "Source of Life" (命の出処, Inochi no Shussho)

184. "Blue Eyes" (青い瞳, Aoi Hitomi)
185. "Neumaru Mound" (鵺丸塚, Neumaru Tsuka)
186. "Sokushinbutsu" (即身仏, Sokushinbutsu)
187. "The Guidance of the Ceramic Bell" (土鉿の導き, Tsuchi no Michibiki)
188. "The Symbol of Anger" (怒りの象徴, Ikari no Shocho)

20|  May 17, 2024[14]| 978-4-09-853294-0| —| --

189. "Claw Marks" (爪跡, Tsumeato)
190. "Face of a Beast" (獣の顔, Kemono no Kao)
191. "The Price of Regeneration" (修復の代償, Shūfuku no Daishō)
192. "Human Heart" (人の心, Hito no Kokoro)
193. "Beyond Admiration" (その先, Sono Saki)

194. "The Power to Exorcise" (祓う力, Harau Chikara)
195. "Byoki and Yurako" (猫鬼と幽羅子, Byoki to Yurako)
196. "Yurako's Wish" (幽羅子の望み, Yurako no Nozomi)
197. "Whereabouts of the Soul" (魂の在所, Tamashī no Zaisho)
198. "Dark Shadow" (暗い影, Kurai Kage)

21|  August 17, 2024[58]| 978-4-09-853545-3| —| --

### Chapters not yet in tankōbon format[edit]

199. "The Reason Behind the Curse" (呪った理由, Norotta Wake)
200. "The Determination to Curse" (呪う覚悟, Narau Kakugo)
201. "The Bewitching Flute" (子寄せの笛, Koyose no Fue)
202. "The Flute Player" (笛使い, Fuetsukai)
203. "The Curse of the Flute's Tune" (笛の音の呪縛, Fue no ne no Jubaku)
204. "The Living Doll" (生人形, Ikiningyō)
205. "Dollmaker" (人形師, Ningyōshi)
206. "Doll Workshop" (人形工房, Ningyō Kōbō)
207. "Power Source" (動力, Dōryoku)
208. "A Fitting Punishment" (耐えがたい罰, Taegatai Batsu)
209. "Metal Vanquishes Wood" (金尅木, Kin Koku Moku)
210. "Made an Example of Him" (見せしめ, Miseshime)
211. "Black Snakes" (黒い蛇, Kuroi Hebi)
212. "Separated" (分離, Bunri)
213. "Anxiety" (不安, Fuan)
214. "The Oni's Arm" (鬼の腕, Oni no Ude)
215. "Sacrifice" (身代わり, Migawari)
216. "Praying" (祈り, Inori)
217. "Nightmare" (悪夢, Akumu)
218. "Blood and Fragrant Wood" (血と香木, Chi to Kōboku)
219. "Daigo's Divine Protection" (大五の加護, Daigo no Kago)
220. "Warning" (警告, Keikoku)
221. "Parting Words" (別れの言葉, Wakare no Kotoba)
222. "Where It All Began" (始まりの場所, Hajimari no Basho)
223. "Curse of Immortality" (不死の呪い, Fushi no Noroi)
224. "The Spell of Pot Binding" (壺結の術, Koketsu no Jutsu)
225. "Shiranui's Sin" (不知火の罪, Shiranui no Tsumi)
226. "The Goko Clan's Boat" (御降家の舟, Gokoke no Fune)
227. "Unkillable" (不死身の化け物, Fujimi no Bakemono)
228. "Family Ties" (身内の情, Miuchi no Jō)
229. "Hope and Salvation" (望みと救い, Nozomi to Sukui)
230. "Molder of Faces" (造顔師, Zouganshi)
231. "Face Ointment" (顔と薬, Kao to Kusuri)
232. "The Face in the Jar" (壺の中の顔, Tsubo no Naka no Kao)
233. "Be Strong" (強く, Tsuyoku)
234. "The Return of the Terror" (戻ってきた厄災, Modottekita Yakusai)

## Reception[edit]

By July 2021, the manga had 1 million copies in circulation.[13] In December 2019, Brutus magazine listed Mao on their "Most Dangerous Manga" list, which included works with the most "stimulating" and thought-provoking themes.[59] The School Library Journal listed the first volume of Mao as one of the top 10 manga of 2021.[60]

