They’re here!!! Details about the new Sailor Moon anime, Sailor Moon Crystal, are finally here! Toei Animation has just released the first key image for the new series, revealing that the animation will look completely different than the first anime that has captivated millions of fans around the world. Staying true to the style of the Sailor Moon manga created by Naoko Takeuchi, Sailor Moon Crystal promises to be visually stunning. Click on for more information!

• Costume design closer to the original

As you know, the costumes in the first installment of the Sailor Moon anime were a little different than the original manga. But in this new anime, Sailor Moon’s brooch, choker, and the feather accessories in her hair are all similar to the manga version Sailor Moon.

• The characteristic transparent quality of Naoko Takeuchi’s illustrations to make an appearance!

In addition, all aspects, from Usagi Tsukino’s lighter than air hair to the rippling pleats in her skirt, are just like Naoko Takeuchi’s original illustrations. An irresistibly awesome aspect for any Sailor Moon fan.

That’s not to say that the previous anime character design wasn’t cute, but the characters as well as the story development seemed to be aimed at young children. However, judging from the newly released images for Sailor Moon Crystal, the guardians seems more adult-like. It’s almost as if they’ve been reborn.

In addition, the Sailor Moon video games and Nakayoshi publications were all produced by turning Naoko Takeuchi’s original work into cel animation. However, this time the visual atmosphere is completely different and the animators have managed to preserve Takeuchi’s signature transparent, flowing illustrations. We can’t wait to see what the Sailor Moon Crystal figurines and goods will look like!

• Will Tuxedo Mask stay a college student? 

The new 2014 version was rumored to be released, not as a remake, but a complete redo of the Sailor Moon series. Judging by the key image, they’ve gone above and beyond to meet that expectation.

Does that mean that Sailor Mars will be a cool and collected guardian? Instead of a college student as depicted in the earlier anime, will Tuxedo Mask be a high school student just like in the original manga? We always thought it was a little weird that junior high second year, Usako Tsukino, was going out with a college student…

Sailor Moon Crystal will be released in July of this year on streaming site, NicoNico Douga. We’re excited to tune in and see if our high expectations are met!

▼ Yep, we can’t wait for this one!

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Origin: New Sailor Moon Crystal anime will take a stylistic cue from the original manga
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Do you know what June 30 is? Well, it may be the day where you say to yourself, “Oh my gosh, half the year is over! How could it have gone by so quickly?” but you just might find yourself being punished in the name of the moon if you don’t remember one other important event that takes place on that day. Yes, June 30 is Sailor Moon’s birthday, or Usagi Tsukino’s birthday if you prefer to call her by her “human” name.

With the new Sailor Moon Crystal anime series soon to be released, this year’s birthday was bound to be a special one for our Usagi-chan. And special it was! A huge birthday event in honor of our beloved warrior princess, including a preview screening of the first episode of Sailor Moon Crystal, was held in collaboration with fashion magazine ViVi on June 30 in the Tokyo Odaiba area. And since it was supposed to be kind of a girls’ night out, the event was apparently only open to women, or men accompanied by women.

We definitely couldn’t miss out on this party, and we promptly sent one of our reporters from our Japanese sister site — we couldn’t wait to see what the huge do would be like!

▼This is the Zepp Diver City, where the event, officially called “Usagi Tsukino’s Birthday Party: Special ViVi Night“, was held.

▼The lobby area was filled with cute decorations to commemorate Usagi’s birthday.

▼There’s our birthday girl, illustrated by Naoko Takeuchi, the creator of the original manga series.

▼Inside the hall, a large screen had  been set up, and the eager crowd cheered with excitement when an image of Sailor Moon appeared. The image is actually from the front cover of the very first issue of Nakayoshi magazine in which the manga appeared when the series started in February of 1992.

As part of the celebrations, the crowd was greeted by several delightful guests. First, the lovely models of ViVi magazine made their appearance in stylishly cute outfits designed in the image of the Sailor Guardians.

