Dive into the magical world of ‘Sailor Moon’ – Uncovering its intriguing facts, cultural impact, and the diversity it celebrates!
Sailor Moon, a beacon of girl power and a game-changer in the anime world, has captivated audiences globally with its compelling storyline, rich characters, and innovative themes. From exploring the intriguing meaning behind Sailor Moon’s real name to recognizing its bold strides in LGBTQ+ representation, the series has been a pioneer in many ways. Unpacking the differences between its original manga and the anime adaptation, examining its unique connection with Miyazaki films, and acknowledging its place in popular culture provides a deeper understanding of this iconic franchise. Step into this journey of rediscovering ‘Sailor Moon’, a timeless symbol of love, friendship, and courage.
1. The Original Meaning of Sailor Moon’s Name
Sailor Moon, known in Japan as Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon, is a fascinating title with a deeper meaning that transcends the literal translation. Bishoujo Senshi directly translates to beautiful girl warrior, pointing to the main characters’ dual nature as ordinary schoolgirls and powerful guardians. The term ‘sailor’ in the title refers to the Sailor Suit, a popular style of Japanese school uniform, emphasizing the characters’ everyday identities as students.
The word Moon in the title holds significant symbolism. Moon is not only the celestial body that Sailor Moon is associated with, but also represents femininity, change, and renewal in various cultures, reflecting the transformational journey of the protagonist, Usagi Tsukino, throughout the series. The surname Tsukino also means of the moon in Japanese, subtly hinting at her secret identity as Sailor Moon.
The title Sailor Moon thus encapsulates the series’ core theme – ordinary girls transforming into warriors of love and justice, their everyday lives intertwined with cosmic battles and celestial destinies. It reflects the balance between their normal, school-going teenage lives and their extraordinary roles as planetary protectors.
2. Another Work by the Creator of Sailor Moon: Codename wa Sailor V
Before the iconic Sailor Moon series came to life, its creator Naoko Takeuchi had crafted another manga series that would lay the groundwork for her future work. This series was Codename wa Sailor V or Codename: Sailor V.
Codename: Sailor V was initially a one-shot manga published in 1991, revolving around the character Minako Aino, a 13-year-old schoolgirl who transforms into the titular Sailor V to protect the earth. It caught the readers’ interest immediately, leading to a serialized publication.
The character of Minako Aino and her alter ego, Sailor V, was the prototype for Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon). The similarities between the two characters are striking, with both being carefree and a bit clumsy yet brave when it comes to defending their world.
Interestingly, the concept of Sailor Moon was conceived when Takeuchi’s editor suggested expanding the universe of Sailor V by adding more Sailor Soldiers. The success of Sailor Moon even resulted in Minako Aino being written into the new series as Sailor Venus, one of the key members of the Sailor Soldiers.
Codename: Sailor V may be less known than its successor, but its influence on the creation of Sailor Moon cannot be underestimated. It not only introduced the concept of ‘sailor-suited magical girls’ but also served as the inspirational blueprint for one of the most iconic anime series of all time.
3. Differences Between the Sailor Moon Manga and Anime
Sailor Moon, widely recognized as an anime series, was originally a manga created by Naoko Takeuchi. Throughout the adaptation process, there were several notable differences between the manga and the anime.
Firstly, the manga is known for its darker and more serious tone, compared to the often light-hearted and comedic tone of the anime. The anime tends to include more fillers, comedic moments, and additional adventures that deviate from the original storyline, mainly to allow the manga to get ahead.
Secondly, character development varies between the two mediums. Some characters, like Chibiusa, have more significant arcs in the anime, while others, like the Outer Senshi, have more developed backgrounds in the manga. Moreover, the manga’s rapid pace leaves less room for the development of minor characters, which are given more screen time in the anime.
Another difference lies in the portrayal of romantic relationships. While both mediums include a variety of relationships, the manga is more explicit in showcasing diverse and non-traditional relationships.
Lastly, the finales differ significantly. The manga’s ending focuses more on the characters’ futures, while the anime ends with a battle sequence against Sailor Galaxia, featuring a collective effort from all Sailor Scouts.
Despite these differences, both the manga and anime of Sailor Moon are beloved by fans worldwide, each offering its unique interpretation of the magical girl narrative.
