Out and About: The Exhibition of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon

The Exhibition of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon

Believe it or not, I actually do get out into the real world. One of the benefits of living in Tokyo, when it comes to anime and manga, I get to very easily see awesome stuff like this.

The Exhibition of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon featured a large collection showcasing the past two decades of the Sailor Moon franchise. Ranging from the manga, to the television series, to merchandise, this was a wall to wall gallery located at Tokyo City View in Roppongi Hills.

Without any hint of exaggeration, this was a paradise for any Sailor Moon fan, both young and old, and I am incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to see it for myself.

So I’m here to give you my experience at this one of a kind exhibit.

Anime Hajime Review: Sailor Moon (Part 6 of 6)

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Sailor Moon. Reader discretion is advised.***

Sailor Moon

We have finally reached the end. After looking at the strengths and weaknesses of each of this series’ five seasons, it’s finally time to answer that all-important question:

What was it that made Sailor Moon, Sailor Moon?

This show, without question, has served as a major influence for the entire anime medium since its release back in 1992. This influence has not just been restricted to the magical girl genre. Action, romance, coming of age, you name it, and this series did it.

Twenty years later, the impact of Sailor Moon can still be felt.

I cannot deny what this series has accomplished, or what it’s managed to become. However, I must ask:

Has this legacy been warranted?

Anime Hajime Review: Sailor Moon Sailor Stars (Part 5 of 6)

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Sailor Moon Sailor Stars. Reader discretion is advised.***

Season Synopsis – Sailor Moon Sailor Stars

With the battle against Queen Nehellenia and the Dead Moon Circus now over, Sailor Moon and the rest of the Sailor Scouts take a well-deserved rest.

During hard-earned peace, ar new boy idol group, Three Lights, has been taking Tokyo by storm. To add to the excitement, the group’s three members, Seiya, Taiki, and Yaten Kou (voiced by Shiho Niiyama, Narumi Tsunoda, and Chika Sakamoto), enroll at Usagi’s school. Almost instantly, the leader of the trio, Seiya, takes a liking to Usagi.

With spirits high, it is merely the calm before the storm.

The Earth is invaded by Sailor Scouts from outside the Solar System, and they are searching for objects known as Star Seeds. At the same time, Usagi and her friends run into the mysterious Sailor Starlights -- Sailor Star Fighter, Sailor Star Maker, and Sailor Star Healer. For Sailor Moon, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Venus, it is unclear if these new warriors are friends or foes.

Anime Hajime Review: Sailor Moon SuperS (Part 4 of 6)

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Sailor Moon SuperS. Reader discretion is advised.***

Season Synopsis – Sailor Moon SuperS

A buzz permeates throughout Tokyo with the arrival of a rare solar eclipse. Usagi and her friends, Rei, Ami, Makoto, and Minako, are joined by Mamoru and Chibiusa to witness this once in a lifetime event. Unfortunately, as the Earth is cast into momentary darkness, an enemy makes its move.

A large and ominous circus tent appears in the middle of the city. Coinciding with this arrival, Chibiusa has an odd dream.

Inside a mysterious forest, a voice calls out to the young princess. Chibiusa comes across a beautiful white horse with a pair of wings. The creature introduces itself as Pegasus (voiced by Taiki Matsuno) and warns of a coming danger – the Dead Moon Circus.

With the arrival of this new foe, Usagi and the other Sailor Scouts, including Chibiusa, stand ready to fight once again. However, there is little they can do against this enemy. That is until Pegasus arrives and provides the Sailor Scouts with his power.

Anime Hajime Review: Sailor Moon S (Part 3 of 6)

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Sailor Moon S. Reader discretion is advised.***

Season Synopsis – Sailor Moon S

After saving the future from the Black Moon Clan, life has begun to settle down for the Sailor Scouts. However, Rei Hino, Sailor Mars, keeps having a recurring nightmare of a pending cataclysm.

The Sailor Scouts soon encounter the creatures known as Daimons. Although they fight their hardest, the Scouts are unable to stand against this new enemy. Before they are defeated, the Scouts are rescued by two mysterious warriors.

The unknown pair makes short work on the Daimon, and they reveal themselves to be the reawakened Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune (voiced by Megumi Ogata and Masako Katsuki). The five original Scouts are overjoyed at the prospects of two new allies, but Uranus and Neptune have no intention of cooperating.

The duo says they are searching for three mystic talismans that make up a powerful relic known as the Holy Grail. They must complete their mission before the vile group known as the Death Busters use the Grail to awaken the Messiah of Silence, a being that will cover the Earth in eternal darkness. To Uranus and Neptune, their purpose is of the utmost importance, so much so, they are willing to let innocent lives die to prevent the Grail from falling into the wrong hands.

Anime Hajime Review: Sailor Moon R (Part 2 of 6)

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Sailor Moon R. Read discretion is advised.***

Season Synopsis - Sailor Moon R

With the Dark Kingdom defeated, Usagi and the Sailor Scouts no longer have any memory of who they are; allowing them to live normal lives once again. Sadly, these new peaceful days do not last.

From the deep reaches of space, lovers Ail (voiced by Hikaru Midorikawa) and An (voiced by Yumi Touma) have come to Earth in search of energy. Not for themselves, but for the ancient Hell Tree. The pair begins to wreak havoc, thus forcing the Sailor Scouts to return to battle.

Unfortunately, Ail and An are only the tip of the iceberg, for an even greater threat looms on the horizon.

One day, Usagi meets a child also named Chibiusa (voiced by Kae Araki). Chibiusa says she is searching for the Silver Crystal to save her mother. However, it appears she is not the only one searching.

The Black Moon Clan have come in pursuit of the person they call have dubbed the Rabbit. Their goal is not only to capture their target, but also destroy the Silver Crystal as well as the mysterious city known as Crystal Tokyo.

Anime Hajime Review: Sailor Moon Season One (Part 1 of 6)

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Sailor Moon Season One. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

Usagi Tsukino (voiced by Kotono Mitsuishi) is lazier than your typical middle school student. She is also a crybaby, selfish, and a huge chicken. Despite those things, she is pretty average. However, her life becomes extraordinary when she runs into a talking black cat named Luna (voiced Keiko Han).

To Usagi’s disbelief, Luna tells her that she is the reincarnation of the Sailor Scout known as Sailor Moon. Due to this, Usagi is destined to protect the Earth from the forces of evil. And to accomplish her mission, she must locate the lost Moon Princess.

Though eager to jump into her new role, Usagi quickly realizes that being a Sailor Solider is not a game. In fact, her task is far too great for her to handle on her own. Luckily, she managed to find the other four Sailor Scouts.

First is the brilliant honor student Ami Mizuno, Sailor Mercury (voiced by Aya Hisakawa).  Second is the prideful shrine maiden Rei Hino, Sailor Mars (voiced by Michie Tomizawa). The third is the tough romantic Makoto Kino, Sailor Jupiter (voiced by Emi Shinohara). And fourth is the hero Minako Aino, Sailor Venus (voiced by Rica Fukami).