▼The beautiful ViVi models: (from left to right) Maggy,  Tina Tamashiro, Reina Triendl, Mayuko Kawakita and Arisa Yagi.

▼Here’s a closer look at each of their outfits. Which one is your favorite?

▼The cast of the Sailor Moon stage musical also appeared and thrilled the crowd with their performance of some of the songs from the musical.

▼The beautiful set on the stage was designed after the Silver Millennium kingdom.

▼Yes, you know what happens if you’ve been bad … get ready to be punished!

▼Fumio Osano, known as “Osabu” among fans, who was the editor in charge of  the Sailor Moon series during the time it was serialized in Nakayoshi, also joined in the festivities …

▼… as did Kenji Nojima, who will be playing the voice of Tuxedo Mask/Mamoru Chiba in the new anime, all to the delight of the crowd.

The participants in the birthday event were also lucky enough to be treated to a performance by the hugely popular idol group Momoiro Clover Z, who is singing the theme songs for the new Sailor Moon Crystal anime. Although they didn’t perform the songs from the new anime, the crowd was absolutely thrilled to hear the group’s rendition of Moonlight Densetsu (Moonlight Legend) and  Tuxedo Mirage, the opening and ending themes from the first anime series. (Now that really must have been a blast, because well … all right, how many of you can still sing Moonlight Densetsu from memory? I know I can … just the first verse, though.)

And finally, the moment the fans had been waiting for arrived — the world premier screening of the new Sailor Moon Crystal anime — and the lucky crowd got to see the entire first episode! The opening sequence, which Momoiro Clover Z themselves had described as “totally awesome” and “goosebump-worthy”, certainly gave us a look at a new and cool Sailor Moon.

▼Here’s the trailer of the Sailor Moon Crystal that was released just last month, in which you can hear a segment of Momoiro Clover Z’s dynamic opening theme, “Moon Pride”.

As can be expected from the images that were released earlier this year, the artwork in Sailor Moon Crystal, especially the appearance of the characters, is much closer to that of the original manga than the first anime series.

And the Usagi we saw in the first episode of the new series didn’t disappoint! The ephemeral, translucent quality of Takeuchi’s manga art seems to have been beautifully recreated, as well as the familiar scenes and lines. Our reporter, who as an avid fan has read the comic more times than she can count, admits she was quite moved, as the new anime seemed to bring illustrations of the original manga to life.

That said, Sailor Moon Crystal also retains the slightly exaggerated and sometimes comical action that is characteristic of anime. And to our delight, Sailor Moon’s trademark transformation scene as well as her lines and pose in battle are very much a part of the new series, perhaps even with more power and energy than before. In fact, many in the crowd seemed to sigh in content to see the spirit of the first anime well and alive in Sailor Moon Crystal.

So, we know that at least the first episode is quite faithful to the original comic, but it seems there are still many details our reporter is dying to find out … like how old will they make Mamoru (Tuxedo Mask), who was a high school student in the manga but a university student in the first anime, and will they keep the story line about Sailor Venus having spent time abroad … and oh, what about the new tiara which they didn’t have in the first anime? Yes, there are many questions to be answered, but we’ll just have to wait for the broadcast, won’t we?

Well, it won’t be too long a wait now. Sailor Moon Crystal starts July 5 on video-sharing site Niconico Douga at 7pm and will air every first and third Saturday of the month, so don’t forget to tune in!

▼Yes, we’re all excited to see the new series!

Original article by: Meg Sawai
Photos: RocketNews24

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Origin: We attend Sailor Moon’s birthday bash — and watch a preview of Sailor Moon Crystal!
Copyright© RocketNews24 / SOCIO CORPORATION. All rights reserved.

