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World Overview
Mao is set in a mix between our world and the past, and has a bit of fantasy through the appearance of demonic entities. It features the lead character, Nanoka, who lost her parents 8 years ago, and near the site of her parents’ death, the Five Line Shopping Street, she gets transported to the past. There she encounters Mao, who is known as an Onmyoji, and between encountering him and what can be considered an Ayakashi or Koduku, it seems some family secrets may have been buried with Nanoka’s parents.
As the story expands, it introduces locations, systems, groups, and concepts that influence both the narrative and the characters’ decisions. Below is an overview of the world-building elements that shape the series.
This character guide is part of our ongoing Mao coverage, which includes recaps, reviews, and episode breakdowns.
Character(s) Introduced in Season 1/ Episode 1
Character Summary
Nanoka is a teen girl who lost her parents 8 years ago, when she was in the 1st grade, outside the Five Line Shopping Street district. Since then, she was raised by her grandpa, and it seems everyone knows about her parents’ deaths. However, no one seems to know that she might be an Ayakashi – except Funa.
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Character Summary
Grandpa Kiba takes care of Nanoka and seems to be constantly worried about her health. Hence, he never questions what is in the smoothie she is given daily.
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Character Summary
Funa’s role in Nanoka’s life is not yet clearly defined. She isn’t portrayed as her grandmother, but what is clear is that she makes smoothies for Nanoka on a regular basis, which are disgusting, but likely have been suppressing Nanoka’s powers.
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Character Summary
Master Mao is an Onmyoji, cursed by a Byouki of which he has no memory. His storyline seems focused on finding out who cursed him and having the curse undone.
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Character Summary
Otoya is Mao’s assistant who helps with the cleaning and keeps an eye on Mao’s Kodoku jar.
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