《MAO》是由日本國民級漫畫家高橋留美子創作的長篇少年漫畫作品，於2019年起連載於《週刊少年 Sunday》，目前總銷售量突破120萬冊。延續高橋一貫的風格，融合奇幻、戀愛與日常要素，並注入濃厚的日本陰陽道與妖異文化。與她過去最著名的作品如《犬夜叉》《亂馬½》《相聚一刻》相比，《MAO》顯得更加神秘、成熟，展現出她在創作歷練與敘事節奏上的轉變與深化。

故事以現代與大正時代交錯為背景，描寫一名現代中學生少女「黃葉菜花」，八年前某日與父母在遊車河經過鐵門街的途中遭遇奇怪事故，父母困在車內身亡。正當她處在車外停止呼吸時，卻意外奇蹟生還，從此發現自己能穿越到大正時代，並與神秘少年「摩緒」相遇。摩緒是因詛咒而活九百年的陰陽師，身負解開百年前詭異連環命案之謎的使命。菜花也逐漸發現，自己幼年時的一場事故與摩緒所調查的事件可能存在某種深層聯繫。兩人一同穿梭於現代與過去，在破除妖異的同時，也一步步揭開命運交錯的真相。

漫畫的節奏沉穩但具張力，世界觀建立細膩，融合古典陰陽道知識與現代青春劇情。男女主角之間的感情線不似《犬夜叉》那樣強烈，但多一層宿命與靜謐的深情，呈現出更為內斂的人物情感變化。高橋留美子仍延續她擅長的輕鬆對白與幽默橋段，即使故事背景較為黑暗，閱讀體驗依舊不失趣味與人性溫度。

2026年，官方宣佈《MAO》將推出電視動畫，並於2026年4月作為春季新番登場。製作方尚未公布全部詳情，但先導預告片已於網路釋出，片中展現大正時代的濃厚懷舊氛圍與現代場景的強烈對比，摩緒與菜花兩位主角的角色設定忠實還原漫畫原作，陰森卻優雅的畫面構圖令人期待。動畫將由實力堅強的團隊製作，角色設計與場景氛圍也都備受好評，尤其是陰陽術、妖怪對決的場面展現出不俗的視覺水準。

在市場評價方面，漫畫於連載初期便引起廣泛注目，一方面是因為高橋留美子的名字本身就是品質保證，另一方面則是其劇情風格讓不少《犬夜叉》粉絲產生共鳴。儘管《MAO》的銷量未達到《犬夜叉》那樣的爆炸性規模，但在日本國內與亞洲地區都維持穩定人氣，尤其受到中學生與20～30代女性讀者歡迎。評論界認為，這是一部「溫柔地訴說恐怖故事」的作品，在妖異與人性之間取得巧妙平衡，既能引發懸疑推理愛好者的興趣，也能吸引喜歡人際情感描寫的觀眾。

隨著動畫化進程的展開，預計將吸引更多新世代觀眾接觸這部作品。特別是在高橋留美子於2020年獲得「紫綬褒章」後，她的創作再次受到廣泛關注，《MAO》動畫也有望承接她過去多部成功作品的光環，成為2026年春季動畫的焦點之一。

總的來說，《MAO》是高橋留美子從經典走向現代的又一座里程碑，透過奇幻與宿命的包裝，訴說著跨越時代的羈絆與創傷修復之旅。動畫版的推出不只是原作漫畫的延伸，也是一場針對新舊觀眾的溫柔邀約，在懷舊與創新的交織中，延續高橋留美子不老的魔力。

"MAO" is a long-running shōnen manga series created by Japan’s nationally beloved manga artist Rumiko Takahashi, first serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday in 2019. To date, it has sold over 1.2 million copies. Staying true to Takahashi’s signature style, the series blends fantasy, romance, and slice-of-life elements, while introducing deep layers of Japanese onmyōdō (traditional esoteric cosmology) and supernatural lore. Compared to her iconic past works such as Inuyasha, Ranma ½, and Maison Ikkoku, MAO feels more mysterious and mature, reflecting the evolution of her storytelling depth and pacing.

The narrative alternates between modern times and Japan’s Taisho era, centering around a contemporary junior high school girl named Nanoka Hyouya. Eight years ago, while on a drive with her parents through an area called “Iron Gate Street,” they were involved in a bizarre accident. Her parents were killed, trapped inside the car, while she, outside the vehicle, mysteriously stopped breathing—yet somehow miraculously survived. Since that incident, Nanoka discovers she can travel back in time to the Taisho period, where she meets Mao, a mysterious young onmyōji cursed to live for over 900 years. Mao is on a mission to uncover the truth behind a series of eerie, interlinked murders from a century ago. Nanoka begins to realize that her own childhood accident may be deeply tied to the same mystery. Together, the two traverse between eras, confronting malicious spirits while gradually unearthing the intertwined destinies that bind them.

The manga unfolds with a measured yet gripping pace, constructing a finely detailed world that intricately blends classical onmyōdō principles with themes of modern youth. Unlike Inuyasha, the romantic tension between the two leads is more subdued, imbued with a sense of quiet fate and emotional restraint, emphasizing a more introspective depth in their relationship. Despite the darker tone of the story, Takahashi’s hallmark wit and lighthearted dialogue persist, balancing humor with a human warmth that has long defined her work.

In 2026, it was officially announced that MAO would receive a television anime adaptation, scheduled to premiere as part of the Spring 2026 anime season. While full production details have yet to be revealed, a teaser trailer has already been released online. The footage showcases a rich visual contrast between the nostalgic mood of the Taisho era and the present day, faithfully rendering the character designs of Mao and Nanoka. The animation style appears both eerie and elegant, drawing praise for its atmospheric tone. The series is being handled by a highly capable production team, with particular commendation for the dynamic visual depiction of onmyōji magic and yokai battles, which promises a strong audiovisual experience.

In terms of reception, MAO attracted attention from the outset of its serialization. Rumiko Takahashi’s name alone ensured a solid reader base, but it was the story’s stylistic echoes of Inuyasha that especially drew long-time fans. While it hasn't reached the explosive popularity of her earlier mega-hits, MAO has maintained a steady and dedicated following in Japan and across Asia, especially among middle school readers and women in their 20s and 30s. Critics describe it as a “gentle horror story,” striking a delicate balance between eerie supernatural themes and heartfelt human drama. Its appeal bridges both mystery lovers and those drawn to nuanced emotional storytelling.

With the anime adaptation underway, MAO is expected to reach a wider, newer audience. Following Takahashi’s receipt of the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 2020—an honor awarded by the Japanese government to individuals who have contributed to academic and artistic advancement—her works have been brought back into the spotlight. MAO’s adaptation is likely to inherit the legacy of her previous successes and emerge as one of the highlights of the 2026 anime calendar.

Ultimately, MAO marks yet another creative milestone in Rumiko Takahashi’s storied career. Framed by fantasy and fate, it tells a cross-era tale of bonds, trauma, and healing. The anime version is not merely an extension of the manga, but a heartfelt invitation to both old and new fans. With its rich interplay of nostalgia and innovation, MAO continues to showcase Takahashi’s enduring storytelling magic.