Do you know what we love at RocketNews24? Our favorite Saturday morning cartoon themes re-imagined in different musical styles! There’s nothing like kicking back and hitting the ol’ nostalgia button and listening to a song in a way you never imagined possible. Well, just in time for the new Sailor Moon reboot, Sailor Moon Crystal, we’ve got a version of the ever popular “Moonlight Legend” that is going to Marty McFly you back to the 90s!

All around the world, fans are tuned onto the Internet to watch streams of the new Sailor Moon Crystal. At the time of the release (July 5), 12 different languages had been subtitled so people everywhere could enjoy watching our familiar clumsy heroine, Usagi! A brand new generation can grow up with Sailor Moon as she begins her Sailor Senshi life all over again! Unfortunately for us old school fans, the familiar “Moonlight Densetsu” or “Moonlight Legend” won’t be signaling the beginning of Sailor Moon Crystal episodes. No need to worry because Saturday Morning Slow Jams has our back.

An inspired slow jam cover of the familiar opening theme surely takes us back to the mid-90s when the only two anime competing for our attention were Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball Z. Enjoy the memories through both English and Japanese lyrics, but don’t close your eyes. You won’t want to miss out on 90’s Tambourine Guy on the right!

▼Everyone who grabs the tambourine at karaoke wants to be as amazing as this guy!

If a slow jam cover isn’t your speed, how about this instrumental metal cover of “Moonlight Legend”?

If you are looking for something a little more big band jazz, how about Platina Jazz’s cover in their own signature style.

These surely have you in the mood to bring out your own “Moon Prism Power!” to transform into a beautiful sailor warrior. If that is the case, be sure to hop on over to Niconico’s Sailor Moon Crystal page where you can view each episode for free for just two weeks!

If you’re wondering about the new opening by Momoiro Clover Z, we’ve got that video here for you too.

Did you relive your childhood? Which version do you prefer? Let us know what you think!

Source: Netlab
Images: YouTube (ScottBradleeLovesYa)

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• Sailor Moon fans can now buy transformation compact mirrors from a gashapon machine!
• Sailor Moon gets more Super Star accessories

Origin: Sailor Moon cover is sentimental by moonlight, winning fans by daylight【Video】
Copyright© RocketNews24 / SOCIO CORPORATION. All rights reserved.

As anime fans around the world watched the highly anticipated Sailor Moon Crystal, many fell in love with “Moon Pride,” the opening theme song performed by Momoiro Clover Z. Luckily, those eager to hear the song over and over again soon can, with the single hitting Japanese store shelves on July 30.

The CD single come in two versions, a “Sailor Moon Edition” that features artwork of the Sailor Senshi and a BD containing the PV of “Moon Pride,” and a standard edition that features the gals of Momoiro Clover Z dressed in cosplay.

The Sailor Moon edition is selling for 1,851 yen (about US$18.13), while the Momoiro Clover Z cosplay version is selling for 1,234 yen (about $12.09).

[Via Comic Natalie]

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Origin: Momoiro Clover Z cosplay on “Moon Pride” CD cover
Copyright© RocketNews24 / SOCIO CORPORATION. All rights reserved.

Niconico‘s stream of the first episode of Sailor Moon Crystal has been viewed more than 1 million times in two days, and has approximately 250,000 comments. The Japanese simulcast stream on Niconico had approximately 140,000 viewers alone. Niconico is streaming the series in 12 countries.

Niconico will post the second episode, which will feature SailorMercury, on July 19. The new 26-episode series will stream worldwide twice a month for one year with Kotono Mitsuishi reprising the starring title role. The anime will also star Hisako Kanemoto as Ami Mizuno/Sailor Mercury, Rina Satou as Rei Hino/Sailor Mars, Ami Koshimizu as Makoto Kino/Sailor Jupiter, and Shizuka Itou as Minako Aino/Sailor Venus.

Sailor Moon Crystal is also streaming in North America on Crunchyroll and Neon Alley/Hulu.