In her review of the first volume, Rebecca Silverman of Anime News Network ranked it as B−. Silverman called the series’ time period and its world building elements interesting, praising as well Takahashi's art. Silverman, however, criticized the series for its "reused" story elements and character designs, noting similarities to Takahashi's previous works like Inuyasha and Rin-ne.[61] Also reviewing the first volume, Nick Smith of ICv2 commented that Mao is "closest to Inuyasha in style", and while he stated that the series has "nothing new or innovative", he praised the story and its artwork, adding: "[t]his is the start of what could turn out to be another classic series, if the story develops from this starting point."[62]

## References[edit]

1. ^ a b "The Official Website for Mao". Viz Media. Archived from the original on July 17, 2021. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
2. ^ a b Komatsu, Mikikazu (August 18, 2020). "Sesshomaru Narrates CM for Rumiko Takahashi's Latest Manga Series "MAO" 5th Volume". Crunchyroll. Archived from the original on August 30, 2020. Retrieved August 25, 2020.
3. ^ Loo, Egan (December 4, 2018). "Rumiko Takahashi to Launch New Manga Series Early Next Spring". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on April 27, 2019. Retrieved April 27, 2019.
4. ^ 高橋留美子：「サンデー」で19年早春に新連載 「境界のRINNE」以来. Mantan Web (in Japanese). December 4, 2018. Archived from the original on April 27, 2019. Retrieved May 18, 2019.
5. ^ Sherman, Jennifer (April 16, 2019). "Rumiko Takahashi Launches MAO Manga Series in May". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on April 16, 2019. Retrieved April 27, 2019.
6. ^ 高橋留美子の新連載「MAO」サンデーで開幕！「犬夜叉」コンビが新作を解説. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. May 8, 2019. Archived from the original on October 26, 2020. Retrieved August 25, 2020.
7. ^ "ANIME NEWS: 'Inuyasha' creator's new manga 'MAO' now available". animeanime.jp via The Asahi Shimbun. June 15, 2019. Archived from the original on June 15, 2019. Retrieved June 16, 2019.
8. ^ Loveridge, Lynzee (September 10, 2019). "Inuyasha, Golden Kamuy Creators Talk Manga in 2-Part Interview". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on October 26, 2020. Retrieved October 21, 2020.
9. ^ 高橋留美子と野田サトルが初対談！創作論から高橋の意外なジンクスまで. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. September 10, 2019. Archived from the original on October 24, 2020. Retrieved October 21, 2020.
10. ^ a b ＭＡＯ １ (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Archived from the original on October 25, 2020. Retrieved August 1, 2019.
11. ^ 犬夜叉＆かごめのかけ合い聴けるCMも、高橋留美子「MAO」6巻発売. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. October 16, 2020. Archived from the original on October 19, 2020. Retrieved October 21, 2020.
12. ^ 「MAO」特集 梶裕貴インタビュー. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. January 17, 2020. Archived from the original on January 17, 2020. Retrieved September 10, 2019.
13. ^ a b 「MAO」100話＆100万部記念し梶裕貴ら出演PV制作、次号「絶チル」最終回. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. July 7, 2021. Archived from the original on July 16, 2021. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
14. ^ a b ＭＡＯ ２０ (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
15. ^ @VIZMedia (February 19, 2021). "Announcement: Mao, Vol. 1, releases Fall 2021! Rumiko Takahashi's latest work takes us back to a Taisho era Japan infested with demons, and only an exorcist named Mao can end them!" (Tweet). Retrieved February 19, 2021 - via Twitter.
16. ^ Mateo, Alex (February 19, 2021). "Viz to Release Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Mao, Rozen Blood, Burn the Witch, Animal Crossing, More Manga in Fall". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on February 19, 2021. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
17. ^ a b "Mao, Vol. 1". Viz Media. Archived from the original on June 2, 2021. Retrieved June 1, 2021.
18. ^ Cayanan, Joanna (May 9, 2023). "Viz Media Simultaneously Releases Shogakukan Manga Titles in New VIZ Manga App". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on May 10, 2023. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
19. ^ De la Cruz, Bruno (January 30, 2020). "Le manga Mao de Rumiko Takahashi en juillet chez Glénat". Anime News Network (in French). Archived from the original on October 24, 2020. Retrieved October 21, 2020.
20. ^ "Glénat annonce MAO, la toute dernière série de Rumiko Takahashi !". manga-news.com (in French). January 29, 2020. Archived from the original on March 3, 2020. Retrieved March 3, 2020.
21. ^ "MAO di Rumiko Takahashi annunciato per Star Comics". AnimeClick (in Italian). April 16, 2020. Archived from the original on March 23, 2022. Retrieved August 25, 2020.
22. ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (October 13, 2020). "Elex Media Licenses MAO, SPY×FAMILY, 5 More Manga". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on January 20, 2021. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
23. ^ ＭＡＯ ２ (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Archived from the original on October 25, 2020. Retrieved October 4, 2019.
24. ^ "Mao, Vol. 2". Viz Media. Archived from the original on August 1, 2021. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