4. The Censorship of Sailor Moon in America
Sailor Moon is a beloved anime series worldwide, but its initial release in North America faced numerous issues regarding content censorship and adaptation.
When Sailor Moon was first brought to the United States in the mid-1990s by DIC Entertainment, the series underwent extensive localization to appeal to an American audience, primarily consisting of young children. This localization included changes in the characters’ names, music, and even plot elements.
One of the most significant areas of censorship involved the handling of LGBTQ+ themes. For instance, the romantic relationship between Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune, who were lovers in the original Japanese series, was altered in the North American version to make them cousins. This change led to a great deal of confusion and controversy, given the suggestive dialogues and scenes that remained.
Another noticeable change was the transformation of the androgynous character Sailor Star Fighter into a female character, to maintain the show’s theme of ‘female empowerment,’ thereby eliminating the original’s exploration of gender fluidity.
In addition, scenes considered too violent or culturally distinct were often heavily edited or cut entirely. This included the entire removal of certain episodes from the original series.
However, with VIZ Media’s re-dubbing and uncut release in 2014, North American audiences were finally able to experience Sailor Moon in its entirety, including its original names, music, and LGBTQ+ relationships.
5. The Connection Between Sailor Moon Anime and Miyazaki Films
Sailor Moon and the works of renowned director Hayao Miyazaki may seem worlds apart on the surface, but they do share an intriguing connection. The link between them comes in the form of talented animation director and storyboard artist, Ikuhara Kunihiko.
Ikuhara, who directed numerous Sailor Moon episodes and the series Sailor Moon R, was deeply influenced by Miyazaki’s works. This influence reflected in his distinct, imaginative visual style and thematic explorations in Sailor Moon.
Miyazaki’s influence on Ikuhara is perhaps most evident in the Sailor Moon movie, Sailor Moon R: The Movie. The film features a plot reminiscent of Miyazaki’s movies, where antagonists are not just evil but are complex characters driven by understandable motives. It shows a striking blend of magical girl combat and dramatic narrative that bears the thematic richness found in Miyazaki’s works.
In addition, Ikuhara’s visual storytelling often parallels the enchanting and lush imagery found in Studio Ghibli films. Ikuhara also imbibed the value Miyazaki placed on female characters, crafting them as strong, independent, and dynamic individuals.
Therefore, while Sailor Moon and Miyazaki’s films are distinct in their identities, the influence of Miyazaki’s storytelling and thematic depth can be felt in the creative direction of the Sailor Moon series, enhancing its appeal and longevity.
6. Astrological References in Sailor Moon Anime
Astrology plays a significant role in the Sailor Moon anime, both in character design and the overall narrative. Each of the Sailor Soldiers is associated with a celestial body, borrowing traits from both astronomical and astrological lore.
The protagonist, Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon), is connected to the Moon, often associated in astrology with intuition, emotions, and maternal energy. These traits align with Usagi’s character, who is highly emotional, empathetic, and nurturing to her friends.
Other Sailor Soldiers also reflect their celestial bodies’ astrological attributes. For example, Rei Hino (Sailor Mars) exhibits the Martian qualities of assertiveness and courage. Ami Mizuno (Sailor Mercury), associated with Mercury, portrays the planet’s connection to communication and intellect through her genius-level intelligence and calm demeanor.
Additionally, the anime presents the Outer Senshi, such as Sailor Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, who, in astrology, govern transformation, dreams, and time, respectively. Their powers and personalities in the series match these themes.
Also noteworthy is the portrayal of astrological phenomena like eclipses, which often signify turning points in the storyline.
The fusion of astrology into Sailor Moon provides depth to the characters and storyline, adding a layer of symbolism that enhances the narrative and engages the audience in a universe where celestial bodies and destinies intertwine.
7. Musical Adaptations of Sailor Moon
The popularity of the Sailor Moon franchise extends beyond the realms of manga and anime, reaching into the world of musical theater with a series of stage musicals collectively known as Sera Myu.
Since 1993, these live musical performances, primarily staged in Japan, have brought the Sailor Moon saga to life with song, dance, and theatrical drama. The musicals closely follow the manga’s story arcs but also introduce original plots and characters not seen in other versions of Sailor Moon.