Source: Oricon

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Origin: Sailor Moon Crystal gets one million views on Niconico in two days
Copyright© RocketNews24 / SOCIO CORPORATION. All rights reserved.

The best thing about the Japanese entertainment industry milking popular properties for all their worth is that fans get a chance to purchase all the new merchandise that inevitably accompanies a brand new release. Sailor Moon fans have been witnessing a Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon renaissance with the recent anime series Sailor Moon Crystal and there have been so many awesome Sailor Moon goods that you could be forgiven for thinking fans had run out of money. However, you would be wrong! It turns out fans are getting their wallets ready for some more heavy shopping in Shibuya.

In preparation for a new Sailor Moon musical titled Un Nouveau Voyage, which will run from September 18-27 in Tokyo, a new store is opening for a limited time in Shibuya. This shop will feature limited-edition merchandise from Naoko Takeuchi’s most famous work and will be located in the Tokyu Department Store Toyoko on the second floor of the West Building in Shibuya Station.

Sailor Moon fans can head to this store to purchase clutches, bath goods, cosmetics, stationary and capsule toys. The big draw for this store seems to be the special edition tote bags and T-shirts that will also be on sale which feature Sailor Moon standing in front of Shibuya Station. All the Sailor Moon fans living in Shibuya have really lucked out!

▼ Limited edition T-shirts are 3,000 yen (US $25.22) and tote bags are 2,000 yen ($16.81).

This special limited-time shop will only be open from Thursday, September 10 to Wednesday, September 23 and it will be your only chance to buy some of these pieces of merchandise, so fans in the area definitely won’t want to miss it. Those who are interested in seeing the new musical can catch it at the AiiA 2.5 Theater Tokyo from September 18 to 27 or in Osaka at the Sankei Hall Breeze from October 2 to 4.

Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon Limited Time Shop
September 10 (Thursday) to September 23 (Wednesday, National Holiday)
Shibuya Station Tokyu Toyoko Department Store, West Building 2nd Floor, Shibuya Scramble II, Clothing and Accessories
渋谷駅・東横店. 東京都渋谷区渋谷2-24-1
10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Website (Japanese Only)

Source: My Navi News
Images: Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon 20th Anniversary Project Official Site (top imaged edited by RocketNews24)

Origin: Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon is coming to Shibuya to become Pretty Soldier Sailor Shopper
Copyright© RocketNews24 / SOCIO CORPORATION. All rights reserved.

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For long-time fans of Sailor Moon, the anime’s recent remake, Sailor Moon Crystal, was an unexpected opportunity to bask in the nostalgia of seeing many of their favorite characters from the series once again. We say “many of their favorites,” though because fan loyalty is divided pretty evenly among the franchise’s numerous celestial-themed heroines, and there just hasn’t been time in the 26 episodes of Sailor Moon Crystal to introduce all of them.

So if you’ve been waiting patiently for Sailors Uranus, Neptune, and Saturn to show up, you’ll be happy to know that production has begun on a third season of Sailor Moon Crystal that will finally bring together the full complement of all 10 Sailor Senshi.

As part of its plan to retell the Sailor Moon story in a style closer to that of series creator Naoko Takeuchi’s original manga, Sailor Moon Crystal went all the way back to the beginning. Its first 13-episode season began streaming in July of 2014 and covered the story’s Dark Kingdom chapter, which more or less corresponds to the events shown in the original Sailor Moon TV anime. Crystal’s next batch of 13 was released online beginning in January of this year and handled the events of the Black Moon arc, which were also portrayed in the Sailor Moon R anime of the id 1990s.

But Sailor Moon has no shortage of foes, and so the announcement has been made that a third Sailor Moon Crystal season has entered production, in which Usagi and her companions will be up against genocidal Professor Tomoe and his Death Busters organization, who served as the antagonists during the previously produced Sailor Moon S anime.