25. ^ ＭＡＯ ３ (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Archived from the original on October 25, 2020. Retrieved December 19, 2019.
26. ^ "Mao, Vol. 3". Viz Media. Archived from the original on October 1, 2021. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
27. ^ ＭＡＯ ４ (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Archived from the original on October 25, 2020. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
28. ^ "Mao, Vol. 4". Viz Media. Archived from the original on November 30, 2021. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
29. ^ ＭＡＯ ５ (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Archived from the original on October 25, 2020. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
30. ^ "Mao, Vol. 5". Viz Media. Archived from the original on January 29, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2022.
31. ^ ＭＡＯ ６ (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Archived from the original on October 25, 2020. Retrieved August 25, 2020.
32. ^ "Mao, Vol. 6". Viz Media. Archived from the original on April 1, 2022. Retrieved March 31, 2022.
33. ^ ＭＡＯ ７ (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Archived from the original on January 18, 2021. Retrieved December 6, 2020.
34. ^ "Mao, Vol. 7". Viz Media. Archived from the original on May 23, 2022. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
35. ^ ＭＡＯ ８ (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Archived from the original on March 17, 2021. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
36. ^ "Mao, Vol. 8". Viz Media. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
37. ^ ＭＡＯ ９ (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Archived from the original on July 16, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
38. ^ "Mao, Vol. 9". Viz Media. Archived from the original on October 4, 2022. Retrieved September 30, 2022.
39. ^ ＭＡＯ １０ (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Archived from the original on October 18, 2021. Retrieved October 18, 2021.
40. ^ "Mao, Vol. 10". Viz Media. Archived from the original on November 23, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
41. ^ ＭＡＯ １１ (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Archived from the original on January 19, 2022. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
42. ^ "Mao, Vol. 11". Viz Media. Archived from the original on April 2, 2023. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
43. ^ ＭＡＯ １２ (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Archived from the original on March 11, 2022. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
44. ^ "Mao, Vol. 12". Viz Media. Archived from the original on May 14, 2023. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
45. ^ ＭＡＯ １３ (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Archived from the original on July 6, 2022. Retrieved July 6, 2022.
46. ^ "Mao, Vol. 13". Viz Media. Archived from the original on May 25, 2023. Retrieved May 24, 2023.
47. ^ ＭＡＯ １４ (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Archived from the original on September 14, 2022. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
48. ^ "Mao, Vol. 14". Viz Media. Archived from the original on August 16, 2023. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
49. ^ ＭＡＯ １５ (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Archived from the original on December 13, 2022. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
50. ^ "Mao, Vol. 15". Viz Media. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
51. ^ ＭＡＯ １６ (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Archived from the original on March 6, 2023. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
52. ^ "Mao, Vol. 16". Viz Media. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
53. ^ ＭＡＯ １７ (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Archived from the original on June 28, 2023. Retrieved June 29, 2023.
54. ^ "Mao, Vol. 17". Viz Media. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
55. ^ ＭＡＯ １８ (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
56. ^ "Mao, Vol. 18". Viz Media. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
57. ^ ＭＡＯ １９ (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
58. ^ ＭＡＯ ２１ (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
59. ^ Morrissy, Kim (December 18, 2019). "Spy×Family Included in Brutus Magazine's 'Most Dangerous Manga' of 2019 List". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on December 18, 2019. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
60. ^ Hazra, Adriana (December 5, 2021). "School Library Journal Names Top 10 Manga in 2021". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on June 3, 2022. Retrieved December 5, 2021.
61. ^ Silverman, Rebecca (September 12, 2021). "MAO GN 1 - Review - Anime News Network". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on September 15, 2021. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
62. ^ Smith, Nick (November 2, 2021). "Review: 'Mao' Vol. 1 TP". ICv2. Archived from the original on November 23, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2022.