A fascinating feature of Sera Myu is its tendency to feature female actresses in nearly all roles, including the male characters, similar to the Takarazuka Revue tradition in Japanese theater.
The music in these performances covers a wide variety of genres, from pop to opera, and has produced numerous soundtracks that are sought after by fans. The lyrics often delve into the characters’ emotions and inner thoughts, adding depth to the narrative.
One of the most popular productions, La Reconquista, retells the first arc of the manga, while others, like Le Mouvement Final, narrate the Sailor Soldiers’ final battles.
Even though these musical adaptations might seem unconventional, they have become a beloved part of the Sailor Moon franchise, demonstrating the series’ influence and its ability to transcend multiple forms of media.
8. The Creator’s Reasons for Including Gay Characters and Gender Diversity in the Series
Sailor Moon creator Naoko Takeuchi was notably progressive in her inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters and exploration of gender diversity in the series, which was uncommon for mainstream anime and manga of the time.
Takeuchi’s decision to include these characters was driven by her belief in portraying diverse relationships and identities. She aimed to show that love transcends boundaries and that it comes in various forms. This vision is embodied in the characters of Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus, who are portrayed as a lesbian couple, and Zoisite and Kunzite, a gay couple in the original anime.
Moreover, Takeuchi explored gender diversity through characters like the Sailor Starlights. In the manga, they are female Sailor Soldiers who disguise themselves as a male idol group in their civilian forms. Their shifting gender presentation blurs the line between male and female, embodying the fluidity of gender.
Takeuchi’s inclusion of these diverse characters has often been credited with helping many young people come to understand their identities. By presenting these characters as strong, heroic figures, she aimed to challenge and expand her audience’s understanding of gender and sexuality, fostering acceptance and representation in a genre traditionally dominated by heteronormative narratives.
9. Differences Between the Original Japanese Version of Sailor Moon and Western Versions
When Sailor Moon was first brought to the West, particularly to North America in the 90s, it underwent extensive localization changes. These alterations often led to significant differences between the original Japanese series and its Western counterparts.
One of the most notable differences lies in the handling of the LGBTQ+ relationships. In the original series, characters like Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus are explicitly in a lesbian relationship. However, in the initial English dub, their relationship was changed to being cousins, a controversial decision that confused many viewers due to the romantic undertones that remained.
Another significant change involves character names. Usagi Tsukino was renamed Serena (later Usagi) in the English version. Similarly, other characters received English names in an effort to make the show more relatable to Western audiences.
Scenes considered too violent, culturally distinct, or mature were often heavily edited or omitted from the Western versions. This sanitization extended to whole episodes and even character deaths, which were often downplayed or avoided entirely in the Western adaptations.
Moreover, dialogue and humor were often Westernized, sometimes changing the tone of scenes or character personalities.
While these changes aimed to make Sailor Moon more palatable to a Western audience, they often led to criticisms from fans who preferred a more faithful adaptation of the original series. This eventually resulted in a more faithful re-dub and re-release in 2014 by VIZ Media.
10. Sailor Moon’s Place in Popular Culture
Sailor Moon has an undeniable and significant place in popular culture. It has not only shaped the anime and manga industries but has also left a lasting impact on global media and the representation of female characters.
First released in the 1990s, Sailor Moon became a trailblazer in the magical girl genre, setting a new standard with its combination of relatable teenage drama, fantastical combat, and an ensemble cast of diverse female characters. Its popularity was not confined to Japan and quickly spread globally, introducing many Western audiences to anime for the first time.
Sailor Moon has been praised for its portrayal of strong, independent female characters who balance their personal lives with their duties as superheroes. The series popularized the concept of girl power, showing girls and young women as capable fighters, paving the way for other female-led series.
Additionally, the series broke ground with its diverse representation of relationships and sexualities. The inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters, such as the lesbian couple Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus, has made Sailor Moon a touchstone in queer media representation.
Sailor Moon’s cultural influence is visible in various media, inspiring numerous other anime and cartoons, fashion trends, music, and even live-action adaptations. Today, decades after its initial release, Sailor Moon continues to be beloved by fans old and new, a testament to its enduring appeal and cultural impact.