▼ The announcement, with Sailor Uranus’ swor and Sailor Neptune’s mirror prominently dislayed

Luckily, Sailor Moon is getting some new allies to go with the new enemies, as the powerful Sailor Uranus, elegant Sailor Neptune, and potentially planet-obliterating Sailor Saturn will make their Sailor Moon Crystal debuts.

Producers are yet to say when the new season will air. Given that the first seasons of Sailor Moon Crystal will be rerun on TV broadcaster Tokyo MX starting on October 5, and that rerunning the second season immediately after seems a likely decision, odds are we won’t be seeing the remaining Outer Senshi appear until summer at the earliest, but fans will be happy to know that they are indeed on their way.

Sources: Comic Natalie via Jin, Sailor Moon official website
Top image: Sailor Moon official website
Insert image: Sailor Moon official website

Origin: Third season announced for Sailor Moon Crystal, Sailor Uranus, Neptune, and Saturn on their way
Copyright© RocketNews24 / SOCIO CORPORATION. All rights reserved.

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At long last, the magical girl gang’s all here, and with a new character designer bringing them to life. 

The first two arcs of magical girl anime reboot Sailor Moon Crystal ran back to back, starting in the summer of 2014 and ending a year later. Following that, the series took a two-season breather, but it’s coming back again for Japan’s spring anime season.

The first and second Sailor Moon Crystal arcs corresponded with the Sailor Moon and Sailor Moon R chapters of the original 1990s TV anime, and Crystal’s third arc is set to keep that pace by covering the same ground as the classic version’s Sailor Moon S. That means we’ll see the villainous Death Busters make an appearance, and ready to stop them will be the full brigade of all 10 Sailor Senshi.

Three of the sailor-skirted magical girls are yet to make their Crystal debuts, but a just-released piece of promotional artwork gives fans their first glimpse at the modern anime versions of Sailors Uranus, Neptune, and Saturn.

▼ Sailor Uranus (front row, left), Sailor Neptune (front row, right), and Sailor Saturn (back row, third from right)

If the returning cast looks a little different from their most recent onscreen appearances, that’s because there’s been a change in character designer, with Akira Takahashi taking over and bringing back just a touch of the cast’s ‘90s anime feel by ever so slightly toning down the willow waifishness that Crystal’s artwork has adopted so far in adapting series creator Naoko Takeuchi’s original versions of the Sailor Senshi.

Also worth noting is that the third arc of Sailor Moon Crystal will have a new director, Chiaki Kon, at the helm, which should give some hope to viewers who’ve expressed dissatisfaction with the pacing and tone of the reboot so far.

The official Sailor Moon website has also given us the tantalizing detail that a new Sailor Moon project will be revealed at the upcoming Anime Japan trade show. Whether the project is simply the formal announcement of the already-assumed-to-be-happening fourth arc of Sailor Moon Crystal, a movie marking the anime’s long-awaited return to theaters, or something else entirely is something we’re going to have to wait until March, when Anime Japan is held, to find out.

Source: Nijimen
Images: Sailor Moon official website (edited by RocketNews24)

Origin: New character designs revealed for Sailor Moon Crystal, including Uranus, Neptune, and Saturn
Copyright© RocketNews24 / SOCIO CORPORATION. All rights reserved.

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Sailors Uranus and Neptune share an intimate moment in teaser for Death Busters arc.

It’s been almost two years since the premiere of Sailor Moon Crystal, the reboot of the mega-hit anime franchise from the 1990s. But even after two seasons of the new show, not all of Sailor Moon’s heroines have appeared in their updated forms.

Soon enough, though the full complement of Sailor Senshi will be in play. Sailor Moon Crystal’s hiatus is set to end next month with the start of its third season, and those fans who’ve been waiting to see the last three magical girls are about to have their patience rewarded, as shown in this preview video for the upcoming portion of the series.

As with every new Sailor Moon season, there’s a new batch of villains to square off against, a position being filled this time by the devious Professor Tomoe and his Death Busters team. More exciting for long-time fans, though, are the Crystal debuts of Sailors Uranus and Neptune, one of anime’s earlier open same-sex couples, and the mysterious Sailor Saturn.

