Sailor Moon Crystal

About Sailor Moon Crystal

"Sailor Moon Crystal" is a 2014 Japanese anime series produced by Toei Animation. This reboot of the original "Sailor Moon" series from the 90s follows the storyline of the manga more closely, marking the 20th anniversary of the original series. The 14-year-old Usagi Tsukino's life changes when she meets Luna, a talking black cat that reveals Usagi as Sailor Moon, a magical pretty soldier destined to save Earth from the forces of evil.

Making / Production

This series was released in celebration of the original manga's 20th anniversary. Production was handled by Toei Animation, with Chiaki Kon as director for the third season. It was initially streamed worldwide in multiple languages on the video-sharing website Niconico.

Actors

• Kotono Mitsuishi reprised her role as Usagi Tsukino / Sailor Moon. As the titular character, she navigated her balance of being an ordinary schoolgirl and a magic-wielding soldier.
• Hisako Kanemoto played Ami Mizuno / Sailor Mercury, Usagi's intellectual ally with water-based abilities.
• Rina Satō portrayed Rei Hino / Sailor Mars, a Shinto shrine maiden who commands fire.
• Ami Koshimizu filled the role of Makoto Kino / Sailor Jupiter, a physically strong and culinary talented girl with electricity and plant-based powers.
• Shizuka Itō voiced Minako Aino / Sailor Venus, the experienced leader of the Sailor Soldiers with love and beauty-related abilities.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The series initially follows a bi-weekly release schedule, with a new episode premiering every other Saturday.
• The title Crystal was derived from Naoko Takeuchi, the Sailor Moon manga artist, intending to revise the anime to be closer to the original manga.
• All original voice actors were invited to reprise their roles, but only Kotono Mitsuishi (Usagi/Sailor Moon) returned.

Quotes

• "For Love and Justice, the pretty Guardian in a sailor suit, Sailor Moon! In the name of the Moon, I'll punish you!" - Usagi Tsukino / Sailor Moon
• "Protected by Mercury, the Planet of Water, Guardian of Wisdom, Sailor Mercury! Douse yourself in water, and repent!" - Ami Mizuno / Sailor Mercury

Music, Soundtrack

• The opening theme for this series is "Moon Pride" by Momoiro Clover Z.
• The ending theme is "Moonbow" by Shoko Nakagawa
• Original background music for the series was composed by Yasuharu Takanashi.