## Further reading[edit]

* 高橋留美子×椎名高志、相思相愛リスペクト対談「半妖の夜叉姫」コミカライズ1巻＆「MAO」11巻発売記念. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. January 18, 2022.

## External links[edit]

* Mao official website at Web Sunday (in Japanese)
* Mao official website at Viz Media
* Mao at Anime News Network's encyclopedia

* v
* t
* e

Works by Rumiko Takahashi

Major works|

* Urusei Yatsura (1978–1987)
* Maison Ikkoku (1980–1987)
* Ranma ½ (1987–1996)
* Inuyasha (1996–2008)
* Rin-ne (2009–2017)
* Mao (2019–present)

Other works|

* Rumic World (1978–1983)
* Maris the Chojo (1980)
* Laughing Target (1983)
* Fire Tripper (1983)
* Mermaid Saga (1984–1994)
* Rumic Theater (1987–present)
* One-pound Gospel (1987–2006)

* v
* t
* e

Series currently running in Weekly Shōnen Sunday

* Magic Kaito
* Case Closed
* Major 2nd
* Ad Astra per Aspera
* Aozakura
* Komi Can't Communicate
* Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle
* Maiko-san chi no Makanai-san
* Tokachi Hitoribocchi Nōen
* Fly Me to the Moon
* Detective Conan: Zero's Tea Time
* Mao
* Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
* Ryū to Ichigo
* Shibuya Near Family
* Mikadono Sanshimai wa Angai, Choroi
* Mizu Polo

Website: websunday.net

* v
* t
* e

Weekly Shōnen Sunday: 2010–2019

2010|

* Kunisaki Izumo no Jijō
* Saijō no Meii: The King of Neet
* Kōtetsu no Hanappashira
* Chiisai Hito

2011|

* Jōjū Senjin!! Mushibugyō
* Be Blues!
* Bestiarius
* Nozomi and Kimio
* Buyuden
* Silver Spoon
* Asaoka High School Baseball Club Diary
* Waza no Tabibito
* Anagle Mole
* Denpa Kyōshi

2012|

* Area D
* Tadashii Kodomo no Tsukurikata!
* Duel Masters Rev.
* Sasami-san@Ganbaranai
* Ane Log
* Fantasista Stella
* Laughter at the World's End

2013|

* Magical Star Kanon 100%
* Magi: Adventure of Sinbad
* Birdmen
* Keijo!!!!!!!!
* Yugami-kun ni wa Tomodachi ga Inai

2014|

* Nanimo nai Kedo Sora wa Aoi
* Captain Earth
* Nozo × Kimi
* Dagashi Kashi
* Psyche Matashitemo
* Alice in Borderland: King of Diamonds
* Tokiwa Kitareri!!
* Tenshi to Akuto!!

2015|

* Major 2nd
* Alice in Borderland
* Ad Astra per Aspera
* Hatsukoi Zombie
* Amano Megumi wa Sukidarake!

2016|

* Hiiragi-sama wa Jibun o Sagashiteiru
* Sōbōtei Kowasubeshi
* Aozakura
* Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle
* Komi Can't Communicate
* Ryoko
* Maiko-san chi no Makanai-san

2017|

* Hoankan Evans no Uso
* Daiku no Hatō
* Yōkai Giga
* Tantei Xeno to Nanatsu no Satsujin Misshitsu
* Tokachi Hitoribocchi Nōen
* Ariadne in the Blue Sky
* Marry Grave

2018|

* Fly Me to the Moon
* Kimi wa 008
* Switch
* 5-fungo no Sekai
* Detective Conan: Zero's Tea Time

2019|

* Ponkotsu-chan Kenshōchū
* Mao
* The Tale of the Outcasts
* Call of the Night
* Detective Conan: Police Academy Arc

* 1959–1969
* 1970–1979
* 1980–1989
* 1990–1999
* 2000–2009
* 2010–2019
* 2020–present
* Shōnen Sunday S
* Monthly Shōnen Sunday

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