And even if your favorite Senshi have already joined the Crystal cast, they’ve been given a fresh coat of digital paint thanks to new character designer Akira Takahashi, who’s reeled in a bit of extra-exaggerated lankiness of Sailor Moon and her cohorts, with the product ending up somewhere between their appearance in the original anime and the first two seasons of Crystal.

Sailor Moon Crystal Season III premiers Monday, April 4 at 11 p.m. on Tokyo MX.

Follow Casey on Twitter for more blatant shows of Sailor Jupiter favoritism.

Source: YouTube/sailormoon-official via Anime News Network
Images: YouTube/sailormoon-official

Origin: Preview video released for third season of Sailor Moon Crystal 【Video】
Copyright© RocketNews24 / SOCIO CORPORATION. All rights reserved.

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Sailors Uranus and Neptune get the ending’s visuals and vocals all to themselves.

After a nine-month break, the start of the third season of Sailor Moon Crystal, the reboot of the monumentally popular and influential anime series, is just a week away. While this new batch of episodes is being promoted as the Death Busters Arc, taken from the name of its major antagonists, the real excitement is the arrival of Sailors Uranus, Neptune, and Saturn, therein finally bringing the entire team of Sailor Senshi together for the first time in the Crystal era.

With the season premiere coming up fast, the producers have unveiled the opening and ending sequences for Season 3. Taking over opening theme duty is singer Etsuko Yakushimaru, with “Love the New Moon” (“New Moon ni Koi wo Shite” in Japanese).

Musically accompanied by some stirring strings, the opening shows the titular star leap into action, which also gives viewers a chance to check out the new character designs for Season 3. Judging strictly by this short clip, they have a greater sense of weight and more expressive faces than the characters’ previous Crystal incarnations, which should be a step in the right direction towards winning back fans of the original anime who didn’t care for their frailer builds seen earlier in the reboot.

Even though she gets solo billing, the success of Sailor Moon’s franchise has always been thanks to the strength of its ensemble cast, and the opening does an impressive job giving all of the nearly dozen Sailor Senshi a moment to shine. Season 3’s ending sequence, though, is a different story, as it shows only romantic partners Sailors Uranus and Neptune.

It’s not just the visuals that don’t have room for anyone other than anime’s most famous same-sex couple, either. The vocals for the song, “eternal eternity,” are provided by the two new voice actresses for the pair, Junko Minagawa (Uranus) and Sayaka Ohara (Neptune).

Released along with the opening and closing animations is a new preview which gives a glimpse of the star’s updated transformation sequence, which doesn’t seem to rely as much on conspicuous CG as her first one in Crystal.

And while the preview shows Sailor Uranus, in her non-Sailor Senshi identity, driving a much dorkier-looking car than the Ferrari she’s often been seen with before, the rest of the team’s new attack animation shows some nice kinetic energy.

▼ And Sailor Jupiter looks awesome, of course.

Sailor Moon Crystal’s third season debuts Monday, April 4 at 11 p.m. on Tokyo MX1.

As always, follow Casey on Twitter for more Sailor Jupiter favoritism.

Source: IT Media
Top image: YouTube/sailormoon-official
Insert images: YouTube/sailormoon-official (1, 2, 3)

Origin: Sailor Moon Crystal’s new opening and ending sequences and themes revealed 【Video】
Copyright© RocketNews24 / SOCIO CORPORATION. All rights reserved.

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For a short period starting next month, anime cafe Anion Station will be celebrating the new season of Sailor Moon Crystal with another round of drinks and desserts, this time in honor of Sailor Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto!

Things just keep getting better and better for fans of Sailor Moon Crystal! With less than a week to go until the third season of the series premieres on April 4, not only have we gotten a sneak peek at what’s in store in the new 13-episode arc when Outer Scouts finally make their appearance, we just found out that Sailor Uranus and Neptune will be starring in the ending theme sequence, too. And now, to make things even sweeter, anime theme cafe Anion Station will be bringing back its Sailor Moon Crystal menu in Tokyo and Osaka, featuring Outer Scout-themed drinks and desserts.

▼ Five drinks: Moon Spiral Peach Tea, Pink Sugar Milk, Space Sword Blue Soda, Deep Aqua Melon Soda, and Garnet Orb Au Lait

▼ Three desserts: Cosmic Heart Pancakes, Chibiusa and Hotaru’s “Best Friends” Yogurt Sundae, and Haruka and Michiru’s “Forbidden” Parfait

Drinks will run guests 700 yen (US$6.15) a piece, while all desserts are priced at 1,000 yen. Each drink comes with a special Outer Scout talisman card, and visitors who collect all three will receive a secret mystery drink! Cafe-goers can also purchase souvenir sets that come with an original art design plastic file with their order of drink or dessert.

Both cafes will be open from April 4 to May 9, and like before, you’ll need to make a reservation to snag a table at either cafe. Additionally, the cafe will be taking Sailor Moon song requests via Twitter, and as playing nostalgic favorites from the original animated series. Reservations also begin on April 4, so visit the Anion Station website to reserve a spot.

Cafe information
Anion Station / アニON STATION
Tokyo branch address: Tokyo-to, Shibuya-ku, Jinnan 1-12-13, Shibuya SHIDAX Village 3rd Floor
東京都渋谷区神南1−12−13 渋谷シダックスビレッジ 3F
Osaka branch address: Osaka-fu, Osaka-shi, Naniwa-ku Nambanaka 2-10-70, Namba Parks 6F NAMCO Event Space (inside Nazotomo Cafe)
大阪府大阪市浪速区難波中2-10-70 なんばパークス6F ナムコイベントスペース(なぞともカフェ内)
Open: 11:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m. (Monday– Friday); 11:00 a.m.–9:30 p.m. (weekends and holidays)
Website

Source: Anion Station via Nijimen
Images: Anion Station

Origin: Tokyo and Osaka’s Sailor Moon Crystal Cafes to feature new Outer Senshi drinks and desserts!
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1st 14 episodes on Blu-ray/DVD on August 16.

North American distributor Viz Media posted an extended English-dubbed trailer for Sailor Moon Crystal Set 1- The Dark Kingdom Arc.

Viz is offering the set on DVD, in a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack, and in a limited-edition Blu-ray/DVD combo pack on August 16. The limited edition will feature:

• Episodes 1-14 + Extras on 2 Blu-ray Discs and 2 DVDs
• English dubbed and Japanese with English subtitles
• (Video sourced from Japanese home media release)
• Deluxe chipboard box (Blu-ray height)
• Full-color art booklet
• Seven full-color art cards

Thanks to kenno20081 for the news tip

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Wargo Nippon’s new collection of Sailor Moon kanzashi are here just in time for yukata season!

Summer in Japan is hot and humid, making us want to coop up at home and hide from the scorching sun. At the same time, the hottest season of the year also brings along traditional festivities such as fireworks displays and festivals, luring people out of the comfort of their lairs and into the crowd for a bit of summer fun. Attending such events while dressed in a yukata is a popular way to experience Japan’s unique summer conventions, enjoyed by both locals and tourists.

And if you’re looking for the perfect complement to your yukata, you need look no further than Wargo Nippon’s dazzling Sailor Moon Crystal hair accessories. These accessories are just as timely as Wargo’s release of One Piece hair ornaments last year and they add the perfect amount of moonlight power to make any yukata-wearer look absolutely magical!

The collection includes a total of ten designs inspired by the five inner Senshi with prices varying between 6,900 yen (US$66) and 8,900 yen ($85).

▼ The Tiara Futamata-Kanzashi (hair fork/prong) features a heart-top design and cut glass stone in colours that represents each Senshi.

▼ The back is detailed with the symbols of the heroines.

Other than the Moon Tiara-inspired hair forks, the collection also celebrates the Sailor Senshi’s special moves in five different niren-kanzashi (chained hair sticks) with charm chains that can be detached and worn as bracelets.

▼ Sailor Moon – Moon Prism Halation

▼ Sailor Mercury – Shine Aqua Illusion

▼ Sailor Mars – Burning Mandala

▼ Sailor Jupiter – Supreme Thunder

▼ Sailor Venus – Venus Love-Me Chain

Be it with traditional Japanese garb or contemporary fashion, these intricately designed hairpins are sure to turn heads, especially those of fellow Sailor Moon fans!

The Sailor Moon Crystal kanzashi are available at selected Wargo franchise outlets, as well as the Wargo Nippon online shop.

Source/images: Wargo Nippon

If you think all the Sailor Moon toys have been too childish, not to worry, Bandai is thinking of you for their next one.

Sailor Moon is generally targeted at a young audience. However, you can’t forget about the viewers that have grown up reading and watching the series. There has been a lot of amazing merchandise released for the recent reboot series Sailor Moon Crystal, but Bandai just broke the news that a kaleidoscope-like weapon which made its first appearance in the series, Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon SuperS, will soon be available.

▼ So pretty!

Targeted at their adult audience, this replica-level toy has moveable wings, a whole array of colorful LEDs and can play specific lines from the show spoken by Kotone Mitsuishi, the Japanese voice actor for Usagi.

▼ “Moon Gorgeous Meditation!”

For just 14,040 yen (US$136.60), you can add this beautiful reproduction to your collection. Thankfully, it will fit perfectly with the other Sailor Moon toys that Bandai has already released in their “proplica” line. They all look so good that we wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to wave them around like the Pretty Guardian you truly are.

Source: Golden Times
Images: Premium Bandai

Anime reboot wrapped up its third arc in 2016, but it’s still got stories to tell.

While it’d be unfairly harsh to call Sailor Moon Crystal a failure, many fans of anime’s most famous magical girl franchise were initially hoping for a bit more out of the highly anticipated reboot. Still, Crystal did a lot to redeem itself in its third season.

Whether due to its reworked character designs, new director, or more conventional distribution of showing a new episode every week on TV (as opposed to releasing one new episode every other week through Japanese video streaming sight Niconico, as was done for Seasons One and Two), the third arc of Sailor Moon Crystal seemed to meet with a warmer response from audiences. Now, following a lengthy hiatus since it last episode in June of 2016, Sailor Moon Crystal is rousing from its slumber, as a fourth season has been officially announced.

Although the Sailor Moon manga debuted at the tail end of 1991, the franchise’s handlers have designated 2017 as its 25th anniversary. A number of projects and collaborations, including a stage musical, fashion items, and partnership with Japanese professional baseball’s Golden Eagles, are planned. The one of greatest interest to anime enthusiasts, though, is the continuation of Sailor Moon Crystal’s faithful adaptation of series creator Naoko Takeuchi’s original comic. Seeing as how Crystal’s third season covered the story’s “Death Busters” arc, the next stop in the narrative is the manga’s “Dream” segment, which previously served as the basis for the original 1990s anime’s Sailor Moon SuperS portion.

Unfortunately for fans hungry for new Sailor Moon content, no information has yet been released regarding the start date for Crystal’s fourth season. Japan’s winter TV season already underway, though, and with the marketing effort still so low key, even a spring release seems unlikely. Given that Crytsal’s first three seasons were released in 2014, 2015, and 2016, though, hopefully its producers will chose to keep the pattern going and start airing new episodes sometime in 2017.

Sources: Mantan Web, Sailor Moon 25th Anniversary website
Top image: Sailor Moon 25th Anniversary website